Modern plasma technology is tailored to its specific purposes and is more flexible compared to earlier plasma systems. Additional accessories and specifications can be included into the design and manufacturing of each machine. For example, one plasma etching step may use a gas mixture of four different gases to achieve a desired result.

Having the ability to add more gases or to share controllers between multiple gases may be essential in accomplishing certain results.

The size (width, depth, and height) of the plasma etching systems may be manufactured to the desired specifications. In addition, customers of the plasma etching systems may customize the vacuum chamber by choosing the chamber configuration, material, chamber cover, and size. The chamber cover options include a cap or a hinged door. A hinged door may be higher priced, but in a setting such as a university laboratory it is more prudent to have a hinged door instead of a cap.

Quartz glass as a material for the vacuum chamber is recommended for medical technology purposes because of its ultra-clean aspects. Some plasma etching systems use thermal conductivity-type mass flow controllers (MFCs) for gas monitoring. MFCs allow for constant adjustment and programmability. Other simpler ways to monitor gas flow is to use a rotameter and fixed flow needle valves.

The tray(s), electrodes, generator, vacuum pump, and optional equipment can also be designed to fit the needs of the customer. The tray type (flat, quartz glass boat, or rotary drum), shape (round or rectangular), material, dimensions and quantity are all specifications that can be selected.

The types of control for the plasma etching system are semi-automatic, fully automatic, PCCE-Control, low budget PC-Control, and full PC-Control. All of these control types (with the exception of semi-automatic and fully automatic) also include additional options.

The variety of options available results in a plasma etching process tailored to each customer.