Frequently asked questions about buying used semiconductor equipment
Short answers on quotes, condition grades, warranty, payment, shipping, export, installation, service and selling a tool to us.
Buying a tool
Finding the right tool
Start by telling us the process, the wafer or sample size and what your facility can supply. We search our own listings and the wider used market and come back with tools that fit, including the trade-offs of each. If a tool you need is not on the site, ask anyway; the listed tools are only part of what we can source.
Quotes and prices
We do not publish prices because no two used tools are the same. A quote names the tool and configuration, its condition grade, any refurbishment and upgrades, crating, transport, installation and training, each as a separate line. Prices exclude VAT and shipping unless the quote says otherwise. Request a quote with as much detail as you have.
Lead times
Lead time depends on the grade and scope. An Inspected tool can usually ship sooner than one that needs refurbishment and a test process run. Upgrades, parts with long delivery times and export licences add time, and every quote states the expected lead time.
Condition and documentation
What the inspection covers
We power up each tool where we safely can and check its controls, interlocks, vacuum, gas handling, RF and power, wafer handling and process hardware against the original specification. Everything we measure goes into the inspection report. The full list is on how we inspect.
Manuals and software
We pass on all manuals, drawings, service records and software that come with the tool, and list in the quote what is included. Documentation for older tools is sometimes incomplete; we say so rather than promising what we do not have.
Process history and decontamination
We ask every seller for the tool's process history and a decontamination declaration. Tools that ran hazardous chemistries are decontaminated before service or transport, and the records come with the tool.
Terms of sale
Delivery terms, acceptance and the other conditions of a sale are set out in our terms of sale. Each quote says which of them apply to that tool, so read the two together before you place an order. If a term does not fit your institution's purchasing rules, raise it at the quote stage rather than after.
Shipping, export and installation
Crating and transport
Tools are de-installed, secured and crated for the route they will travel, with shock and tilt indicators where appropriate. We arrange transport by road, sea or air depending on the destination and schedule.
Export controls
Some semiconductor equipment is subject to EU dual-use controls or US export regulations. We classify each tool, screen buyers and end users, and tell you before contract if a licence is likely to be needed. Our export compliance page explains the process.
Facility requirements
Before delivery you receive the tool's requirements for floor space, power, cooling water, process gases, compressed air, vacuum and exhaust. Your facility team prepares the connections, and we hook up and commission the tool.
Service and support
Tools you already own
We maintain, repair, calibrate and upgrade tools whether or not you bought them from us. Preventive maintenance can be booked as single visits or under a service contract with agreed response times.
Spare parts
We source new, refurbished and used spare parts for the platforms we work on, and we always tell you which kind you are getting. For older platforms we recommend agreeing a list of critical spares to keep on hand.
Selling equipment
What we need from you
Photos of the tool and its nameplate, a description of the configuration and the known service and process history. Use the sell equipment form to send them.
What happens next
Our engineers assess the tool's condition, demand and what de-installation will involve. We then make a written purchase offer or propose a consignment sale, and we de-install, crate and collect the tool from your site.
Something not covered here
If your question is not answered on this page, send it through the contact form or email info@semixperts.com.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between Certified, Refurbished, Inspected and As-is?
Certified: refurbished and run on a test process; results are in the report. Refurbished: worn parts replaced, cleaned and recalibrated to the original specification. Inspected: powered up and checked against the original specification; sold with the report. As-is: not powered up; sold with photos and the known service history.
Do your tools come with a warranty?
Refurbished and Certified tools sold by SemiXperts carry a warranty. The period is stated in each quote, and the conditions are in our terms of sale.
Can I see the tool before I buy it?
Yes. By arrangement you can see the tool where it stands, or watch the inspection tests by video call, before you commit.
Do you ask for a deposit, and what are the payment terms?
Payment terms, including whether a deposit is due when you order, are stated in each quote. The general rules are set out in our terms of sale.
Does the tool software licence transfer to me?
It depends on the manufacturer and the software. Some control software and options were licensed to the original owner, and a transfer may need the manufacturer's agreement; we tell you what we know about the licence status before you commit.
Are you an authorised service partner of the original manufacturer?
No. SemiXperts is independent and not affiliated with or authorised by any equipment manufacturer. Manufacturer and model names are used only to identify the tools we sell and service.
Looking for a specific tool?
Tell us the process, wafer size and facilities. We shortlist tools that fit and send an inspection report with every offer.