The CFM Wafer Washer
The process of cleaning silicon wafers prior to circuit etching
for microchips is an arduous and chemically hazardous one conducted
in clean room environments. The man / machine interface, where
the wafers are loaded and cleaned, and where the process is monitored,
is located in an adjacent space. Our industrial design
firm interviewed personnel from these environments to better
understand workflow processes and clarify user priorities prior
to formal industrial design activities.
Imagine
The industrial design of the interface for CFM co-located all
of the operator interface functions in the front end of the
unit. The system and e-stop controls are designed into the
molded polycarbonate control interface module. The industrial
design challenge faced by both firms, in addition to applying
appropriate human factors measurements, included development
of an appearance that supported the $1.5M price of the machine.
The rest of the interface is bent, welded, ground and polished
stainless steel.
Implement
The Bresslergroup industrial design firm worked
closely with the client's fabrication vendors to provide
cost effective quality detailing and documentation as well as
early production followup.
Impact
The units were so well received that 6 units were sold upon presentation
of the first prototype. |
