Edwards improves performance and longevity of integrated etch tool pumps

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Edwards has expanded its iXA family of magnetically-levitated turbomolecular pumps with the introduction of the STP-iXA2206 and STP-iXA3306 pumps. Developed for solar, glass coating, semiconductor and LCD etch applications, the iXA2206/iXA3306 pumps offer performance superior to that offered by earlier iXA family pumps.

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The STP-iXA2206 offers the same pumping speed of the earlier STP-A2203, yet the maximum throughput capability has been increased. The integration of the onboard controller eliminates the need for control unit rack mounting and a connection cable between the pump and the control unit, saving installation time, space and cost. Its compact design and size compatibility with previous models simplifies upgrades from existing pumps

Solution

The new STP-iXA2206/iXA3306 are fully-integrated vacuum pumps that are claimed to be easy to install and offer a small footprint. It features the latest-generation small power supply, which has been incorporated into the onboard controller first introduced with the STP-iXA2205 pump. It also includes a temperature management system option to minimize the formation of process-generated byproducts. The pump’s five-axis magnetic bearing system and new motor and drive system ensure long life and low operating costs with maintenance intervals as long as five years.

Applications

Fully-integrated vacuum pumps for Etch requirements.

Platform

The STP-iXA3306 offers industry-leading pumping performance. It has a maximum pumping speed of 3200 liters per second and improved throughput performance at high gas flows.

Availability

December 2010 onwards.
 

Read Next

July 31, 2026
Australia's installed cost of utility-scale solar has not fallen at the pace required to reach the country's “ultra-low-cost solar” (UCLS) ambitions, despite continued progress in cell and module efficiency.
July 31, 2026
Queensland and Northern Territory have refused to back a national framework requiring large data centres to underwrite new renewable energy.
July 30, 2026
Origis Energy has built the first 1GW of solar PV capacity at its planned massive 2GW Rockhound solar-plus-storage facility in Texas.
July 30, 2026
EDPR has agreed to sell an 80% equity stake in a 384MW solar-plus-storage portfolio in the US to a Private equity firm Ares Infrastructure.
July 30, 2026
German chemical producer Wacker Chemie has recorded a significant decline in its earnings from polysilicon, due to the adverse market conditions in the solar sector.
July 30, 2026
Walden has secured US$250 million from Crayhill Capital Management to support its 5GW US utility-scale solar PV and BESS pipeline.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye