At City Special Metals, we supply high-performance alloys used throughout the semiconductor industry. Our materials support wafer production, precision tooling, thin-film processing, and electronic component manufacturing, where purity, stability, and corrosion resistance are essential.
We work closely with engineers, procurement teams and equipment manufacturers, providing alloys that meet the demanding standards of semiconductor fabrication and cleanroom environments. Whether for vacuum chambers, sputtering targets, wafer-handling systems, or thermal management components, our team understands the technical requirements of these critical applications.
Alloy Properties for Semiconductor Applications
Semiconductor manufacturing involves extreme conditions, including ultra-high vacuum, rapid thermal cycling, plasma exposure, and exposure to corrosive gases. Materials used in this environment must deliver consistent performance without contamination or degradation.
Key properties required for semiconductor-grade alloys include:
- High purity and low outgassing are suitable for cleanroom and vacuum systems
- Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity for heat and energy transfer
- Dimensional stability under thermal and mechanical stress
- Resistance to corrosion, oxidation and plasma erosion
- Compatibility with chemical etchants and process gases
City Special Metals supplies materials that meet these expectations and can be provided in multiple product forms for machining, forming and assembly.
Specific Alloys for Semiconductor Use
Kovar
Kovar alloy is an iron-nickel-cobalt alloy engineered for controlled thermal expansion. Its stability enables reliable sealing of glass and ceramics, which is essential for semiconductor packages, lead frames, and hermetic components used in chip manufacturing.
Invar 36
Invar 36 alloy is a nickel-iron alloy known for extremely low thermal expansion. It is used for photomasks, tooling, frames and precision fixtures where dimensional accuracy is critical during wafer processing and lithography.
Alloy 42
Alloy 42 is a nickel-iron alloy designed to match the expansion behaviour of glass and ceramic semiconductor materials. It is commonly used for lead frames, connectors and package components that require stable, predictable thermal performance.
OFE Copper
OFE Copper provides exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity with a minimum purity of 99.99%. It is widely used in RF systems, vacuum components, heat sinks, and high-precision electrical connections where purity is critical.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum alloy offers thermal stability, low expansion and strong resistance to plasma corrosion. It is commonly used for sputtering targets, evaporation boats, heater elements, and thin-film deposition equipment.
Nickel Alloys
Nickel alloys such as Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 are used for vacuum chambers, fasteners, hardware fixtures and equipment that must withstand aggressive process gases and repeated thermal cycles.
Titanium Alloys
Titanium alloys are selected for gas delivery systems, vacuum components and cleanroom hardware due to their corrosion resistance, low contamination potential and compatibility with ultra-clean manufacturing standards.
Other Services and Capabilities from City Special Metals
Our alloys can be supplied in:
Plate, Round Bar, Sheet, Coil, Flat Bar, Square Bar, Wire, Tube, Rings
Our machining and processing capabilities include:
Centreless Grinding, Precision Grinding, Logistical Support for Customers, Trepanning, Bar Sawing to Size, Plate Sawing to Size, Positive Material Identification, Waterjet to Size, Laser Cutting.
What alloys are commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing?
Semiconductor manufacturing relies on high-purity alloys that can perform in vacuum, plasma and high-temperature environments. Materials such as Kovar, Invar 36, Alloy 42, OFE copper, molybdenum, nickel alloys including Inconel 625 and Inconel 718, and titanium alloys are widely used for wafer handling systems, sputtering targets, thermal management components and cleanroom tooling.
Why is high purity important for semiconductor-grade metals?
High purity reduces outgassing and contamination, both of which can affect wafer yields and process stability. Materials like OFE copper and molybdenum offer low impurity levels and consistent performance under vacuum, making them suitable for precision semiconductor equipment.
Which metal properties are most important for semiconductor applications?
Key properties include thermal and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, dimensional stability under heat, and low outgassing. These characteristics help components withstand plasma exposure, chemical etching and rapid thermal cycling.
What components in semiconductor fabrication use these alloys?
Typical applications include vacuum chambers, sputtering and evaporation equipment, gas-handling systems, RF components, heat sinks, and precision fixtures used throughout wafer processing. The alloys chosen depend on the required conductivity, corrosion resistance and temperature stability.