Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an average Su8 master cost?
When you’re dealing with one of the most innovative customer bases on the planet, there is no such thing as average. Because of this, we can’t provide estimates or ranges, but we can turn quotes around quickly (usually within 24-48 hours) once we have enough information.
What is the process after I submit a quote?
Once you fill out the Quick-Turn Quote form and submit your design files, we will reply back within 24 to 48 hours with an accurate estimate of what your project will cost. Note: We need both your specs and your design to give an accurate quote.
What if I don’t have a CAD drawing?
While most of our customers provide their own photomask, we are happy to help create a CAD drawing for you if needed. To do it properly, we’d need a PowerPoint or PDF file drawing with the dimensions of every layer (birdseye and cross-section). It will be important for us to at least have some basis for the design (along with your specifications) in order to give you an accurate quote.
What does your review process entail?
As SU8 specialists in this industry, we review every project to help increase its chance of long-term success and scalability. Given our experience, we can suggest tweaks or changes that will make the product easier to make, more effective, and with higher throughput. If we have any questions or concerns, we’ll reach out and work with you on the modifications. We won’t start creating your Su8 master until you’ve approved your final specifications.
Once I submit my order, how long does it take for me to get my masters?
Our standard turnaround timeframe is 14 days from receiving the mask in hand. This can fluctuate some based on the number or projects we may have in fab at any time. Our expedited turnaround is 7 days for an additional charge.
What wafer sizes do you work with?
We can use almost any size wafer, from a 4” round to a 12” x 12” square. Our quotes include the cost of the substrate for everything but the 12” x 12” flat panel shape as we don’t keep those in stock.. If you have special wafers you’d like us to use rather than using our supply, please let us know in “other details” on our QuickTurn Order form.
Why is your minimum order quantity two wafers? What if I only want one?
Almost all of the manufacturing cost is in the front-end engineering work to dial in the specifications—the price difference between one and two wafers is very small. Conversely, there are far more benefits to having more than one wafer to work with—anyone who has dropped, scratched, or accidentally ruined a wafer will attest to this. As fellow scientists, we’ve been there—coming back for a second round is far more time- and cost-prohibitive. We’d much rather you have a second wafer you never use than stall out your project.
What about multi-layer processing?
Absolutely! We’ve worked on SU8 Master projects with as many as three layers, each with a different thickness. We can do more—just make sure you specify the thickness required in the “more information” field of the Quick-Turn Quote form.
Can you provide a nonstick layer?
You bet. We offer a dip coating as well as a CVD layer for an additional charge.