Why chose SIMONA AMERICA Industries as a Partner?
- Close project development with the end customer / processor
- Technical support since the planning phase
- Preparation of a planning proposal by SIMONA AMERICA Industries
- Welding instruction and onsite support
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How Wafab Uses FM 4910 rated materials for fabricating wet bench systems
Leading fabricator of wet processing stations and semiconductor market equipment Wafab needed a dependable source for FM 4910 rated materials for a broad range of parts on the wet bench. SIMONA AMERICA Industries technical expertise and line of high performance materials provided Wafab solutions they could rely on for compliance, weldability, ease of fabrication and processing, as well as quality and long-lasting appearance.
Wet bench systems are used for semiconductor chemical handling of various applications, electro-chemical processing, acid processing, as well as other chemical wet process applications. Due to the highly flammable and strong chemicals used to operate these systems, these benches are usually constructed using polypropylene, stainless steel, PVDF, PVC-C as well as Teflon® , PFA, and ECTFE.
SIMONA CRP-1 FM 4910 rated sheet is extruded from a proprietary formulation and provides higher impact strength and improved weldability over PVC-C and other semicon grade PVCs. FM 4910 listed, it can withstand typical wet bench cabinetry operating temperatures. Its uniform white color and surface gloss also affords exceptional cleanroom aesthetics compared to other PVC-C materials.
To assemble the bench, proprietary hybrid weld rod, SIMONA Versarod® , is specifically designed for welding SIMONA CRP-1 to SIMONA PVDF. Versarod is known for its solid weld strength and ductility, continuous use temperature nominal 60 to 65 °C (140 to 149 °F), seamless tool construction, and weld-sealed SIMONA PVDF plumbing through SIMONA CRP-1 cabinet walls.
Initial Situation
To meet the requirements of Factory Mutual Insurance, semiconductor manufacturing companies require that their web bench equipment systems are made with FM 4910 listed materials. Materials resist wet process acids, bases, solvents and oxidizers, withstand temperatures from 140 to 425°F (60 to 218°C), meets FM 4910 and UL 94 V-0 flame test criteria.
Wafab is a full-service process and mechanical contractor specializing in the design and installation of process, mechanical, plumbing and HVAC systems and supporting global clients in the microelectronic, solar, biopharmaceutical, data center, R&D and other technology-driven markets. In their typical wet bench application, Wafab uses white, high gloss FM 4910 thermoplastic materials for the outer cabinet, clear thermoplastic for the viewing windows, visibility and chemical resistance, and PP and PVDF inside the cabinet for wet chemicals.
Task
Wafab’s team of fabricators listed the following requirements to SIMONA AMERICA
Industries for what materials were needed:
- Compliance to FM 4910
- High quality appearance and gloss finish
- Quality masking that processes well and keeps the material’s appearance
- Compatible welding rod that welds efficiently and quickly
- Compatible welding rod with the right materials, size, quality, color
- A clear material for viewing windows that meets FM 4910 and provides visibility
Solution
SIMONA AMERICA Industries technical team worked with Wafab’s team of fabricators to sample a range of SIMONA FM 4910 materials, including CRP-1, PVDF, PP-H, PP-C,Versarod, and SIMONA CPVC 2000.
Welding trials were held to understand how CRP-1 could be welded to PVDF using Versarod.
For the bench and cabinet frame, Wafab selected CRP-1 and PVDF.
For the viewing windows, Wafab also selected SIMONA CPVC 2000.
“Our team of fabricators really like CRP-1. The CRP-1 masking is good and doesn’t fly off like others during machining. CRP-1 also machines well. We really like the fact that weld rod and sheet stock work well together. Almost all of our plastic work uses the SIMONA brand of material,” said Frank Gavin, Wafab sales manager.
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