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Speedy performance from benchtop lapping machine

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team May 20, 2005

The new, small footprint Hyprez Microtech AM-15 is the latest lapping solution with the ability to take materials from a ground state to 5 angstroms flatness in 1.5h.

Ideal for use with advanced materials in prototype and small volume work, as well as for R and D applications at universities and research centres, the new, small footprint Hyprez Microtech AM-15 is the latest lapping solution to be launched by Engis Corp, with the ability to take materials from a ground state to 5 angstroms flatness in 1.5h, using diamond technology throughout.

Working with materials such as Calcium Fluoride and Magnesium Fluoride, Engis has developed a three-step process, which provides a high removal rate and results in an excellent finish and a damage-free surface.

In recent laboratory work at Engis, the process took 135min when applied to calcium fluoride and only 45min when applied to magnesium fluoride.

The Microtech AM-15 is designed to accommodate a variety of surface preparation requirements, specifically, it is capable of backthinning, lapping and/or polishing: semiconductor materials such as silicon and germanium, compound semiconductor materials such as GaAs, GaN and InP, electro-optic materials such as LiNbo3, BBO, as well as ceramics, silicon carbide, sapphire and glass.

The machine is a fully functional, rigid, yet compact, benchtop machine with a standard 15in diameter platen.

The system's design enables controlled removal rates due to its modular powered pressure plate system, which provides both variable down-pressure pneumatically and a direct drive variable speed control - giving unique kinematics for a benchtop R and D machine.

Standard features include a digital readout cycle timer - with auto-reset capability, a powered pressure plate system which provides both variable down-pressure pneumatically and a direct drive variable speed control.

In addition, a "spin-up" feature allows non-movement of piece-parts at cycle completion.

The Microtech AM-15 is constructed to the highest standards, with a cast aluminium base, heavy gauge work-table and cast aluminium roller yokes, to ensure maximum up-time and service life and therefore substantially reducing the cost of ownership.