Method and apparatus for use in setting up workpiece treatment or
processing equipment. A disclosed system processes silicon wafers that
are treated during processing steps in producing semiconductor integrated
circuits. The processing equipment includes a wafer support that supports
a wafer in a treatment region during wafer processing. A housing provides
a controlled environment within the housing interior for processing the
wafer on the wafer support. A mechanical transfer system transports
wafers to and from the support. A wafer simulator is used to simulate
wafer movement and includes a pressure sensor for monitoring contact
between the simulator and the wafer transfer and support equipment. In
one illustrated embodiment the wafer simulator is generally circular and
includes three equally spaced pressure sensors for monitoring contact
with wafer transport and support equipment.