Semiconductor Manufacturing: Why Fast Support Matters
How Local Support Can Reduce Costs for Semiconductor Fabricators
Consider a potentially grim scenario for any semiconductor fabricator: a pneumatic valve failure. While it might sound mundane to an outsider, this valve helps enable the supply of critical chemistry to an important tool that is expected to operate consistently and reliably every day. As a fab operator, the consequence of fluid system failure, or any maintenance issue that requires process shutdown, is enormous and can lead to significant costs per every second of downtime.
Local Availability
The first question a fab operator may ask a particular supplier is, “How quickly can you react when I have a problem?”
Your supplier’s ability to source and deliver components from a nearby location can help you optimize your operations more quickly.
Your supplier’s answer to that question likely depends on where you operate. Being a global industry, the semiconductor fabrication value chain links specialty parts manufacturers, tool OEMs, and fabs operating across the globe. For fabs, procuring a required fluid system component may require reaching out across continents. This can take up time that you cannot afford to waste, particularly in the face of a global semiconductor shortage that has put further pressure on chip producers to keep up with demand.
Local availability of critical fluid system components like valves, fittings, hoses and flexible tubing, regulators, and filters is always important, especially now. Your supplier’s ability to source and deliver these components from a nearby location—rather than from halfway across the globe—can help you maximize the productivity of your operation far more quickly.
Service and Support
Global supply chains have been impacted by the ripples of the pandemic—and so has the availability of labor in manufacturing environments throughout the world. Semiconductor fabs have not been immune and in many instances have needed to quickly provide training to new hires on the basics of fluid system assembly and maintenance.
If you are unsure of where to find these training opportunities, your fluid system components supplier may be able to provide it. Comprehensive courses on the basics of fluid system assembly are available from some suppliers, helping to equip your teams with the skills necessary to manage fluid systems in applications where safety, reliability, and uptime are paramount.
Semiconductor manufacturing additionally involves carefully following processes that can challenge even the most seasoned technician. Consider your specialty gas distribution systems, for example. These systems are responsible for delivering high-purity specialty gases from source to the process tools. It is essential that these reactive gases make it to their destination without failure. Should an issue arise, solving it may require specialized expertise that your suppliers may be able to provide with on-site or virtual troubleshooting and support.
Quality Components for Every System
The importance of ensuring that chip-manufacturing tools operate without fail is a given to most semiconductor fabs. However, it is important to remember that there are a variety of other fluid systems throughout the facility that can impact your overall profitability.
| 1 Bulk Gas Transport | 7 Gas Purifying Equipment | 13 Gas Supply Tubing |
| 2 Bulk Gas Cylinders | 8 Gas Conditioning Equipment | 14 Specialty Gas Cabinets |
| 3 Gas Cylinder Storage Shed | 9 Bulk Gas Silo | 15 Chiller/Heat Exchanger |
| 4 Bulk Gas Storage Shed | 10 Bulk Gas Containment Room | 16 Valve Manifold Boxes |
| 5 Bulk Gas Storage | 11 Gas Cabinets | 17 Process Tools |
| 6 Bulk Gas Conditioning | 12 Insulated Chiller Hoses | 18 Abatement |
For applications beyond chip-manufacturing tools, specifying high-quality fluid system components that are designed to perform reliably throughout a wide range of industrial facility applications can help semiconductor fabricators avoid downtime and minimize costs related to maintenance, repair, and operations. Some specific components include:
- Valves. High-performing diaphragm, bellows, and check valves can deliver low-maintenance, leak-tight, precise control of fluid for the life of the facility in a number of applications.
- Fittings. High-quality tube fittings can join critical system components with reliable leak-tight performance.
- Hoses and flexible tubing. Insulated hoses applied to temperature-variable applications help eliminate condensation and maintain optimal process temperatures for more viable chip yields. High-quality PTFE, metal, hybrid, and rubber hoses allow you to optimize the footprint of your fluid system without sacrificing safety.
- Regulators. The ability to control fluid system pressure throughout the facility is critical—and compact high-purity, high-flow gas regulators help to ensure productivity and safety.
- Filters. Compact UHP in-line gas filters can help eliminate contaminants which can negatively impact process yield without taking up valuable real space.
Interested in learning more? Consult with your local Swagelok sales and service center to discuss your needs and challenges.
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