Harper International, Buffalo, N.Y., has finalized a contract exceeding $3 million for high-temperature vertical and rotary reactors to support the East China Research Institute of Microelectronics (ECRIM). The furnace systems will be used in the production of advanced ceramic materials for applications requiring high thermal conductivity, such as high power LED lighting products and other cutting-edge heat sink substrates.
Harper’s combination of vertical and rotary systems will produce a reaction on the client’s materials in a controlled gaseous atmosphere at temperatures up to 2000°C. The advanced graphite vertical furnace is designed to overcome the engineering challenges associated with such high temperatures and enable long furnace life. The system also incorporates technology to manage the flowability of the material, preventing bridging of the materials and ultimately increasing production uptime.
“Harper’s trusted expertise in linking process steps and enabling seamless operations for the customer is shown here. These integrated series of furnaces will also include materials handling and engineering of material throughput through multiple process steps,” commented Dr. Prasad Apte, Director of Technology at Harper International. “Our advanced sealing technology is also integral to delivering a robust system to the customer to control reaction and ensure long life of the furnace.”
Founded in 1968, ECRIM is a leader in the development of products for microelectronics and packaging, including fiber optics, infrared, semiconductor circuits and more, focused on technical strength, proven product reliability, and innovative solutions. ECRIM choose to partner with Harper due to their extensive experience in designing advanced systems for reduction, sintering and calcining of non-oxide ceramics such as aluminum-, silicon- and boron-based nitrides and carbides.
