Electropolisher immersing racked parts into an electrolyte solution.
Medical instruments after electropolishing
Before and after example of electropolishing stainless steel
Various medical devices and components after electropolishing
Medical instruments after electropolishing
Semiconductors play a vital role in supporting the technology we have come to rely on in our daily lives, from thermostats to life saving medical equipment. The ongoing advances in semiconductor technology have improved systems efficiency, efficacy and miniaturization. Semiconductor fabricators are continuing to expand their manufacturing lines and capabilities to boost supply and meet the demand for new chip designs that require more advanced manufacturing equipment. To support these efforts, New England Electropolishing (NEE) has been increasing its capacity to keep up with the demand for stainless steel electropolishing from equipment makers that build the machinery required to manufacture the building blocks of today's technology.
Stainless steel is commonly used in the construction of components used in the semiconductor manufacturing process, such as vacuum chambers, pumps, cleanroom equipment and related hardware and fittings. To maintain optimal performance throughout the manufacturing process, semiconductor equipment companies pay close attention to cleaning and passivating the stainless steel components used in the manufacturing process. Poorly cleaned surfaces that are left with any trace contaminants can result in process contamination and ultimately product failure.
Electropolishing has long been a key step in the manufacturing process for critical industries such as medical device manufacturing, food manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries to name a few, and now electropolishing has become a key component for the equipment makers serving the semiconductor manufacturing industry as well. NEE delivers precision electropolishing and passivation services to meet the strict needs and tight tolerances of these important industries.
Electropolishing is an electrochemical process that removes trace contaminants and materials from the surface of a metal, usually left behind from manufacturing processes. Electropolishing can remove material at a controlled rate to help restore the metal's natural corrosion resistance, level micro peaks and valleys, improve surface finish, make parts easier to clean and sterilize and passivate the metal.
"Semiconductor equipment manufacturing companies rely on NEE to provide precise and repeatable results on every part, every time," said a company spokesperson. "By enhancing a parts corrosion resistance and reducing surface drag, the manufacturer improves the reliability and durability of their components. Through three decades of experience and innovation in the industry, NEE is trusted nationwide to provide high quality precision electropolishing with consistent repeatable results and highly controlled tolerances."
NEE continues to invest in workforce development to expand its capacity to meet the sharp increase in demand for stainless steel electropolishing services. In addition to the semiconductor manufacturing industry, NEE supports a number of critical industries including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, laboratories, aerospace and defense contractors.
NEE is ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified and meets the strict requirements for ASTM B912 and ASTM A967.
Authored by New England Electropolishing
For more information contact:
New England Electropolishing
220 Shove St.
Fall River, MA 02724
800-850-9570
www.neelectropolishing.com