Edwards Vacuum, a manufacturer of vacuum and abatement solutions for the semiconductor industry, will promote technology innovation and STEM education at SEMICON West this year. Industry professionals and students alike will be intrigued by the scientifically-accurate virtual reality (VR) game (featured at their space #628 on the show floor) that demonstrates the significant role the company’s products play in reducing the environmental impact of semiconductor manufacturing processes.

“The development of an electronic circuit or flat panel display involves a complex manufacturing process that uses a variety of global warming gases. CF₄, a perfluorinated compound, is one of the worst offenders because it has an atmospheric lifetime of 50,000 years,” said Scott Balaguer, General Manager North America, Edwards. “The good news is that Edwards’ abatement solutions can minimize this impact significantly. Abatement is a very complex science that Edwards has over 30 years of experience in the making, backed by nearly 100 years of vacuum process technology development. We created the Molecule Blaster VR game as a fun approach to teaching the industry about the science of abatement; people enjoy saving the Earth from harmful greenhouse gases.”

Edwards, a sponsor of the SEMI High Tech U, will host high school students at the show as part of the company’s STEM outreach campaign. Students will experience the Molecule Blaster VR game and learn about chemistry.

“SEMICON West presents an opportunity for high school students to see science in action and have fun learning. We hope this experience will encourage them to consider careers in the semiconductor industry,” adds Balaguer.

SEMICON West 2018 will also feature:

• Erik Collart, Global Product Manager, Edwards, will give a presentation in the Smart Manufacturing Pavilion on why sub-fab data management is critical to overall fab process and yield and optimization on Wednesday, July 11, from 1:30-4:30pm.
• Mike Czerniak, Environmental Solutions Business Development Manager, Edwards, has co-authored the “Semiconductor Manufacturing Handbook” and will be available at the Edwards lounge for book signing on Tuesday, July 10, from 2:30-3:30pm.
• Don’t miss happy hour – Edwards will be serving wine, beer and canapes in their lounge near the Smart Manufacturing Pavilion in the South Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday from 4pm-5pm.

SEMICON West takes place July 10-12, 2018 at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, Calif. SEMICON West is organized by SEMI Americas to connect more than 2,000-member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide to advance the technology and business of electronics manufacturing. SEMICON West is celebrating its 47^th year as the flagship event for the semiconductor industry. For more information visit: www.semiconwest.org