Available Options for the SF-100 ELITE
With the needs of each researcher being unique and specific, the SF-100 ELITE has evolved into a multi-functional, highly flexible research engine. In order to maximize the capability of the SF-100 ELITE without unnecessarily burdening the system cost, a number of options are available for the SF-100 ELITE. Since these are all field retrofittable after system purchase, our customers can purchase their required options with the initial system and then upgrade the unit over time, as further funding becomes availble and new requirements arise. A summary of these options are listed below.
Auto Stage Option
By replacing the micrometer based manual stage assembly with a fully automated X, Y, Z, and theta stage, the SF-100 ELITE is transformed into a large area, highly precise large area writer. The stage is designed for substrates as large as 150 mm x 150 mm square. It can be used for stitching together adjacent images to form larger images, or can be used to print a single pattern multiple times on a an individual substrate.
Intelligent Micro Patterning has developed proprietary software to drive the stage and optimize it's movement. This is included with each automated stage and is driven through the SF-100 ELITE's personal computer. The software was developed to provide all of the high reliability, ease of use, and flexibility that the SF-100 ELITE is known for. True one button operation is provided to the user, allowing for rapid prototyping of new and unique products.
The automated stage option was first shown to the market at Pittcon 2005 and customer response has been overwhelming since, with over 70% of current SF-100 shipments having this option. An example of an automated stage system is shown below in Figure 1. Customer satisfaction from these installations is very high and the SF-100 ELITE Auto Stage is expected to support many different research activities in the coming years.
Figure 1-An SF-100 ELITE with the Auto Stage Option
Reduction Optics
In order to provide improved resolution for patterning fine features, the SF-100 ELITE Reduction Optics option has been developed. This option provides the optics needed to produce 5 um features with the SF-100 ELITE. Since a reduction scheme is used to produce these finer features, the implementation of this option results in the system exposure area being reduced to 5 mm x 4 mm.
The reduction optics option has been developed with flexibility in mind. Since the reduction optics are located adjacent to the main optical train assembly, this option can be installed without disrupting the main optics. Additionally, these optics are packaged as a single assembly and are attached to the main unit using a single screw high precision optical locator. The result is a very fast convertion between the standard configuration and reduction configuration, typically less than 1 hour.
An SF-100 ELITE configured with the reduction optics is shown below in Figure 2.
Figure 2-An SF-100 ELITE with the Reduction Optics Option
SF-100 ELITE Microfluidics Research Option
Since 2001, the SF-100 has provided solutions to technologists who work in the microfluidics field. The majority of the applications for these systems has traditionally been in performing photolithographic processes to fabricate microdevices. However, creating channels for liquids is only one use of the SF-100 ELITE for microfluidics researchers.
We’ve added the capabilities that our customers have requested and packaged these into the Microfluidics Research option only available on the SF-100 ELITE. These additional capabilities include integrated substrate heating, removable substrate holder for cleaning and reconfiguration, and a permanent area around the outside of the stage where fluidic components can be mounted permanently. A photo of the modified stage is shown below in Figure 3.
Figure 3-SF-100 ELITE with Microfluidic Research Option
SF-100 ELITE Rotational Substrate Stage
Patterning of cylindrical features are easy and simple to do using the SF-100 ELITE Rotational Substrate Stage option. This subassembly is mounted directly to the manual or automated stage assembly to provide for seamless, fine patterning of cylindrical substrates.
Substrate movement with this option is accomplished through an easy to use, Windows based program. Stitching together of individual patterns to pattern large areas is easily accomplished. The mounting assembly can be easily reconfigured for different substrate shapes and sizes, providing versatility and flexibility.
The option includes all of the hardware and software needed to pattern cylinders. An SF-100 ELITE configured with the rotational substrate stage is shown below in Figure 3.
Figure 3-Rotational Substrate Stage mounted on an SF-100 ELITE Auto Stage
Spare Parts
Due to its robust design and extremely high reliability, spare parts are not typically quoted with an SF-100 ELITE. Since Intelligent Micro Patterning began shipping SF-100s in 2002, there have only been a handfull of failures on all of the systems in the field. Therefore, there are no spare parts costs to our customers. This is further backed up with our standard 1 year system warranty. Lastly, the only consumable item on the unit is the lamp, which under typical operation, will last over 6 months.
________________
Click Contact Us for more information.
©2008 Intelligent Micro Patterning, LLC
Other SF-100 ELITE Links: