Manual Wafer Expander ETM-150

Wafer/Die-Matrix Expander that is easy-to-use, versatile, and consistently provides high quality results.

  • Manual expansion using 6" POWATEC Grip Rings
  • Interfaces with 6“ Frames from DISCO (DTF 2-6-1) or K&S
  • Single, double, or triple expansions possible
  • Up to 200 expansions per hour

Wafer size: 2" to 6"
POWATEC Grip Ring Inner/Outer Diameter*: For Ø6" Wafer / 170mm/186mm
Frame size: DTF 2-6-1 or K&S
Throughput: Up to 200 UPH (units per hour)
Height with piston at top position: 560 mm
Height with piston at bottom position: 490 mm
Depth: 380 mm
Width: 290 mm
Stroke: maximum 115 mm
Weight: 21.8 kg
Certification: CE Certified, IEC 204-1 safety standards

 

The POWATEC ETM-150 wafer expansion tool is an easy-to-use and flexible product that offers a high degree of repeatability and reproducibility in the wafer expansion process. The ETM-150 features a high-precision press that ensures the grip rings are perfectly clamped together, while providing uniform expansion on mounted wafers up to Φ6".

Product Design


The Swiss-made arbor press is in daily use in over 30 countries worldwide and trusted to provide precise and high quality results. The robust design includes high clearance and a long stroke allowing for a more ergonomic operation. The gear shafts are made of case-hardened steel and the press ram is made of teniferized (QPQ) steel to exert the necessary expanding pressures. The guide holes for the punch are assured a minimum clearance down to lowest position. This is the only arbor press with a ram brake that prevents the ram from lowering independently, thus minimizing the risk of hazards.

Process Overview


As the core process of expansion is determined by the shape of the press stamp, these products provide highly consistent and reproducible results as they are independent of the operator. This easy-to-use design means an operator can achieve a production throughput of up to 200 expansions per hour, which is higher than many semi or even fully automatic solutions. Simply insert the grip rings into the presses, place the diced wafer onto the base plate, and lower the press using the operating wheel until the grip rings are pressed together.

Flexibility


Each machine can be made to accommodate a myriad of combinations of smaller or larger grip rings, frames, and wafers in just a few quick steps. Multiple expansions to expand wafers with many small dyes are also easily handled. The process is simply repeated the desired number of times with the determining factor being the tear strength of the tape.

The diameter of the operating wheel is optimized to allow for increased leverage so it is easier to apply the necessary force, lending to its ergonomic design.

Options


Heated base plate and expansion head for 6” wafer

Designed to support temperatures up to 100°C (212°F). This option can be delivered instead of the standard base plate and expansion head along with a temperature controller and allows for multiple expansions.

Customizations

Available on request

 

The ETM-150 can be customized for specific applications. Contact your Powatec representative for more information.

FAQs


Does the device also cut the tape around the outer grip ring?
No. The result is an expanded wafer on expanded tape with grip rings and a frame.

If your process requires that the resulting expanded wafer be delivered without a frame or excess tape, ask Powatec about our Excess Tape Trimmer T-200.

Can wafers smaller than Ø6" be expanded with Ø6" grip rings?
Yes. However, it is worth noting that the larger the space between the wafer and the grip ring, the smaller the force of expansion that will be applied onto the wafer area. Therefore, it is recommended to change the top and bottom stamps to accommodate a smaller grip ring size, especially if your wafer is less than 4" in diameter.

Can I use different types of grip rings with the same top and bottom stamp?
No. The top and bottom stamps are specifically designed to interface with Powatec Grip Rings to ensure process and result quality.

Can I use different sizes of frames for a given bottom stamp?
No. The bottom stamp is only designed to interface with a specific frame size and grip ring size.

Can the ETM-150 be upgraded with different top and bottom stamps?
Yes. Powatec offers a heated option for this device, which, includes the corresponding base plate and expansion head along with a temperature controller. For custom applications, please contact Powatec for further details.

Video

Contact us

    Related Products