Coherent, a world leader in ceramics and metal matrix composites, has announced the development of a 3D printing method to produce advanced ceramic components for high-performance thermal management applications, including next-generation semiconductor equipment.
Severe shortages of integrated circuits based on state-of-the-art nodes have spurred massive investment worldwide to expand semiconductor manufacturing facilities equipped with the most advanced semiconductor equipment. Coherent has developed its own materials and technologies, thanks to which ceramic components produced in the 3D printing process match the quality of components produced under existing production methods in terms of mechanical and thermal properties.
Ceramic elements produced in the new 3D printing technique can be precisely machined using advanced laser techniques, including those available at Coherent. They are crucial for the next generation of semiconductors. 3D printing surpasses molding in terms of process capability, efficiency and throughput. It does not require retooling machines between the production of individual components, which minimizes production time and material waste.
Ceramic components produced by Coherent’s patented 3D printing process can achieve a state-of-the-art modulus of elasticity of 365 GPa and a flexural strength of 290 MPa. They are ideal for a wide range of semiconductor devices, including photolithography, deposition and etching. They are also an excellent solution for advanced packaging components with integrated cooling channels, for high-performance computer processors such as CPUs and GPUs.
“Additive manufacturing of ceramics enables lighter components with completely new geometries that are required for next-generation semiconductor device designs. Until now, these components have been of lower quality and precision compared to injection molded ceramic components,” said Steve Rummel, senior vice president, Engineered Materials and Laser Optics business unit, Coherent. “We are rapidly working to set up a new ceramic additive manufacturing line in Temecula, California. Together with our customers, we have also defined a strategic roadmap to extend our additive manufacturing capabilities beyond ceramics to a wider range of materials, including metals.
Source: www.coherent.com
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