Semiconductor manufacturing is a complex, highly-intense process that leaves little room for errors. It involves extreme heat and chemicals and requires the elimination of contaminants to preserve the component’s integrity. Since semiconductors are an essential element in smartphones, laptops, and other daily technologies, it’s vital that manufacturers choose the right materials to create reliable products.

Suitable materials will protect the manufacturing process and increase yield quantity, allowing manufacturers to meet today’s high demand for semiconductors. Factors to consider include chemical resistance, mechanical strength, electrostatic properties, and thermal stability. The most efficient solution is often to trust a custom plastics manufacturer with access to high-performance polymers. This article details how manufacturers can identify the best materials for semiconductor manufacturing.

It’s Best to Start by Outlining Requirements

A detailed outline of the environment and operational conditions that the materials will be subject to will help you choose the best materials for your needs. Define performance metrics like chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, dimensional stability, and other properties. Compare these metrics to a plastic distributor’s offerings to ensure a proper fit.

Don’t forget to consider long-term qualities to guarantee a high return on your investment and ensure all semiconductors meet operational and regulatory standards. These include vacuum compatibility, lifecycle, and resistance to UV exposure. The more reliable your semiconductors’ lifespan, the more likely you are to be trusted by top brands.

What Application Challenges Are There?

Semiconductor materials are exposed to many harsh conditions throughout their lifespan, emphasizing the importance of durability in material selection. Consider application challenges such as plasma exposure, mechanical stresses, and high temperatures to learn how these stresses will impact a material’s lifespan. Accounting for worst-case scenarios will save you unexpected stress and reassure your customers.

What Is the Manufacturing Method?

The manufacturing process directly impacts the material you select, as each process has different requirements. For example, materials with high moldability and strong flow characteristics will be suitable for injection molding, which is ideal for high-volume production. However, you’ll want to consider different materials for CNC machining, which is a different approach that is ideal for lower volumes and requires higher tolerances. 

Your preferred process will impact lead times, costs, and overall performance, which in turn will impact your reputation with customers. Considering these factors will help you choose the best plastics product supplier for semiconductor manufacturing.

Evaluate Your Material Options

The most efficient way to find suitable plastic materials is to match your application requirements with the different material properties. Common options include PEEK, PTFE, PPS, and PEI.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

PEEK features exceptional durability, with high thermal stability and chemical resistance. It can be used in manufacturing processes with high temperatures and mechanical demands, such as plasma etching chambers and CMP rings.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Regarding chemical resistance, PTFE’s strength is hard to beat! This material is a reliable choice for semiconductor processing environments with aggressive chemicals.

Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)

If you manufacture pump or valve components, PPS may be best for you! It features impressive chemical resistance while retaining mechanical stability, ideal for highly corrosive environments.

Polyetherimide (PEI)

With its high thermal resistance and chemical stability, PEI is a suitable material for applications such as jogs, test sockets, and fixtures in harsh environments.

Don’t Forget to Test

Testing materials prior to real-world application will help identify problems, saving you time and funds. We recommend focusing on dimensional stability, ESD performance, and chemical and wear resistance while testing in controlled environments. A little effort ahead of time ensures you select the perfect material for your semiconductor manufacturing needs, optimizing production and guaranteeing reliable results.

Choose the Right Custom Plastics Manufacturer

If you need high-performance materials for semiconductor manufacturing, the best way to get them is by trusting a custom plastics manufacturer. At New Technology Plastics, we understand the intricacies of semiconductor manufacturing, which allows us to design, fabricate, and distribute high-quality products that meet your needs. Our open-access policy allows customers to address specialized needs directly with manufacturers, ensuring all materials suit their intended applications. Choose a plastics product supplier like New Technology Plastics to guarantee optimal ROI. Call us today at 866-687-0700 or contact us online to request a quote.