--- title: Quality Assurance in the Semiconductor Industry | Able description: Learn how electropolishing stainless steel tubing & other metal components for semiconductors meets the industry's high quality specifications & standards image: https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/hubfs/silicon-wafers.jpg --- - [**Free Sample**](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/free-sample-offer) - [**Request Quote**](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/request-a-quote/) - - - - - - - ![Able Electropolishing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/themes/able/img/phone-icon.png) [(888) 868-2900 |](tel:1-888-868-2900) - ITAR Registered - [![ISO 9001 Certification](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NQA-ISO-9001-Logo-ANAB.jpg)](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ISO-9001-Certificate.pdf) - [![ISO 13485 Certification](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NQA-ISO-13485-Logo-ANAB.jpg)](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ISO-13485-Certificate.pdf) - 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Col-1 - Electropolishing eliminates microscopic imperfections for the following alloys: - inner-col-1 - [Stainless Steel 200 & 300 Series](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/200-300-series-stainless-steel/) - [Stainless Steel 400 Series](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/400-series-stainless-steel/) - [Aluminum](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/aluminum/) - [AL6XN](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/al6xn-electropolishing/) - [Carbon Steel](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/carbon-steels/) - [Cobalt 21 & Cobalt-Chrome](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/cobalt-21-cobalt-chrome-electropolishing-services/) - [Copper & Brass](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/copper-and-brass/) - [Elgiloy](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/elgiloy-electropolishing/) - [Hastelloy](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/hastelloy-electropolishing/) - [Haynes 214 & 230](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/haynes-214-haynes-230-electropolishing/) - [Molybdenum](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/molybdenum-electropolishing/) - [MP35N](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/mp35n-electropolishing/) - inner-col-2 - [Nickel](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/nickel/) - [Nitinol](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/nitinol/) - [Niobium](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/niobium-electropolishing/) - [Tantalum](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/tantalum-electropolishing/) - [Titanium](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/titanium/) - [Tungsten](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/tungsten-electropolishing/) - [TZM](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/tzm-electropolishing/) - [Exotic & Other Metal](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/unusual-stainless-steel/) - [Precipitating Hardening Grade Stainless Steel](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/alloys-electropolished/precipitating-hardening-grade/) - Col-2 - TECHNICAL GUIDE: YOUR SOLUTION TO METAL SURFACE PROBLEMS - 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[Blog](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/) - RECENT POSTS - [How Electropolishing Eliminates Microburrs](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/how-electropolishing-eliminates-microburrs) - [Electropolishing for Refractory Metals](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/improve-the-finish-fit-function-of-refractory-metal-parts-able) - [How Electropolishing Delivers a Defect-Free Surface Finish and Added Longevity for Hard-Working Springs](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/how-electropolishing-delivers-a-defect-free-surface-finish-and-added-longevity-for-hard-working-springs) - Col-2 - Technical Guide: Your Solution to Metal Surface Problems - ![](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/solution-guide.png?width=600&name=solution-guide.png) - [Download](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/solutions-for-metal-surface-problems) - Col-3 - Technical Guide: Passivation, Pickling or Electropolishing? - ![](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ppe-guide-menu_v2.png) - [Download](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/passivation-pickling-or-electropolishing-guide?__hstc=51647990.0a919fe92be7e1034b7c346e0750ab88.1680609944771.1681452951062.1681460305179.8&__hssc=51647990.1.1681460305179&__hsfp=2175177973) - [Videos](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/videos/) - [Featured Videos](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/videos/) - [Before & After Electropolishing Videos](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/before-and-after-electropolishing-videos/) - [Learning Center](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/) - Col-1 - [Electropolishing 101 Webinar](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/en/webinar) - [Case Studies](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/electropolishing-case-studies/) - [White Papers](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/white-papers/) - [Electropolishing for Metal Fasteners](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/metal-fasteners-whitepaper) - [Electropolishing to Improve Corrosion Protection](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/electropolishing-to-improve-corrosion-protection) - [Advantages of Electropolishing for Deburring Metal Parts](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/deburring-whitepaper) - [Electropolishing & Passivation Standards](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/electropolishing-passivation-standards/) - [AMS 2700 Passivation](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/ams-2700-passivation/) - [ASTM A380 Passivation](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/astm-a380-passivation/) - [ASTM A967 Passivation](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/astm-a967-passivation/) - [ASTM F86 Passivation](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/astm-f86-passivation/) - [ASTM F86 Electropolishing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/astm-f86-electropolishing/) - [ASTM B912 Electropolishing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/astm-b912-electropolishing/) - [ISO 15730 Electropolishing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/standards/iso-15730-electropolishing/) - [FAQ](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Passivation vs. Electropolishing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/passivation-vs-electropolishing/) - [Passivation, Pickling or Electropolishing](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/passivation-pickling-or-electropolishing-guide) - Col-2 - [Electropolishing Before & Afters](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/case-studies/) - [Industry Technical Guides](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/technical-guides/) - [Electropolishing for the Medical Industry](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/electropolishing-medical-industry) - [Electropolishing for the Aerospace Industry](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/electropolishing-aerospace-industry) - [Electropolishing for the Food Industry](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/finishing-food-industry) - [Videos](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/videos/) - [Featured Videos](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/resources/videos/) - 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Reliable Results for Critically Important Parts](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/why-able-reliable-results-for-critically-important-parts) - [Get Products to Market Faster with Cost Effective Contract Cleaning Services](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/get-products-to-market-faster-with-cost-effective-contract-cleaning) - Col-3 - Technical Guide: Your Solution to Metal Surface Problems - ![](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/solution-guide.png?width=600&name=solution-guide.png) - [Download](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/solutions-for-metal-surface-problems) - [About](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/about-us/) - Col-1 - [Certifications](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/about-us/certifications/) - [History](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/about-us/history/) - [In the News](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/about-us/press/) - [Our Process](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/about-us/our-process/) - [Quality Control](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/about-us/quality-control/) - [R&D Support](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/finish-first/) - [Sustainability](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/about-us/sustainability/) - [Careers](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/jobs?__hstc=51647990.0a919fe92be7e1034b7c346e0750ab88.1680609944771.1681452951062.1681460305179.8&__hssc=51647990.1.1681460305179&__hsfp=2175177973) - Col-2 - Line Card - ![](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/able-line-card-2025.png) - [Download](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Able-Line-Card-Update-2025.pdf) - Col-3 - ISO 9001: 2015 - ![](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ISO-9001.png) - [Download](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ISO-9001-Certificate.pdf) - Col-4 - ISO 13485: 2016 - ![](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ISO-13485.png) - [Download](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ISO-13485-Certificate.pdf) - Col-4 - AS9100: 2016 - ![](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AS-9100-Certificate.png) - [Download](https://ableep.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23321_05.19.25-AS9100-2016.pdf) - [Contact](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/contact/) # Quality Assurance in the Semiconductor Industry April 15, 2024 ![silicon-wafers](https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/silicon-wafers.jpg?width=300&height=225&name=silicon-wafers.jpg)Among the most demanding surface finish requirements of any industry, the specifications, standards and quality assurance processes that cover components used by the semiconductor industry impose metal finishing criteria that leave nothing to chance. Stainless steel tubing and other components for the manufacture of semiconductors are subjected to detailed surface analysis using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to ensure a surface is free of flaws and polished to an Ra level lower than that typically specified for parts used in aerospace and pharmaceutical manufacturing. ***The Challenges:*** - Ultra-High Purity distribution system needed for gas and liquid chemicals used in the manufacture of semiconductors - 316L Stainless Steel wetted surfaces must be ultrasmooth, ultraclean and able to withstand exposure to highly corrosive gases and liquids - Need for minimum chromium-to-iron ratio of 1.5:1 and a minimum chromium oxide-to-iron oxide ratio of 2:1. - Need for ultrasmooth surface, up to 4 Ra, and defect-free finish subject to analysis by Auger Electron Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy Highly corrosive gasses and liquids used in the manufacture of semiconductors require wetted 316L stainless steel components to be finished with the maximum degree of corrosion resistance. Electropolishing provides enhanced resistance to corrosion by removing surface defects and enriching the chromium layer of parts manufactured from 316L stainless steel. By removing a highly precise layer of surface material, electropolishing achieves the chrome-to-iron ratio and chromium-oxide enrichment required for wetted 316L stainless steel used in the manufacture of semiconductor components. ## Electropolishing and Chromium Enrichment of 316L Stainless Steel for the Semiconductor Industry Properly polished electropolished 316L stainless steel has a typical chrome-to-iron ratio of 1.5 or greater, with a maximum depth of chromium enrichment of typically 20 to 25 angstroms. These results are illustrated in the chart below which shows two 316L stainless steel samples electropolished by Able and analyzed using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). | **Sample Identification** | **Sample 1** | **Sample 2** | | --- | --- | --- | | **Oxide Thickness (Å)¹** | 48 Å | 50 Å | | **Adjusted Oxide Thickness (Å)5** | 43 Å | 47 Å | | **Cr Enriched Layer Thickness (Å)*7*** | 46 Å | 49 Å | | **Cr/Fe Ratio at 10Å*6*** | 2.2 | 2.1 | | **Max Cr/Fe Depth (Å)²** | 3.6 @ 0 Å | 3.1 @ 0 Å | | **Carbon Thickness (Å)*4*** | 4 Å | 3 Å | | **Surface Fe Oxide Thickness (Å)³** | ND | ND | | **Contaminants** | C, N, P, Ca, Na | C, N, P, Ca, Na | ***Results of two electropolished samples analyzed by Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and showing the depth of the chrome oxide layer after electropolishing.*** ***Electropolishing enhances the chromium layer to meet requirements that the chromium oxide layer is equal to or greater than 2 nanometers (20 angstroms).*** ***The resulting chromium enrichment leaves parts with significantly improved corrosion resistance.*** ## **Semiconductor Component Electropolishing: Pristine Processes for Pristine Parts** ***Advantages of Electropolishing:*** - Chromium oxide enrichment at a depth of typically 20-25 angstroms - Improved chromium to iron ratio for significantly enhanced corrosion resistance - Microscopically precise removal of outer surfaces containing free iron and embedded contaminants - Consistent, repeatable results At Able Electropolishing, semiconductor components arrive at our doors already polished to a high degree, but in need of additional smoothing to adhere to the industry’s exacting standards. Quality-control for the manufacture of semiconductor parts, many of which will be used only under clean-room conditions, requires extraordinary diligence at every link in the process – not every electropolishing company can achieve this. A lack of consistency from lot to lot is unacceptable – a fact that has led manufacturers already using electropolishing for their semiconductor components to make the switch to Able. We are the world’s largest electropolishing specialist and have honed our process over decades of collaboration with engineers and researchers in industries that include [aerospace](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/industry-solutions/aerospace/), [medical device manufacturing](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/industry-solutions/medical-device-manufacturing/), [national laboratories](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/industry-solutions/national-labshigher-education/), [electronics](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/industry-solutions/electronics/), [automotive](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/industry-solutions/automotive/) and more – in addition to the [semiconductor industry](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/industry-solutions/semiconductor-industry/). Alongside our state-of-the-art electropolishing methods, we have further refined our ability to consistently achieve the highest quality results with robotic automation, customized tooling and racking and a prototyping process that includes [consultation in the design phase](https://www.ableelectropolishing.com/finish-first/). ## **Electropolishing: High Quality Results for the Semiconductor Industry** Every step of our process has been meticulously designed to achieve the highest quality results for our clients from start to finish: our rinsing process is another key differentiator for our semiconductor industry clients. Achieving an effective rinse is key to producing ultraclean results. Our process includes multiple cascading rinses with ultrasonics and deionized (DI) water added when necessary. Parts are centrifugally or forced-air dried to ensure that they emerge from our process with an ultrasmooth, ultraclean, and defect and contaminant-free surface. Some items for the semiconductor industry are moved to our class 100 clean bench where they are individually packaged in double bags that have been purged with nitrogen before sealing. Our work adheres to both semiconductor-specific industry standards (SEMI F19-0185) and general industry standards commonly used like ASTM B912. See for yourself by taking advantage of our [free sample process](https://go.ableelectropolishing.com/free-sample-offer). We will electropolish your samples at no cost, providing you with a preview of the results you can expect from our high-quality electropolishing process. 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Inc." } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "alternativeHeadline" : "Quality Assurance in the Semiconductor Industry | Able", "articleBody" : "Among the most demanding surface finish requirements of any industry, the specifications, standards and quality assurance processes that cover components used by the semiconductor industry impose metal finishing criteria that leave nothing to chance. Stainless steel tubing and other components for the manufacture of semiconductors are subjected to detailed surface analysis using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to ensure a surface is free of flaws and polished to an Ra level lower than that typically specified for parts used in aerospace and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The Challenges: Ultra-High Purity distribution system needed for gas and liquid chemicals used in the manufacture of semiconductors 316L Stainless Steel wetted surfaces must be ultrasmooth, ultraclean and able to withstand exposure to highly corrosive gases and liquids Need for minimum chromium-to-iron ratio of 1.5:1 and a minimum chromium oxide-to-iron oxide ratio of 2:1. Need for ultrasmooth surface, up to 4 Ra, and defect-free finish subject to analysis by Auger Electron Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy Highly corrosive gasses and liquids used in the manufacture of semiconductors require wetted 316L stainless steel components to be finished with the maximum degree of corrosion resistance. Electropolishing provides enhanced resistance to corrosion by removing surface defects and enriching the chromium layer of parts manufactured from 316L stainless steel. By removing a highly precise layer of surface material, electropolishing achieves the chrome-to-iron ratio and chromium-oxide enrichment required for wetted 316L stainless steel used in the manufacture of semiconductor components. Electropolishing and Chromium Enrichment of 316L Stainless Steel for the Semiconductor Industry Properly polished electropolished 316L stainless steel has a typical chrome-to-iron ratio of 1.5 or greater, with a maximum depth of chromium enrichment of typically 20 to 25 angstroms. These results are illustrated in the chart below which shows two 316L stainless steel samples electropolished by Able and analyzed using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). Sample Identification Sample 1 Sample 2 Oxide Thickness (Å)¹ 48 Å 50 Å Adjusted Oxide Thickness (Å)5 43 Å 47 Å Cr Enriched Layer Thickness (Å)7 46 Å 49 Å Cr/Fe Ratio at 10Å6 2.2 2.1 Max Cr/Fe Depth (Å)² 3.6 @ 0 Å 3.1 @ 0 Å Carbon Thickness (Å)4 4 Å 3 Å Surface Fe Oxide Thickness (Å)³ ND ND Contaminants C, N, P, Ca, Na C, N, P, Ca, Na Results of two electropolished samples analyzed by Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and showing the depth of the chrome oxide layer after electropolishing. Electropolishing enhances the chromium layer to meet requirements that the chromium oxide layer is equal to or greater than 2 nanometers (20 angstroms). The resulting chromium enrichment leaves parts with significantly improved corrosion resistance. Semiconductor Component Electropolishing: Pristine Processes for Pristine Parts Advantages of Electropolishing: Chromium oxide enrichment at a depth of typically 20-25 angstroms Improved chromium to iron ratio for significantly enhanced corrosion resistance Microscopically precise removal of outer surfaces containing free iron and embedded contaminants Consistent, repeatable results At Able Electropolishing, semiconductor components arrive at our doors already polished to a high degree, but in need of additional smoothing to adhere to the industry’s exacting standards. Quality-control for the manufacture of semiconductor parts, many of which will be used only under clean-room conditions, requires extraordinary diligence at every link in the process – not every electropolishing company can achieve this. A lack of consistency from lot to lot is unacceptable – a fact that has led manufacturers already using electropolishing for their semiconductor components to make the switch to Able. We are the world’s largest electropolishing specialist and have honed our process over decades of collaboration with engineers and researchers in industries that include aerospace, medical device manufacturing, national laboratories, electronics, automotive and more – in addition to the semiconductor industry. Alongside our state-of-the-art electropolishing methods, we have further refined our ability to consistently achieve the highest quality results with robotic automation, customized tooling and racking and a prototyping process that includes consultation in the design phase. Electropolishing: High Quality Results for the Semiconductor Industry Every step of our process has been meticulously designed to achieve the highest quality results for our clients from start to finish: our rinsing process is another key differentiator for our semiconductor industry clients. Achieving an effective rinse is key to producing ultraclean results. Our process includes multiple cascading rinses with ultrasonics and deionized (DI) water added when necessary. Parts are centrifugally or forced-air dried to ensure that they emerge from our process with an ultrasmooth, ultraclean, and defect and contaminant-free surface. Some items for the semiconductor industry are moved to our class 100 clean bench where they are individually packaged in double bags that have been purged with nitrogen before sealing. Our work adheres to both semiconductor-specific industry standards (SEMI F19-0185) and general industry standards commonly used like ASTM B912. See for yourself by taking advantage of our free sample process. We will electropolish your samples at no cost, providing you with a preview of the results you can expect from our high-quality electropolishing process. Contact Us to Learn More About Electropolishing", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Able Electropolishing" }, "dateCreated" : "2024-04-15 14:00:00", "datePublished" : "2024-04-15 14:00:00", "description" : "Learn how electropolishing stainless steel tubing & other metal components for semiconductors meets the industry's high quality specifications & standards", "headline" : "Quality Assurance in the Semiconductor Industry", "image" : "https://500185.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/500185/silicon-wafers.jpg", "url" : "https://blog.ableelectropolishing.com/semi-f19-0185-and-quality-assurance-for-the-semiconductor-industry", "wordcount" : "874" } ```