June 7, 2018
While some used fab equipment options might be more costly than other options available to engineers, here at FormFactor, we have a program specifically designed to address the need for low-cost, reliable, used fab equipment – SourceOne.
Applications related to mobility, sensing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) will provide opportunities for manufacturers with 200 mm capacity. IoT alone will require trillions of sensors to gather the data backbone that is IoT and these sensors will need to be inexpensive, operate on low amounts of power, be integrated into the structures they’re sensing, and be specialized in their function.
Investment in legacy fabs is important to manufacturing IoT devices and sensors. Seeking to reduce cost of ownership over the entire equipment life cycle, legacy fab managers must balance tight process and time-to-market requirements with limited capital and operational budgets to stay competitive with low-cost producers.
In an earlier blog this year, we reviewed three options for purchasing used fab equipment:
While some OEM options might be more costly than other options available to engineers, here at FormFactor we have a program specifically designed to address the need for low-cost, reliable used fab equipment – SourceOne™.
SourceOne brings our quality and industry-leading performance to the secondary semiconductor equipment market. It offers a diverse inventory of completely reconditioned probe stations from FormFactor, such as the M150, Summit™, or PA200. It also includes accessories like eVue™ microscopes and thermal systems.
SourceOne also has a trade-in/buy-back program that is worth highlighting. If your test and measurement requirements are changing, and you need to upgrade to the newest products from FormFactor, trade in your equipment using SourceOne. If lab space is at premium, and underutilized probe stations must be removed, take advantage of SourceOne simplified buy-back.
No third-party company is qualified or equipped to provide customizations to our equipment without training and authorization from us. This leaves third party companies only able to do superficial customizations that have many unknown consequences to the ultimate performance of the system. We offer fully configurable systems and configurations that are reviewed for compatibility to your application. We do not deal in volume but look to assure that you are fully satisfied with your purchase. Used equipment from us is updated with the latest software and controllers during the refurbishment process. We warrant the probe stations for one year and will support the products over the long-term with extended service contracts available.
Secondary semiconductor measurement equipment is a main source for productivity improvements of the future. Fab consolidation has resulted in outdated equipment availability, posing opportunity but also risk to the buyer looking for a bargain. If reconditioned properly, however, the useful life of used equipment can be extended well over 10-15 years. Our SourceOne program removes the risks!