At Creatz3D, our Application Engineers are constantly exploring ways to enhance real-world production processes through 3D printing. One recent project demonstrates how advanced additive manufacturing can support the semiconductor industry, which continues to face global supply chain disruptions.
Global Challenges Facing the Semiconductor Industry
With raw material shortages and rising supply chain costs across labor, fabrication, and logistics, semiconductor manufacturers are under constant pressure. These disruptions highlight the need for companies to relook at their processes and adopt more agile, cost-efficient solutions to remain competitive.
3D Printing as a Mitigation Strategy
To showcase the feasibility of 3D printing in semiconductor applications, our engineers developed and 3D printed a functional semiconductor chip tray. Unlike conventional trays, which can be costly and slow to fabricate, the additively manufactured tray was produced quickly and with materials engineered for industry-specific requirements.
A semiconductor tray must do more than hold chips securely—it must also safeguard quality, reliability, and functionality throughout storage and transport.
Advanced Material Properties
This chip tray was printed using the Stratasys Fortus 450mc with ABS-ESD7 thermoplastic, chosen for its static dissipative properties. This prevents electrostatic discharge, which is a critical risk when handling microelectronic devices.
ABS-ESD7 also has low outgassing properties, ensuring chips remain protected even in varying environmental or industrial conditions.
Key Benefits of 3D Printing for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Traditionally, chip trays require customized fabrication cycles that are time-consuming and costly. With 3D printing, manufacturers gain a more flexible and responsive approach:
- Rapid design iterations – from CAD to print in a short timeframe.
- On-demand replacement parts without minimum order quantities (MOQ).
- Reduced risk of contamination by avoiding long-term storage.
- Digital inventory – eliminating the need for physical warehousing and reducing costs.
Looking Ahead
This project demonstrates how 3D printing can go beyond prototyping and into end-use production parts for the semiconductor industry. At Creatz3D, we believe in building collaborative solutions with industry partners to unlock new efficiencies and innovations.
Interested in exploring how 3D printing can transform your semiconductor operations? Talk to our team today and start your journey.
