Improving process reliability in semiconductor fabrication without impacting production

Duratron^® U1000 PEI Case Study

We helped our customer retrofit their entire global operation, replacing thousands of baffle components in a matter of weeks using our Duratron^® U1000 PEI high-temperature, high-temperature resistant plastic material.

While our comprehensive portfolio of advanced materials offered a more reliable, higher purity polymer solution, it was thanks to our collaborative corporate culture and innovative approach to partnerships that we were able to deliver the exceptionally high volume of materials and parts needed in a very short timeframe.

Industry: Semiconductor & Electronics, chip manufacturing
Solution: Retrofitting an entire global operation with safer, more reliable baffles made from high-strength, high-temperature polymer
Products: Duratron^® U1000 PEI, an amorphous polymer
Results: Safer, more cost-effective parts and a global retrofit achieved in record time, at record volumes

Meeting customer volumes and timescales without compromising quality

To respond to increasing process changes that require higher temperature or advanced materials, our customer needed to quickly replace the materials used in their semiconductor fabrication equipment with a more reliable, high-temperature resistant plastic across their entire global operation.

The baffles used in the semiconductor fabrication process are consistently exposed to extremely high temperatures within the machines and can be prone to igniting if they become too hot. Any smoke would contaminate the cleanroom environment and lead to a costly halt in production, so any materials used have to be resistant to both high temperatures and fire.

The OEM needed to retrofit multiple baffle components in every active fabrication chamber at each of their production sites worldwide.

A scalable and more efficient approach

Despite nearly impossible timescales and volumes, we were able to offer a single solution that not only met the OEM’s material requirements, but also their very demanding supply schedule.

Thanks to our vertically integrated structure and ability to leverage a broad range of part production capabilities, we were able to adjust extrusion schedules and dedicate additional resources and multiple facilities to produce the necessary volume of high-temperature resistant baffles faster and more efficiently than our competitors.

Using a combination of innovative technologies, we were able to machine through an unprecedented number of plates, hundreds per week, to produce top-quality baffles from reliable and high-temperature resistant plastic materials, meeting both our customer’s timescales and safety requirements.

A global retrofit in record time

With proven high strength and excellent flame and heat resistance, Duratron^® U1000 PEI solved our customer’s initial safety and contamination issues, enabling them to maintain their market-leading position. And, by leveraging our powerful network of capabilities and facilities, we helped the OEM move to more sustainable, cost-effective methods of production while simultaneously achieving a massive global retrofit in just two months.

• Advanced materials for high-precision, high-purity applications
• Uninterrupted production runs
• Safer parts overall
• Less waste