The miniaturization of electronic medical device components continues, as an aging population demands less invasive, more portable devices. We’ve heard a forecast of at least 15 years of steady growth of plastics for the semiconductor industry being used in manufacturing processes that go into miniature medical devices.

Cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency are only two of the benefits of using high-purity, high-quality plastics for the semiconductor industry in manufacturing, specifically welding and bending services. Plastics have been a focus at Axenics for decades. Much of our plastics work for the semiconductor industry is around deionized water cooling systems. 

We know plastics are a large part of the future for industries that utilize semiconductors, which is why we created a new report, Superior Solutions with Plastic Welding and Bending.

In it, you’ll learn:

• Which thermoplastics are ideal for your application
• Why plastics are the best solution for the transport of certain liquids and gasses
• How plastic tube bending can save you time and money

Plastics for the semiconductor industry

Our work for different tiers in semiconductor manufacturing is growing in our plastics and metals departments, and there’s a prediction that demand will continue to grow into the third and fourth quarters of 2023. Axenics recently added two plastics technicians and there may be more growth in that department this year. 

The corrosive resistance of plastics to some chemicals is a top reason why manufacturers make the switch from stainless steel to thermoplastics in gas/liquid delivery systems. Depending on your space and your equipment needs, the change to plastics from metals is budget-friendly, especially because some plastics are less expensive than metals.

Our unique plastic welding processes

Plastic welding is often a faster and simpler fabrication process versus welding with metals because plastics are generally lighter in weight than many metals. Plastics are also a wise choice for maintaining the safety and reliability of your end product as they are more chemically resistant than most metals.

Our plastic pipe welding experts always look for new techniques for solving problems other manufacturers call “impossible.” This openness to new plastic pipe welding ideas benefits our customers because it allows them to see their concepts come to life.

Solving a real corker of a problem may take some back and forth collaboration with engineering and design, but we’ll arrive at a solution. Even though we’ve performed plastic pipe welding and plastic tube bending for four decades, it’s exciting when we see breakthroughs. Our plastics technicians revel in a fresh challenge.

The proprietary welding method Axenics employs is also highly repeatable, which is helpful as the demand for “more and faster” increases. Axenics’ method of welding plastics does not alter the chemical makeup of the piping and does not compromise the piping in any way. This remains an important distinction that attracts fabrication engineers, as the welded plastic piping kits provide a flawless and consistent transportation system of potentially dangerous and harmful chemicals and gasses.

How plastic welding works

Plastic welding creates a molecular bond between two compatible plastics. Plastic welding provides first-rate strength, and finished welds are long-lasting, meaning any necessary replacements and/or repairs will occur in the distant future. One way plastic welding proves superior to steel weldments is that chemicals can corrode and contaminate metal, severely decreasing its usefulness in certain applications.

Plastic welding produces durable, reliable and complex transportation, monitoring and purification systems. Plastic welders can perform pipe-to-pipe weldments that meet your exact requirements. Plastic welding is a complex process that requires the right set of skills and a strong passion for improving those skills. Plastic welders require significant dexterity and mobility. There is no formal education for plastic welding, you learn best on the job and gain expertise with years of training and working with the various types of plastics used in welding.

Benefits of plastic welding

Plastic welding is often a faster and simpler fabrication process versus welding with metals because plastics are generally lighter in weight than many metals. Plastics for the semiconductor industry are also a wise choice for maintaining the safety and reliability of your end product as they are more chemically resistant than most metals.

• Plastic welds have a strong resistance to acids, alkalis, greases and solvents, hydrogen peroxide, demineralized water and hot steam.
• Plastic welds offer a minimal release of gas under vacuum, which helps maintain a sterile environment.
• Plastic welds have a strong plasma resistance, reducing the possibility of corrosion.
• Plastic welds resist thermal degradation and maintain a high operating strength and rigidity in high temperatures.
• Plastic welds offer the benefits of good creep and chemical resistance, minimal thermal expansion and good wear resistance.
• Plastic welding provides a simplified system that delivers a consistent, highly-repeatable performance. There is also the flexibility of easily adding thermoplastic sub-systems that provide multiple flow rates and pressures.

Does this post about plastics for the semiconductor industry have you thinking of making the switch to plastics – or do you envision needing a contract partner this year or next? Contact us today and we’ll discuss your challenges and needs. 

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