Maintenance
OM-SC7610
SC7610 Sputter Coater
26
Issue 1
7
Maintenance
7.1
Maintenance - General
WARNING
HAZARD TO HEALTH!
Potentially lethal voltages are used in this equipment.
Before making / breaking connections to the equipment, ensure power
is switched off on the the Electronics unit.
(a)
The procedures listed in this chapter should only be done by persons who have had training
and who have achieved a satisfactory knowledge of the necessary skills and techniques.
(b)
If repairs entail the dismantling of any part of the vacuum system, care must be taken to
ensure that it is not contaminated (by dust or fingerprints).
(i)
Always wear disposable plastic gloves.
(ii)
Do
NOT
handle internal surfaces.
(iii)
Whenever possible, cover to protect against dust.
7.2
Cleaning
Use a damp cloth or proprietary equipment cleaner to remove surface grime from the outer
surfaces of the cabinet and vacuum chamber. Finish with a dry lint free cloth to remove smearing.
7.2.1
Vacuum Chamber Cleaning
Cleaning of the vacuum chamber is required if the interior of the chamber becomes contaminated,
cleaning on a regular basis is unnecessary. The fact that the glass walls of the chamber becomes
coated with target material and the sample cannot be seen, should not normally be considered
reason to clean the system.
If the system is contaminated by handling or air-bourne pollution, carry out the following procedure.
For cleaning use a nylon abrasive pad (Scotchbrite or similar) and Cleaning fluid (Isopropanol or
menthyl alchol).
(a)
Ensure power, water and gas supplies to the sputter coater are set to
OFF
.
(b)
Remove all electrical, gas and vacuum connections from the rear of the instrument. Move
the sputter coater to a clean working area.
(c)
Lift the Top Plate assembly clear of the vacuum chamber and place aside. Disassemble the
glass cylinder and “L” gaskets from the cabinet assembly.
(d)
Lightly abrade all the accessible interior surfaces of the vacuum chamber to remove any
deposits (not the target). Rinse with cleaning fluid. Cover cleaned components to prevent
further contamination.
(e)
The target is self cleaning in use and should not require attention. If the target is damaged,
replace the target, see section 7.3.
(f)
The vacuum and gas tubing cannot be readily cleaned, if these items are suspect or
showing signs of ageing they should be replaced.
(g)
Reassemble the vacuum chamber components.
(h)
Reconnect the electrical and gas tubing connections for the Top Plate assembly.
(i)
Return the sputter coater to its working position. Reconnect the electrical, vacuum, gas and
water connectors to the cabinet rear panel.
(j)
When taking the system back into service carry out the Test Procedure (see chapter 6.1),
this will ensure the system is thoroughly dried out.
