Edwards is a leader in clean and dry vacuum technology. The first STP pumps were sold in 1983 and there are now over 120,000 installations worldwide. 85% are operating on semiconductor process tools where they demonstrate exceptional levels of reliability. STP pumps are the first choice for applications demanding high up-time, hydrocarbon-free pumping, minimal maintenance and low vibration.
- Proven reliability.
- Clean oil-free high vacuum.
- Complete range from 300 to 4500 l s-1.
- Application specific models.
- Very low noise and vibration.
- Low cost of ownership.
- Virtually maintenance free.
- Installation in any orientation.
- Full remote control interface.
- Supported globally by Edwards
Proven magnetic bearing technology The rotor is entirely suspended by magnetic bearings so all contact between the rotor and the remainder of the pump is eliminated. As well as giving very low vibration, the elimination of contact means no bearing wear and no requirement for consequent pump maintenance.
UHV series The Ultra High Vacuum series of magnetically levitated turbo molecular pumps are the products of choice for the semiconductor, surface science or high energy physics industries. They offer unrivalled reliability, performance, cleanliness and class leading low vibration levels. The pumps are all d.c. powered, eliminating the need for batteries, they use a half rack controller which features auto-tuning and advanced diagnostic features. The range contains pumps with speeds from 300 l s
-1 to 1300 l s
-1 all of which are available in ISO or CF flange variants.
Oil Free All STP turbomolecular pumps are oil free. The use of magnetic bearings eliminates all hydrocarbon lubricants ensuring no contamination of the vacuum process from the turbomolecular pump. This feature is vital in the semiconductor industry (where device densities are constantly increasing) and in surface science or high energy physics applications (where even minute degrees of contamination disrupt measurements).
Maintenance free Unlike conventional mechanical bearings, magnetic levitation means there is no frictional contact, eliminating sources of wear and vibration. This feature enables STP turbomolecular pumps to run for years with virtually no maintenance, reducing annual operating costs to a minimum and ensuring maximum up-time is achieved. This maintenance free feature can be particularly beneficial on processes producing chemical or radioactive contamination.
Vibration free Magnetic levitation of the rotor results in an extremely low level of noise and vibration. Peak-to-peak vibration level is less than 0.02 µm. This amplitude remains constant throughout the life of the pump and is free from troublesome sub-harmonics
Automatic balancing system (ABS) ABS is a unique patented development of 5-axis technology. If any rotor imbalance is introduced (by deposition of process by-products, for example), sensors in the pump detect changes in the rotor motion and compensate the magnetic bearing fields to allow the rotor to spin on its natural inertial axis. This minimizes the vibration transmitted to the inlet flange. ABS works at all pump rotational speeds.
Safety backup bearings STP pumps have dry lubricated axial and radial mechanical bearings as safety backup bearings. These support the rotor and protect the pump in the event of a total disruption of magnetic suspension or a massive air inrush which overcomes the magnetic bearing stiffness. These high precision ball bearings are dry lubricated and are not in contact with the rotor during normal operation.
Optimized rotors The multistage pure bladed rotors in the UHV pumps provide the high vacuums required for clear beamlines on CD SEM machines, mass spectrometers and ion implanters. They provide optimum pumping performance with excellent light gas compression ratios.
TMS system The Edwards Temperature Management System is available on a wide range of turbo pumps. It is designed to optimize the temperature within the pump, dramatically reducing the particle condensation within. This will not only considerably enhance the performance of the pump under harsh process conditions, but also increase its operational life.