As of 2018, the semiconductor industry was valued at over 481 billion USD and it continues to see rapid growth due to the ever-increasing demand for electronics in nearly every industry. Plastic is a great choice for semiconductor trays because specialty plastics offer excellent chemical and thermal resistance as well as antistatic properties. At Reading Plastic, we machine precise, durable semiconductor trays to keep your valuable components safe.
The Benefits of Plastic Semiconductor Trays
- High strength, low weight – Semiconductor trays need to be extremely durable to withstand transit, impacts and harsh environments. But they also need to be lightweight in order to maximize their benefits to end-use products as well as keep shipping costs low. Speciality plastics are a fraction the weight of other materials but have extremely high strength to weight ratios. PEEK, one of the strongest plastics, even has an ESd grade that delivers optimal properties for semiconductor trays.
- Chemical resistance – Semiconductor trays are exposed to highly aggressive chemicals and abrasive solvents, so their materials need to have outstanding chemical resistance. Advanced engineering plastics offer a broad range of chemical resistance to everything from concentrated acids to alkalis to organic solvents and more. Halar® (ECTFE) offers the best chemical resistance of any plastic, able to withstand even the harshest chemicals, acids and solvents – including sulphuric acid – without effect on its mechanical properties.
- Thermal resistance – The semiconductor manufacturing process exposes components to extremely high temperatures, so semiconductor trays have to be able to take the heat. Heat-resistant plastics can operate at continuous temperatures in excess of 300ºF without compromising their mechanical properties. Some plastics, such as PTFE, can even operate at +500ºF without degrading.
- ESd protection – Electrostatic discharge (ESd) is the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects. Some sensitive electronic components can be destroyed or damaged by ESd as low as 20 volts. It is estimated that ESd costs American industries $5 billion each year. Specialty plastics have antistatic properties, allowing electrical discharges to be gradually, harmlessly dispersed, rather than building up and discharging suddenly.
Contact Reading Plastic Today to Discuss Your Semiconductor Tray Needs
At Reading Plastic, we have decades of experience machining a wide selection of materials for the semiconductor industry. We work with a wide range of materials, and our knowledge staff can help you select the right plastic for your project. Whether you are looking to make a prototype or need a large production run, we are equipped to handle your plastic component needs. We are ISO 9001:2008 compliant and follow strict quality control guidelines to ensure your parts meet all specifications and requirements.
Give us a call at 610-926-3245 to discuss your project. You can also reach us via site2@readingplastic.com or by filling out our contact form.
