Universal Sputterer™ Introduction

MAT-VAC's PVD systems focus is that of an OEM manufacturer of high quality, state-of-the-art sputtering equipment, sold at very favorable prices and shorter delivery times, especially in comparison to the leading OEM of similar in line sputtering systems.

In 2005 MAT-VAC introduced a revolutionary new product line of RF/DC batch sputtering systems evolved from the popular MRC design concept which collectively are referred to as the Universal Sputterer™. This is due to the fact that a common PLC GUI/PC based automation control system is utilized in all of the different PVD system models.

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The Universal Sputterer™ design project was spearheaded by MAT-VAC CEO/President Joe Michaud, who while employed in the capacity of Marketing Product Manager - Batch Sputtering Systems with Materials Research Corp. (MRC) from 1978-1983, was responsible for the development of the original MRC 943 for which he was awarded an MRC outstanding achievement award.

These innovative PVD system products consist of several newly designed and engineered, sputtering tools with unsurpassed advanced software, hardware & thin film processing capabilities. Only the very best high quality OEM components and sub-assemblies are utilized in MAT-VAC's PVD systems. All OEM components and sub-assemblies used in MAT-VAC's PVD tools are approved for use only after the most rigorous & demanding evaluation processes. Continuous on going product improvement programs ensure that MAT-VAC's PVD Systems are always technologically "cutting edge".

MAT-VAC's PVD tools all come with MIL. SPEC. quality documentation (embedded in PC & hard copy).

MAT-VAC's new PVD sputtering systems design makes extensive use of modular 19" rack mount panel assemblies to mount important electrical/electronic and mechanical sub-assemblies both externally on the main system frame & electronic control rack and internally within the system chassis. We refer to this innovative new modular engineering design approach as Panel-Fab™. Panel-Fab™ modular construction decreases Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) as sub-assemblies are easily detachable as complete units and can be replaced in 5 minutes time or less. Complete ready to ship spare sub-assemblies are available from MAT-VAC stock and can also be stocked locally at the customer's site.

MAT-VAC's overriding goal is to provide innovative technical solutions to its customers needs, while at the same time assist in maximizing the profit potential of its customers business operations. This is accomplished by reducing the "real cost" of equipment ownership through a process of optimizing the effective productivity (maximum uptime and output of acceptable parts) of customer PVD tools and thin film processes.

MAT-VAC has many very satisfied customers.

We are not a "low cost/cut rate rebuilder" of used or pre-owned sputtering equipment, as to be involved in this rebuilt system market would do harm to our excellent professional reputation earned over 20 years. Such equipment will inevitably be of poor quality, unreliable, not productive, unsafe, and of course technically woefully obsolete.

We have found that there is a misconception that these used/rebuilt systems are 5-10 years old or so. In reality though, the control systems on the majority of these original MRC, older pre i series KDF, P-E, CVC Products and other batch sputtering systems were designed around the 1981 time frame, when the Radio Shack TRS-80, Commodore 64, Atari 600, and Apple II PCs were state of the art! Would you consider purchasing a 30 year old PC to run important aspects of your company's business operations? Critical thin film production processes? The answer, of course, is a resounding no!

Other companies who choose to sell into the used or rebuilt market typically "promise the world" prior to the sale, but have very poor product quality, little or no specific technical expertise on the actual equipment that they are selling & spotty at best parts/service support. Upon receiving the customer's purchase order, many of these rebuilder companies main goal is to "push the system out the door". If they do offer warranties, they are for all practical purposes usually meaningless.

Used equipment brokers are classic "middlemen" and typically not very technically knowledgeable about PVD sputtering equipment. Keep in mind that their primary objective is to make a sale (any sale). This is after all in most cases their sole means of generating income. Their brokerage fees/sales commissions are normally paid to them by the Seller and they can not be relied upon to resolve any contractual and/or technical problems which may arise between the Seller and Buyer.

We can relate many instances of potential customers, who in a sincere but misguided attempt to save money for their companies, purchased used or rebuilt sputtering tools and after very bad experiences, often resulting in major setbacks & delays to their thin film programs, realized that they had made a mistake. Now having learned from their mistake, they will often revisit the purchase of a MAT-VAC sputtering tool. In the end, you "get what you pay for".

MAT-VAC's PVD systems are designed to coat a wide variety of substrate materials including, but not limited to; silicon & GaAs wafers, hybrid substrates, III - V semiconductor materials, flexible plastic film, windows/lenses, ceramics, metal pre-forms, glass... etc.

Our extensive customer base includes major high technology and R&D organizations throughout the world.