Semiconductors

The semiconductor industry relies heavily on specialized equipment to produce microchips and other semi-conductor devices. These machines, tasked with operating in highly demanding environments, require durable, precise, and dependable mechanical components to function optimally and with high reliability. Semiconductor machinery is usually very expensive, which makes excessive downtime and stoppage unacceptable. One solution that has proven critical to maintaining the longevity and efficiency of semiconductor equipment is the use of specialty thin film (TF) semiconductor coatings produced by PVD, PACVD and CVD deposition methods. Ionbond IHI Group is one of the leading global suppliers of these coatings, serving multiple industries from its 35 coating locations.

Wafer handling systems, which move semiconductor wafers between various processing stages and hold them during processing, rely on robotic arms, sliders, and other high-precision components that must operate with minimal contamination. Applying thin film and Tribobond™ coatings to wafer handling tools provides a low-friction, wear-resistant surface that enables smooth movement and reduces particle contamination risks.

These specialized coatings are designed to prevent wear debris generation, which can jeopardize the clean processing environment. Tribobond™ coatings, with their high wear resistance, create efficient seals on critical surfaces, ensuring long-term, particulate-free operation and supporting the precision and cleanliness required in semiconductor manufacturing.