Why You Need a Wet Bench Manufacturer with In-House Expertise

As semiconductor manufacturing becomes more complex, the demand for custom solutions is increasing. Standard systems often cannot incorporate the combination of multiple steps required to produce an etched silicon wafer. Instead, they will have inefficiencies as well as lower quality output.



Custom solutions can consider each separate requirement and can assemble a production line in which steps are optimized for peak performance.  Wet bench manufacturers with in-house expertise are best situated to satisfy specialized needs for customization since they manufacture the bulk of equipment themselves.



When a company has extensive experience as a wet bench manufacturer, it can evaluate special application requirements, identify key features that will be needed, and use its expertise to design the corresponding equipment. They can design many different custom systems and, along the way, gain experience with the features included in each one.



With the design experience, data gained from testing, and also customer feedback, the company with in-house expertise can design an optimized system without going through a trial-and-error phase. It can also produce a low-cost and easily constructed design. The company uses its in-house design and manufacturing expertise to produce custom solutions that work.



Wet bench manufacturers who can design and build their equipment can also provide customer excellent service and support which promptly address and solve problems. Engineers and technicians who have worked on the equipment won't have to depend on third-party suppliers and will be able to offer effective solutions.



 Modutek has extensive experience and in-house expertise to bring customized solutions to specific applications. The company builds all of its equipment including the design and programming of automation software. It has technicians and engineers familiar with electrical schematics, plumbing diagrams, and software documentation. With its in-house expertise, Modutek can provide the best possible customized designs, equipment, and customer support.



Read the complete article, “Why You Need a Wet Bench Manufacturer with In-House Expertise,” to learn more about Modutek’s in-house capabilities. Contact Modutek for a free consultation or quote at 866-803-1533 or email Modutek@modutek.com.

Improving the KOH Etching Using Teflon Tanks

Etching with potassium hydroxide (KOH) is commonly used for general purpose etching of silicon wafers. It's because the process can be tightly controlled, and it is also relatively safe. KOH etching, when done using Modutek’s Teflon tanks, improves the performance through high control accuracy and tight temperature control features on the tank.



The KOH rate is affected by many factors: solution concentration, lattice orientation, doping, and solution temperature. The silicon wafer is masked with a substance such as silicon nitride, which is impervious to KOH. The solution etches the unmasked parts of the silicon wafer. A combination of the measures that affect the etch rate allows operators to etch complex shapes that are used in electronic circuits and microstructures.



A higher concentration leads to an increased etch rate. The KOH concentration can range from about 10% to 50% but is typically around 30% by weight. KOH etching is designed to work with a fixed concentration that is determined at the start of the process and remains in that condition once etching begins.



During the process, the etch rate is controlled through temperature by operators. KOH etching reacts quickly to the temperature changes and the solution temperature can be used to control etching and influence the dimensions of the etched shapes.



 Keeping the temperature constant maintains the different etch rates in different directions constant. Changing the temperature also changes the different etch rates and can influence etched shapes. This is why temperature control is crucial in precise KOH etching. A rapid and precise temperature control system can improve KOH etching performance.



Modutek's Teflon tanks improve KOH etching through tank features such as tight temperature control and high control accuracy. Teflon tanks are designed to eliminate contamination and heated tanks are also available in a circulating design or with an immersion heater in the overflow weir. The tanks are available in standard sizes, but Modutek can manufacture custom sizes as well.



For more details read the complete article, “Improving the KOH Etching Process Using Teflon Tanks.” Contact Modutek to get a quote or consultation on using Teflon tanks as well as other equipment for your manufacturing requirements.