Case Study: PFOA-Compliant Grease for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Application: Wafer Handling Robotics, Angular Contact Bearings
Location: USA
Challenge
New environmental regulations surrounding perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have led many engineers and manufacturers to reconsider the materials they source in every aspect of their design. We were approached by a leader in the production of state-of-the-art vacuum robots that are designed specifically for tool automation in semiconductor wafer processing and other complex manufacturing environments. The customer needed to replace a grease that was discontinued by the manufacturer due to their inability to meet REACH-PFOA requirements. They needed a compliant vacuum grease that would promote long bearing life and reduce downtime costs.
- Can a replacement grease meet the 10 million cycle life requirements under vacuum, high load, and high temperatures?
Solution
NYECLEAN® 5057
A completely fluorinated grease thickened with PTFE formulated for vacuum environments. This grease complies with REACH PFOA regulations while offering minimal outgassing, particle generation, & vapor pressure. NYECLEAN® 5057 reduces friction and wear, extends bearing life, and possesses high temperature serviceability up to 250 °C
| Properties | Test Conditions | NYECLEAN® 5057 | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | - | PFPE / PTFE | - |
| Temperature Range | - | -50 to 250 °C | - |
| Kinematic Viscosity | 40 °C 100 °C |
192 cSt 35 cSt |
ASTM D445 |
| NLGI Grade | - | 2 | ASTM D1403 |
| Oil Separation | 24 h, 100°C | 6 wt% | ASTM D6184 |
| Evaporation | 24 h, 100°C | 0 wt% | CTM-01 |
| 4-Ball Wear | 1 h, 1200 rpm, 75°C | 20 kgf= 0.44 mm 40 kgf = 1.15 mm |
ASTM D2266 |
| Microscopic Particulate Contamination |
10-34 µm 35+ µm |
<250 particles/mL
|
FED-STD-791 Method 3005.4 |
| Knudsen Vapor Pressure | 150 °C 200 °C |
1.24E-08 Torr 2.66E-08 Torr |
CTM-59 |
Results
Our research and development team formulated a new product for this customer, NYECLEAN® 5057. We provided the customer with validation data and on-demand technical support throughout the entire qualification process to prove that NYECLEAN® 5057 has performed as well or better than the discontinued competitor’s product, with the additional benefit of NYECLEAN® 5057 being PFOA-compliant. After providing outgassing, vacuum stability, vapor pressure, and other test data and continuing to perform well as it quickly approaches the 10 million cycle target, NYECLEAN® 5057 was chosen as the customer’s replacement grease. The grease has since generated interest from several bearing, linear guide, and ball screw/lead screw manufacturers, including those who supply the automotive and medical industries.
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