Metal etchers are used for metal etching metal products with a permanent black or clear mark. Metal etch is a vacuum process where a reactive ion process and arc layer (anti reflective coating) are used to create metal pattern for interconnects on semiconductor devices. As the etcher gets closer to its PM a build up of polymer on the side walls of the chamber reaches a point where it cracks, showering the wafer below in large flakes, several microns in size. This results in the tool having to undergo a wet clean.

Metal extrusion is a process in which the extrusion punch penetrates one surface of the metal to cause it to extrude and flow toward the outlet of the die. It is used to create long objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile. It is used by industry for various purposes such as copper pipe for plumbing, aluminum extrusion profiles for tracks, frames, rails, and mullions, steel rods or track, and titanium aircraft components including seat tracks, engine rings, and other structural parts.