Materion Corporation
Setting New Standards in Electronic Materials Innovation

Leo Linehan, President of Electronic Materials

Materion Corporation, a world-class solution provider in the field of material science, meets this demand. It brings the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced materials, making it a one-stop shop specializing in thin-film deposition materials.

Catering to the diverse application needs of semiconductor manufacturers, Materion stands out as a versatile electronic materials supplier. Its electronic materials division supports production of semiconductors, photovoltaics, batteries, and includes packaging services.

“We expedite speed to market for groundbreaking innovations crucial to semiconductor manufacturing,” says Leo Linehan, president of electronic materials at Materion Corporation.

Along with electronic materials, it has specialized divisions like performance materials and precision optics. The performance materials division serves aerospace, defense, automotive, and industry, while precision optics provides top-notch optical solutions.

Collaborating closely with clients, Materion develops a diverse range of cutting-edge thin film materials tailored to specific semiconductor manufacturing needs. These materials include precise alloys and pure metals that adhere to the industry’s demanding standards. These are crucial in supporting microprocessors, memory systems, self-driving vehicle sensors, and transformative technologies like 5G for modern communication devices.

An example of active engagement in electronic materials is Materion’s participation in the emerging field of solid-state batteries. Collaborating with two industry leaders, it has co-developed innovative technologies for solid-state battery fabrication. Its advanced chemicals division also plays a crucial role in supplying materials to partners for solid-state battery production for use in electric vehicles (EVs).

A number of distinguishing factors make Materion stand apart in the advanced materials industry. For instance, ultra-high purity precious metals are crucial for diverse semiconductor applications. To this end, its closed-loop supply system handles gold purification, fabrication of deposition materials, and reclamation.

A major player in high-purity tantalum supply, it supports advanced logic microprocessors and high-performance memory production that require tantalum. Over almost two decades, the company refined tantalum technology for semiconductors, including 5 nm and 3 nm devices.

Another significant innovation is the use of aluminum scandium—an alloy vital for 5G RF filters—resulting from Materion’s collaboration with RF filter manufacturers, now integral to 5G and future 6G technology.

Materion rigorously tests the materials, making investments in crucial analytical, process, and applications equipment. The equipment enables it to assess purity, reproducibility, and functional performance of materials, ensuring they meet clients’ criteria.

To cater to consistent demand for expedited time-to-market, Materion offers pilot production capabilities that enable rapid responsiveness. Upon identifying a new composition, it initiates the pre-engineering process within its pilot production unit. It employs a structured stage gate approach to seamlessly transition clients’ chosen compositions from pilot to high-volume manufacturing. This guarantees successful product commercialization and enduring customer satisfaction.

Materion’s primary strategy for technology development and commercialization revolves around becoming a trusted partner for clients. Building close relationships, it maximizes its capabilities in material science along with the technology innovation brought on by clients, jointly adding efficiencies in semiconductor manufacturing.

Clients seeking advanced materials can confidently rely on Materion Corporation as a comprehensive electronic materials supplier for all their semiconductor device manufacturing needs.