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Tag: drive tapes

Metal Drive Tapes for Semiconductor Wafer Robotic Manufacturing

Posted on by Devon LaChance

Silicon Wafers and Microcircuits with Automation system control application on automate robot armRecently, a longstanding customer of Belt Technologies approached us with a seemingly simple project. They needed replacement drive tapes for an existing robotic device. The customer specializes in developing and manufacturing advanced equipment used in the production of semiconductor wafers, which requires a high degree of precision and repeatable accuracy. Additionally, the desired lead time for the order was very short and did not leave much room for error. 

Metal Drive Tapes are Ideal for Robotic Equipment and Cleanroom Applications

The successful production of small semiconductor devices requires sophisticated fabrication equipment capable of repeating a core set of processes that can include hundreds of complicated individual steps. This particular customer produces a range of devices designed to perform high-level processes such as dielectric etching, atomic layer etching, vapor deposition, plasma beveling, electrochemical deposition and more.  

Large silicon wafer etching machineFor this project, the customer required a set of replacement metal drive tapes for existing robotic equipment. Stainless steel drive tapes by Belt Technologies are an ideal choice for robotics applications, particularly those that require a high degree of precision and repeatable accuracy. Metal drive tapes are able to perform with near-zero backlash which optimizes positioning accuracy and robotic movement for the maximum lifespan of the device. They can also be customized for optimal performance in any application.  

For this particular application, the drive tapes would need to be able to operate effectively in a sterile, vacuum environment to prevent contamination of the delicate electronics being manufactured. Stainless steel is durable and clean, able to meet the demands of many extreme operating conditions including high or low temperatures, vacuums, and cleanroom environments. The customer has worked with Belt Technologies for many years because our metal drive tapes fulfill the requirements for the smooth operation of their chipmaking equipment. 

Quick Turnaround on New and Replacement Parts

Our team was able to provide the customer with the replacement drive tapes made from 301HY stainless steel. The customer was satisfied with the quality of the parts and, since Belt Technologies was able to fulfill the order well within the required delivery date, they were able to proceed with their original production schedule. 

For more information about stainless steel belts and drive tapes for robotics applications, contact Belt Technologies today. 

Stainless Steel Drive Tapes for CMM Machinery and Metrology Equipment

Posted on by Devon LaChance

A major OEM in the metrology and precision optical instrumentation industry recently approached Belt Technologies seeking drive tapes for its new line of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).

The company has been incorporating stainless steel drive tapes into their machines for nearly twenty years. The metal drive tapes are used to actuate the CMM inspection cameras on the X-Y plane. Almost ready to launch its new and improved generation of CMMs, the OEM was committed to achieving a design that would exhibit highly precise positional accuracy.

Metrology Equipment Depends on High Accuracy and Precision for Effective Results

CMMs are mechanical systems designed to determine coordinate points on a workpiece and provide precise measurements of components for the purpose of design, testing, profiling, and reverse engineering. CMMs are used to verify the manufacturing processes for extremely complex equipment, including medical devices and aerospace vehicles. The manufacturers using these machines stake their reputations on producing parts and equipment to specification. In order for coordinate measuring machines to be effective, they must have reliable positional capabilities to determine accurate coordinate points on workpiece surfaces.

Drive Tapes by Belt Technologies Achieve Ultimate Positional Accuracy

Metal drive tapes by Belt Technologies are made of the same high-quality materials as our stainless steel conveyor belts. They can be fitted with specialized attachments or perforations as needed. Stainless steel drive tapes are able to resist extreme environments and are highly sanitary. They are used for a variety of applications including:

  • linear drive tapesMetrology equipment
  • Robotics
  • Automated manufacturing equipment
  • Carriage positioning in printing and cutting applications
  • Optical element drives

Over time, motion loss and backlash of timing belts can cause inaccurate positioning and movement. Stainless steel drive tapes are virtually unstretchable and are able to perform with near-zero backlash, making them the ideal choice for metrology applications that require a high level of positional accuracy.

The client was satisfied with the operational accuracy their CMMs were able to attain with their new stainless steel drive tapes. When accuracy is paramount, OEMs trust Belt Technologies to provide custom solutions that will achieve precision results. Would your automated system design benefit from the long-lasting reliability of metal drive tapes? Contact the experts at Belt Technologies today!