[labnetwork] Equipment Expected Lifetime

[Joseph Losby]

Hi Bryant, this is very helpful, especially to those like me starting out in the field.  In my opinion, it would be quite informative to get expected lifetimes of specific tools (perhaps even including models) as well.  How long does a plasma etcher, or electron beam lithography tool, generally last (for example)?

Cheers,
Joe
________________________________
From: labnetwork <labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu> on behalf of Colwill, Bryant C. <colwib2 at rpi.edu>
Sent: August 15, 2022 9:00 AM
To: labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu <labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu>
Subject: [labnetwork] Equipment Expected Lifetime

[△EXTERNAL]


Hello All,

Long time stalker, first time talker.
As the title suggests, I'd like to hear some collective thoughts and experiences on expected equipment lifetimes.
Obviously very dependent on what it is, what it does, who made it, who uses it, etc., etc. but in a very general sense when is the average piece of equipment (if there is such a thing) on borrowed time?  I'm sure we all have some decades old machines and that replacing them solely for modernization's sake would be considered financial malfeasance.  However, under a more manufacturing mindset a strategy for planned obsolescence is not a bad idea.

To hopefully facilitate some replies/debate/conversation, here's my two cents:

Metrology Equipment --> 5-10 years
Processing Equipment --> 12-17 years

Also took a quick age survey of our ~50 pieces of equipment and found the following distribution:

[cid:part1.ZHud0TOf.NGkXVVJ4 at rpi.edu]

If the pie chart graphic isn't visible:  0 tools < 5years, 15 tools between 5 and 10 years, 17 tools between 5 and 10 years, 18 tools < 20 years

Be well,
Bryant

Bryant Colwill
RPI Cleanroom General Manager
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th Street, CII 6015
Troy, NY 12180
Ph: 518-276-3946<tel:518-276-3946>
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