Nikon Nikon Nsr S306C Wafer Loader Cassette Elevator 4S013 467 Cst — Working Surplus (Nikon)

How Much Does Nikon NSR-S306C Wafer Loader Cassette Elevator 4S013-467 CSTLNK3 Working Surplus Cost in 2026?

As of July 2026, the Nikon NSR-S306C Wafer Loader Cassette Elevator 4S013-467 (CSTLNK3) is listed at a fixed price of $907 in the used market. This price reflects a B-grade condition unit, typically sourced from surplus or decommissioned systems. Refurbished units from vendors like Ferrotec and Axus Technology can vary slightly in cost depending on the extent of internal cleaning, motor recalibration, and control board inspection. On average, these vendors offer a 40–60% cost savings compared to a new OEM replacement, which can exceed $2,000.

The cost of failure for a non-functional elevator can be high. If this part fails in a production environment, it can halt wafer loading for 4–6 hours, costing a mid-sized fab $5,000–$8,000 in lost throughput. It’s also worth noting that condition grading is not always consistent across sellers. A unit rated as “B” by one vendor may be closer to a “C” by another, so always request a detailed inspection report before purchase.

Nikon NSR-S306C Wafer Loader Cassette Elevator 4S013-467 CSTLNK3 Working Surplus Specifications and Compatible Tools

The Nikon NSR-S306C Cassette Elevator is a mechanical component used in Nikon’s NSR-S306C photolithography system to load and unload 300mm wafer cassettes. It typically supports up to 25 wafer cycles per minute and is rated for a minimum of 50,000 operational cycles. Units in surplus condition are often from systems decommissioned between 2015 and 2018, so age and usage vary.

This part is commonly compatible with NSR-S306C systems installed in the 2010s. However, it is not compatible with the NSR-S320 series due to a different motor interface (part number 4S013-480). Using an incompatible elevator can cause misalignment and damage to the wafer loader, leading to a $3,000–$5,000 repair bill.

Verify with the seller that the unit is from a 2015–2018 build and has been tested for full-range motion and motor response. Units with over 70,000 cycles may show wear in the belt system and should be inspected for tension and alignment.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Nikon NSR-S306C Wafer Loader Cassette Elevator 4S013-467 CSTLNK3 Working Surplus in 2026

1. Cycle Count and Age: Units with more than 60,000 cycles are at higher risk of belt slippage. Request a cycle log or ask the seller to confirm the production year. Units from 2017 onward are generally more reliable.

2. Motor and Drive Test: Ask the seller to perform a motor load test and a belt tension check. A failed motor test is a hard reject—these motors are not easily replaced and can cost $1,200–$1,500.

3. Control Board Inspection: The control board should be free of corrosion and have no failed capacitors. A failed board can prevent the elevator from engaging, causing a $2,000–$3,000 repair if not caught early.

4. Mechanical Play Test: Manually check for play in the elevator arm. More than 1mm of play indicates wear in the pivot joint and may lead to misalignment during wafer loading.

5. Warranty and Refurbishment: Ask if the unit has been fully refurbished. Units with a 90-day warranty from a reputable vendor like Covalent Materials are a safer bet. Avoid units with no documentation or unclear refurbishment history.

Buying a faulty unit can lead to a 6–12 hour production delay, costing up to $10,000 in lost output and repair labor.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the 4S013-467 with the NSR-S320 series?
A: No. The 4S013-467 is not compatible with the NSR-S320 due to a different motor interface. Using it can cause mechanical misalignment and a $3,000–$5,000 repair.

Q: Should I replace the belt even if the elevator works?
A: Yes, if the unit has over 50,000 cycles. Belts typically last 60,000–70,000 cycles. Replacing them proactively can prevent a $2,000–$3,000 emergency repair.

Q: How long can I expect this part to last in production?
A: With proper maintenance, a 4S013-467 can last 5–7 years in a typical fab environment. Units with over 70,000 cycles may need more frequent checks.

Q: Is this part better than a new OEM unit in terms of performance?
A: No. New OEM units offer better precision and reliability. However, a well-refurbished used unit can perform just as well for 3–5 years, with a 40–60% cost savings.

Q: What is the difference between a B-grade and a C-grade unit?
A: B-grade units typically have less than 60,000 cycles and no major wear. C-grade units may have over 70,000 cycles, visible wear, or minor motor issues. C-grade units are more likely to fail within 6–12 months.