Microchip production
Maximum safety in cleanroom production. Microelectronics production in particular requires extremely clean air, as even tiny particles and molecules can severely impair the quality and function of semiconductor chips.
The manufacture of microelectronics is the biggest driving force for future filter technology requirements. With their many years of experience, our research & development engineers are prepared to meet these extreme challenges for so-called mini-environments - which must be virtually free of dust particles.
Air filtration in the production of microchips
The production of microelectronics requires an extremely clean environment, as even the smallest particles can significantly impair the functionality and quality of the semiconductor chips. These high requirements make air filtration an essential part of production.
Challenges and requirements of air filtration
Microchip production processes, especially in clean rooms, require an atmosphere that is virtually free of particles and germs. Even a dust particle with a diameter of just a few micrometers can lead to defects in the microscopically small structure of a chip. The critical factors for air filtration in this area are
- Particle-free: the air must be free of any contaminants, including dust, aerosols and chemical residues.
- Microorganism control: Bacteria or fungal spores must not be present in the air in order to avoid contamination and loss of quality.
- Controlled air flow: Turbulence or uneven air movement can lead to particle entrapment, which is why laminar flow systems are required.
- Chemical purity: Gases or vapors from materials in the environment must be removed to prevent unwanted reactions or oxidation of sensitive components.
Air filtration technologies
Special filter systems are used to meet these requirements:
- HEPA and ULPA filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air and Ultra-Low Penetration Air) remove over 99.9995 % of particles down to the sub-micrometer range.
- Activated Carbon Filters absorb gaseous impurities and protect production from chemical influences.
- Ionization and plasma filters are used to neutralize organic and microbial contamination.
Importance for microchip production
The development of ever smaller and more powerful semiconductor chips requires increasingly higher purity standards. Miniaturization leads to structures in the nanometer range, which means that even molecules in the air can pose a potential risk. Cleanroom technology must therefore constantly evolve to meet the increasing demands of microelectronics.
Thanks to the latest filter technologies, we can ensure that the production environments meet the strict cleanliness requirements and guarantee the consistently high quality of the microchips.
Two strong partners for protection against contamination in processes
Hengst is taking two strategic steps to strengthen its position in one of the most exciting markets of the future: the semiconductor industry. Following the investment in the Swiss AMC specialist artemis control in 2023, a majority stake was acquired in CSC Tech, a Chinese manufacturer of fan filter units and HEPA/ULPA Particle filters, in 2025.
artemis control AG
artemis control is active in all areas of activity that can contribute to ensuring cleanliness in the production process of a semiconductor, a nano- or microtechnology component or an optical component.
As this can often be achieved not only by cleanliness in one stage, but by a cleanliness cascade, we develop and supply products and services for general building services engineering, clean room technology, process technology and adapted design components for production plants.
Filter components and ultra-pure media systems developed and manufactured in-house are the components and systems that artemis control uses for your projects in the field of ultra-pure production and storage.
The comprehensive vertical and deep integration of the product stages raw materials, functional materials and filter media, individual filter components and systems of components offer possibilities in project design that go beyond the usual market offer.
CSC TECH (CHI SHENG CLEANNESS TECHNOLOGY)
CSC TECH is dedicated to the research and production of cleanroom equipment for advanced semiconductor technologies and offers its customers holistic, effective solutions that help to increase production output, reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.
For the daily operation of cleanrooms, CSC TECH offers different combinations of Fan Filter Units (FFU), Make-up Air Units (MAU) as well as EPA, HEPA and ULPA filter materials in combination with online monitoring.
The company's products and services cover a wide range of applications in the microelectronics industry.
