The first-generation automated mixed acid decapsulator

RKD Engineering’s Elite Etch incorporates the latest innovations. The etch head is machined from premium grade silicon carbide for its extreme acid and temperature resistance. Coupled with an active nitrogen gas monitoring and purge system, this monolithic design to reduces the fuming of residual acids left on the etch head after each decapsulation process. The silicon carbide etch head enables short heat-up times with high thermal conductivity.

The device hold-down assembly (ram nose) is a pneumatically activated and is designed for a large amount of travel. The ram nose only extends when the safety cover is fully closed to ensure absolute vertical movement. The ram nose secures the sample to the etch head, thus eliminating movement of either the package or its fixturing.

The safety cover is operated manually for safe control of the operation. This guarantees to the operator that the cover has sealed correctly. Acid flow lines and system assemblies are radially symmetrical compression joints which are engineered to eliminate high pressure seal failures.

The Elite Etch is designed to fit comfortably inside of a fume hood while maintaining all necessary safety features. By using a heat exchange system, waste acid is cooled below 90 C to allow the use of a single waste bottle. The Elite Etch uses 3 standard 500 ml bottles which are supplied with the system.

RKD Engineering incorporates double containment for all fluid couplings between the bottle container and the decapsulator. The bottle box assembly and the etcher unit both contain fluid sensors to alert the operator in the event of an acid leak from any of the bottles or internal fittings. The bottle box incorporates a universal pivoting interconnect which allows simple bottle exchanges.