Forkardt Hardinge is critical to success for the Semiconductor Market

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Forkardt Hardinge is critical to success for the Semiconductor Market

SiC Fabrication utilizing Forkardt Hardinge’s Combination Chuck sets processing benchmark

Elmira, New York, 5/15/2024 – When it comes to the impact of Silicon Carbide (SiC) on today’s society, the future is now. As a key semiconductor material for electric vehicles, high-speed railways, and 5G telecommunication, the demand for SiC is expected to grow exponentially. To help accelerate the process of producing wafer-ready SiC crystal (known as a “puck”), Forkardt Hardinge was selected as part of an industry leading fabrication process.  Forkardt Hardinge’s Workholding solution utilizing both vacuum and OD gripping, with custom cylinders, was chosen to integrate onto USACH’s BoulePro-200AX grinding machine.  The combination of Grinding and Workholding technology allows for a much faster and far more cost-effective boule to puck conversion to meet the high demand for this important semiconductor material.

The advanced workholding of the SiC boule enables much of the machine’s efficiency improvements. Having to glue and de-glue the boule to fixtures throughout each of the process steps is one of the major issues that current SiC producers experience because it is a very time-consuming process. Additionally, the boule needs to be removed from one machine, prepared for the next step, then installed into other machines for subsequent steps. “Forkardt Hardinge’s advanced workholding has eliminated any glued fixtures as well as the need for manual
intervention in the process and enabled the automation of all process steps in one machine, says Jeff Gum, Advanced Material Specialist with USACH”.

 

BoulePro Workholding V2

Forkardt Hardinge has one of the most complete Workholding product offerings in the market.  “This application again highlights how our engineering team can develop solutions that help revolutionize manufacturing processes for almost any market, says Ryan Ervin, President of Forkardt Hardinge”.  “Our products can be found in almost any industry or manufacturing location regardless of size”.

Experience the extensive Forkardt Hardinge product line for yourself by visiting, www.ForkardtHardinge.com or explore their ecommerce website, www.shopForkardtHardinge.com. You can also call 833-791-9681 to speak with one of their Customer Service Representatives.