Vycom launches series of instructional videos on fabricating and welding for semiconductor and clean room industries

SCRANTON, USA: Vycom, a worldwide leader in PVC and HDPE materials for a variety of industries and applications, is launching a series of new “how to” videos demonstrating the best ways to fabricate, weld and build with fire-safe materials.

These materials, under the family name Flametec, are used primarily to build wet benches and cabinetry for the highly specialized semiconductor and clean room industries.

Released every week starting Thursday April 5, 2012 on YouTube Channel, the nine videos feature such topics as creating 90 degree butt welds, corner welds (v-grooves) and highly skilled speed, tack and flush welds as well as seamless cabinetry and heat bending. The series begins with “I Am Flametec,” an overview of how the material is manufactured. It can also be accessed on the Vycom website.

“Our goal for the video series is to share knowledge and best practices that will enhance the use of our materials and help advance the industry,” said Chris Paas, director of Sales and Marketing, Vycom. “The materials used for semiconductor equipment have to meet strict standards for fire-resistance, while being easy to work with and perform over the long-term.”

The video series was filmed at The Activar Plastics Products Group in Minneapolis, which is comprised of Seelye-Eiler Plastics, Mid-America Plastics, LabAire Systems and Circuit Chemistry Equipment— divisions that manufacture equipment for the semiconductor, medical , clean room, aerospace, chemical/plating and electronics industries.

The “stars” of each video segment are the employees of Activar’s divisions, who provide first-hand knowledge and tips for achieving the best welds using Flametec material. “Our employees share their welding acumen learned in their day-by-day experiences of working with Flametec,” said David Harvey, Supply Chain director for Activar. “The material has excellent welding characteristics, superior strength, consistent dimensional accuracy, lack of internal stresses and color uniformity--all properties that enhance our fabrication and machining projects.”

Harvey noted the importance of strong, welded joints to their customers’ semiconductor chip production. “The chips are bathed or etched using harsh chemicals and acids,” he said. “The process moves at a very fast pace—any glitch from a leaky joint can hold up valuable production time.”