There are a number of things to keep in mind when you review which supplier to use from a list of semiconductor equipment manufacturers. From the ability of a manufacturer to customize solutions to meet specific client needs, to company reputation, the quality of the equipment sold, and after-sales support, there is a lot to consider. Only after you create a shortlist of potential companies to work with should you consider pricing and other minor details.
The Customization Question
Whether the need is to upgrade lines or replace old equipment with new machines, every semiconductor foundry or research facility is different, and comes with very specific requirements. Often, equipment newly purchased needs to be able to interface with systems already in place, and at other times, space or system size concerns override all other areas of consideration.
Equipment may also need to be internally customized with specific feature additions in order to be able to deliver on client requirements. Equipment manufacturers need to provide extensive experience and expertise with such customizations. Before a specific semiconductor equipment manufacturer can be chosen, they need to be able to demonstrate that they are able to work with clients, and to supply systems that are customized to their needs.
Reliability of Equipment
Once equipment has been purchased and set up, it needs to stay online for long stretches of time with minimal downtime. The best way to determine if a manufacturer is able to supply equipment of such description, is to contact references and study reliability statistics. Suppliers should be asked to furnish detailed information on scheduled downtime requirements, and logbooks obtained from actual installations.
After-Sales Support
Equipment warranties and support capabilities are the last item on the list to look at before a contract is signed with a selected supplier. Warranty policies should be simple and straightforward, and yet be comprehensive in describing what’s covered. All new equipment should typically come with at least a one year warranty.
It’s also important to check on the strength of every company’s service department. The most generous warranty policy would not be of much use if there were few personnel able to deliver on it. If there are third-party service providers that are on call, rather than an in-house department, it might be a warning sign that the manufacturer is not well-equipped to deliver a quality after-sales experience. Since third-party service providers usually deal with products from multiple companies, they are not likely to be as expert in their fields as in-house personnel. The best way in which to check on a company’s service ability is to simply call with a question prior to purchase.
Use a Supplier with a Proven Track Record
Finding the right equipment supplier is a vital step in the set-up of a semiconductor manufacturing facility or research center. The equipment from a supplier will affect future productivity, and quality of output. Since many suppliers have come and gone over the years look for one that has a proven track record that has been around for awhile. In addition the systems and equipment they sell should be continually improved to keep up with the latest technology and allow for easy upgrades.
Modutek’s Experience, Expertise and Longevity
Modutek has over 35 years of experience as a semiconductor equipment manufacturer, and has continually operated during that time to improve their equipment and address the needs of many clients. Not only does Modutek design and assemble their own equipment, all their software is designed in-house as well. They provide expert support through its own employees, rather than though agreements with third parties. In addition Modutek is committed to complete customer satisfaction, and has a record that shows it. Contact Modutek for a free quote or consultation to discuss your specific semiconductor manufacturing equipment requirements.
