1. 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Desiccator (LAMDA-P) [1]

2. 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Desiccator When making the solutions such as PDMS mixture, the vapor is created. If the vapor remains in the solutions, sample quality will be very low. Therefore, the vapor should be removed from solutions. A instrument eliminating the vapor is called a desiccator. Vacuum pump A instrument to make vacuum state inside of desiccator What is the desiccator? [2]

3. 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Specifications (IN-VS) Outer dimension (W x D x H)(300 x 300 x 173 mm) Inner dimension (W x D x H)(260 x 260 x 100 mm) MaterialReinforced transparent acrylic Vacuum inhalation valve¢ 6 ~ 8 mm Vacuum exhaust valve¢ 6 ~ 8 mm [3]

4. 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Specifications (W2V10) Pumping Speed100 ℓ/m Oil Capacity500 cc Ultimate Pressure GB.Closed5×10-4 (6.7×10-2) Torr(Pa) GB.Open5×10-2(6.7) Torr(Pa) Motor Speed1700 r.p.m Intake Type/DiameterNW25 / φ 26(OD) mm Ambient Operation Temp. Range 7 ~ 40 ℃ Overall Dimensions (W x D x H)150 x 398 x 251 mm Weight19 kg Power220V 1φ, 0.4 kw [4]

5. 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Desiccator: intake and exhaust valve, pressure gauge, lockers and Container Vacuum pump: oil mist trap, oil inlet, gas ballast, clamp and vacuum hose 1.Firstly, oil mist trap and vacuum hose are connected and fixed by clamps. 2.Vacuum hose should be also connected to intake valve of desiccator. 3.Before operating vacuum pump, make sure that intake valve is opened, exhaust valve is closed and desiccator is entirely locked. 4.Test operation of vacuum pump is necessary to confirm leakage. Components and installation [5]

6. 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 1.Insert the plate including PDMS mixture in the desiccator, after unlocking the cover. At this moment, the amount of mixture in the plate should be well controlled due to overflow while removing the vapor. 2.After locking the desiccator, make sure that intake valve is opened and exhaust valve is closed before operating the vacuum pump. 3.Operate the vacuum pump until the vapor is entirely removed. 4.Open the exhaust valve carefully and gradually to remove the vacuum. If exhaust valve is quickly opened, the mixture plate can be overturned due to abrupt pressure difference. Instruction (how to remove the vapor) [6]

7. 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Random inspections  Check oil level frequently, whether the oil is brownish, dirty, or contains moisture. (Change the oil if it found so )  To change oil, let the pump cool for about 5 minutes.  Drain the contaminated oil completely through the drain plug. (backside of pump) Close the drain plug now. Fill the new oil (MR-200) through the oil infusion hole. Check oil level while filling, not to overfill.  When the pump becomes noisy or starts to vibrate, turn off the power and check the oil level, oil leakage, etc. If the problem still persists, call for service.  The pump oil temperature should be typically less than 65 ℃. One quick easy check of the oil temperature might be to touch by hand and feel the oil case. If bearable, the temperature is assumed to be in safe region. Inspection of vacuum pump [7]

8. 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Periodic inspections  The hours shown under are only approximate numbers. Should plan ahead to minimize down times.  Overhaul pump once a year to improve its performance and expectation of life. If not overhaul the pump, accumulate dusts, contaminants, and oil sludges. Inspection of vacuum pump cont. [8] ApplicationsChange oil within(hours) High vacuum in lab environment, or system seldom exposed to the air.2,500 High vacuum in manufacturing environment, often exposed to the air.1,200 Vacuum furnace, large gas-exhaust diffusion system, system with booster pump.600 Vacuum drier, vacuum molding, vacuum packing.200 Vacuum distillation, low vacuum tank.120

9. 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 3D Micromanufacturing Lab. School of Mechatronics Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Troubleshooting [9] SYMPTOMCHECKSTEPS TO TAKE Noisy motor would not turn. Power line voltage and connections. Any foreign materials inside the pump. Motor (open internal circuit) Correct voltage or connections. Remove the foreign materials. If problem with oil, change it. Replace open windings. Noise and hot pump Any foreign materials inside the exhaust valve. Leakage in the system. If leakage valve is open. All the valves in the vacuum line. Remove the foreign materials. Fix the leakage. Close the valve. Close if found open. Vacuum drops (get worse) Low oil level. Leakage on the device connected. Moisture content of oil. Oil regulator. If gas ballast is open. Add oil. Close the intake and recheck. Change oil. Replace. Close the gas ballast. Motor runs but not run pump. Worn out coupling mechanism. Worn out key between motor and pump. Replace coupling. Replace the key and the set screws.