Vacuum systems provide the pristine vacuum environment required inside the process chambers of most systems used to manufacture semiconductors. Pumps and abatement systems require routine service to clean or replace parts worn or contaminated parts in the  harsh working conditions. Although third-party parts and service providers might be available at lower prices, using them instead of OEM parts and factory service providers can substantially increase costs over the life of the system and may compromise reliability and performance.

Total cost of ownership (TCoO), which combines purchase price with operating costs (including parts and maintenance) over the life of the system is the most widely used metric for evaluating equipment costs in semiconductor manufacturing and is a far better reflection of value than purchase price alone. TCoO is the standard against which most equipment (and equipment owners within the organization) are ultimately judged.

Non-genuine parts often do not provide the benefits that accrue from the investments made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to improve performance and reliability. As a result, non-OEM parts and service bring hidden costs that may not become apparent until long after the part is installed and the service completed.

The greatest risks in using non-OEM parts and service are lost productivity, damaged process equipment, and scrapped work-in-progress associated with unplanned downtime and insufficient emissions control. No where is the admonition against penny-wise and pound-foolish more applicable than the semiconductor fab. Potential losses from a catastrophic vacuum failure far outweigh the price premium paid for genuine parts.

Perhaps more than any other industry, semiconductor manufacturing values consistent reliable performance. No surprises please – they can cost a lot of money fast. We build our systems to last, but just as important, we know how and when they are most likely to fail. We know how to diagnose them and the fastest way to fix them. In many cases built-in diagnostics monitor critical parameters to predict remaining component lifetime. With this information we can maximize service intervals and minimize the risk of unplanned downtime. 

When you buy genuine Edwards parts, you are buying decades of experience and expertise in sub-fab semiconductor manufacturing. Edwards introduced the first vacuum equipment more than forty years ago and has since installed tens of thousands of pumps in semiconductor fabs around the world. Whatever your application, we have probably seen it before, or something close. We know pitfalls and how to avoid them. We maintain an extensive knowledge base that includes best known practices for optimizing performance in many applications. We are constantly looking for and finding ways to improve our systems. And if we have found a better way, your new part will include it. 

The regulatory environment continues to grow more complex as manufacturers respond to concerns about community safety, water use, energy conservation, greenhouse gas emissions, and more. Every locale has specific concerns. Our global experience gives a broad knowledge of general requirements, and our experts are ready to work closely with local authorities.  

By using Edwards for your service needs, you are guaranteeing long-term support for your products, including ongoing software updates, technical assistance, and access to product specialists, even after the initial repair is completed. Using third party parts and providers can make subsequent diagnosis and repair more difficult and more costly. Genuine parts and factory service personnel ensure that your warranty remains valid.