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5 crucial steps in semiconductor manufacturing

Devices such as smartphones, smart watches, gaming consoles etc. are classic examples of how technology has evolved and the power these devices hold comes from the microchips which are small but extremely powerful pieces of technology which are manufactured through a process which is not simple. Here we will explain the 5 crucial steps involved in semiconductor manufacturing: Deposition: The process starts with a silicon wafer. Wafers are cut from an ingot (bar with 99.99% silicon) and are polished until they are smooth. Thin films of isolating, semiconducting or conducting materials are then deposited on the wafer so that the first layer gets printed on it. This process is called deposition. Photoresist coating: After the deposition phase, the wafer is covered with either a positive or negative light sensitive coating which is called resist or photoresist. In the positive resist, the areas that are exposed to ultraviolet light change their structure and are made more soluble for dep...

How to select the correct solder mask for your PCB?

Seen a solder mask on the PCB? Well, you must have seen it a couple of times without realising that it is a solder mask that you are looking at. The top green colour layer on the PCB is the solder mask which helps in preventing visual fatigue while assembling, providing considerable aid during the inspection and delivers protective cover for the conductors. To protect the metal elements on the circuit board from oxidation, a solder mask or solder stop mask is one of the crucial steps in the PCB process. The solder mask is also called solder resist since it gives you some amount of control over where the solder bits will land on the board. While selecting the correct solder mask for your PCB you need to consider your assembly process. Thus, the different categories of solder masks are: Liquid epoxy solder mask: This is the most cost-effective and easy solder mask option available in which a woven mesh is used to provide the support needed for ink-blocking patterns. The thermosetting p...

What are the different types of Phosphating processes?

The phosphating process is implemented for converting a steel surface into iron phosphate, which is a pretreatment method merged with another method for corrosion protection. The phosphate coating generally involves iron, zinc, or manganese crystals. Phosphating is typically applied to cast iron, carbon steel, and low-alloy steel. This coating is mainly prepared with a solution of iron, manganese, or zinc phosphate salts in phosphoric acid. Then it is applied by either dipping the substrate into the solution or by spraying it onto the substrate. As the iron or steel parts are put in the phosphoric acid, the reaction causes hydronium ion to deplete, and the pH range rises, causing the salt to dissolve and fall out of the solution and get precipitated on the surface. The process is also known as phosphate conversion coating or phosphating. Here is an elaborative detail about different types of phosphating. ·          Iron Phosphating Iron Phos...

How To Choose The Best Industrial Metal Finishing Technique?

Metal finishing is a huge industry because the metal itself looks rugged unless a thin coating is applied on its surface to enhance its appeal and improve its durability. Thus, metal finishing is an important part of the shop floor before the product is finally rolled into cartons and shipped. Having said that, there are numerous metal finishing techniques in the market and choosing the one that meets your requirements requires insight into what exactly you are looking at. Here is the list of different types of metal finishing techniques you can choose from: ·          Electroplating : If the product in question needs to be protected against corrosion and tarnish, then electroplating is a metal finishing technique that will serve your purpose. In electroplating, an alloy or a metal is deposited on the surface of the product through a solution that contains ions of the substrate and the deposited metal. Chrome finishing on the kitchen appliances ...

Photoresist Use In Semiconductor Manufacturing

Those who are a part of the electronic industry know the importance of photoresists as this light-sensitive material is used in photoengraving and photolithography to form a pattern on the membrane. The devices you love to use like mobile phones, computers, tablets etc have silicon wafer which undergoes numerous procedures before the final product is achieved and one of the processes that make it happen is photolithography in which photoresists is used. What is a photoresist? It is a light-sensitive material composed of a solvent, polymer and sensitizer which turns into a soluble material when exposed to ultraviolet light. The exposed areas are then dissolved using a solvent and thus a pattern is left behind. The primary function of photoresists is targeted towards precise pattern formation and protection of the substrate from any kind of chemical attack during etching. Photoresists can either be positive or negative. In the positive photoresists, the photochemical reaction during ...

Tips to Choosing the Best Industrial Coatings

Protective coatings are important to ensure the longevity and performance of your industrial assets. The highest industrial standards for resistance against chemicals and corrosion can be attained through quality coatings. You can find solvent based or powder coatings that are suitable for a variety of industrial applications. The wide availability of industrial coating options can make the task of finding the right choice somewhat challenging. Ask yourself the questions discussed in this post and you will end up with a product best suited to your business applications. What are your objectives? The first step to finding the right industrial coating is to focus on the goals you want to achieve. For instance, you can find coatings suitable to improve visibility or appearance and there are some protective coatings that are demanded to ensure improved workplace safety. Further, we can also find options of industrial coatings to resist dirt, chemicals and radiations. Finding the right ...

How to choose the best industrial metal finishing technique?

  The industrial metal finishing process is a critical step in the metal manufacturing industry. An ideal metal finishing process can improve the overall aesthetics and functionality of the product. Industrial metal finishing is required to improve the product’s surface roughness, limiting corrosion, boosting wear and tear resistance, enhancing the product’s aesthetics, and mitigating any damage to the product’s surface.   Since there are many types of metal finishing techniques, they are choosing which one to apply can be a daunting task without having any idea about their advantages. Most popular types of metal finishing techniques: 1.       Electroplating The electroplating technique includes depositing a metal or alloy substance on the product’s surface through a solution. This solution is a mixture of dissolved ions of the deposited metal and the substrate.   This process can be complex without having any experience and is more expensiv...