Semiconductor fabs thrive on optimisation. From minimising downtime to increasing the lifespan of tools and upping output levels – chipmakers have a responsibility to extract the highest performance from their facility, and that means keeping equipment running smoothly.
Just to reach a level of stability in the semiconductor production process, a large series of equipment, steps and parameters are involved. Just one failure of one piece of equipment at one process step can lead to a fault and has the potential to drastically decrease production yield.
These fine margins make having expert engineering support around the clock vital. So, how can engineering resource support help to optimise the performance of semiconductor equipment and maximise uptime?
In this article, we explain how Field Service Engineers from IES can help to keep chip factories running at full tilt.
Routine maintenance
It can be said that the easiest way to avoid problems with semiconductor manufacturing equipment is to snuff them out before they arise. Undertaking regular preventative maintenance can be the key to avoiding costly, time-consuming disruptions due to downtime. Any fab manager that underestimates the importance of performing routine maintenance checks should know that checking the condition of tools on an ongoing basis will avoid bigger problems further down the road.
For this reason, it’s not only important to choose a service provider that can fix or replace broken parts – scheduling preventative maintenance is imperative to keeping a fab running at peak performance.
Understanding the nuances of each tool
Semiconductor tools are incredibly complex pieces of equipment, each with its own nuances. This makes following procedures to a tee imperative. Competent Field Service Engineers will follow detailed procedures set out for the maintenance and operation of each tool, based on OEM instructions.
Naturally, safety will be a fundament in procedures for every tool. Best practices for operation and maintenance form the basis of training and ensuring on-site teams are completely clear on what is required to ensure equipment is hitting high performance levels.
Get ‘kitted up’
Kitting – that is, the practice of holding an electronic component kit for all semiconductor tools – can be central to keeping tools in operation for longer. When a tool stops working, Field Service Engineers are able to rebuild equipment using components from the kit, avoiding the cost and waiting time that is associated with buying replacement parts.
Kit design and the kitting process as a whole can add value to operations in a fab, slashing the money and time required to source new components and reducing time spent handling materials on the production floor.
Upgrade and enhance
It isn’t just semiconductor tool maintenance and repairs that Field Service Engineers can help with. Semiconductor specialists such as IES can offer a whole range of services to upgrade and enhance fabs, paving the way for new technology and increasing production capacity.
Our Field Service Engineers can install made-to-order equipment pedestals and tool base solutions for cleanrooms, minimising vibrations and supporting existing flooring. We provide compliance testing including UKCA / CE Marking and PUWER assessments, ensuring that your semiconductor tools meet every regulatory requirement. IES also offers bespoke training courses for your team, preparing and upskilling your team in using the specific semiconductor tools in your fab.
Parts and provisioning
We can help to source the semiconductor parts you need for repairs and maintenance, streamlining the whole process. The advantage of having an IES Field Service Engineer on-site is that they can identify, source, and fit the required part. As a result, the response time is quicker and costs can be consolidated.
IES supports semiconductor fabs worldwide, optimising tool uptime and supporting emergency tool-down situations. You can count on our expert engineers. We offer the advantage of flexible contracts, offering highly experienced personnel on a long, medium or short-term basis.
