(July 9, 2010) — Sales in 2009 of quartz products for semiconductor fabrica-tion dipped to $501 million, the lowest level since 2003, but will quickly recover to 2007 levels next year, according to a new report from Techcet Group, “Quartz for Semiconductor Applications, A Critical Materials Report 2010.” Lead times for fabricated materials are up by 50% over normal, and all key fabricators are operating near capacity.
Overall sales of quartz base materials and fabricated parts fell approximately 25-30% from 2008, even though sales of lower-grade quartz crucibles for solar silicon had been up 10-15% earlier in the period. Fortunately, the turnaround has been swift moving into 2010. Techcet anticipates a 15% increase in crucible sales and a 40-50% increase in base materials and fabricated quartz parts sales this year over last. This growth rate will settle down to about a 12% CAGR for the following three years.
The rate of implementation of 450mm wafer fabrication will impact the near-term prospects for the quartz industry. Intel, TSMC, and Samsung still have plans to use 450mm wafers by 2012. All quartz fabricators have been asked to “be prepared” for 450mm wafer processing. Although most of the major fabricators already have equipment that should be able to accommodate larger-diameter quartz, none have made any real investment in new equipment, facility, or parts for 450mm wafer processing.
In addition to market analysis, recent IP activity and critical supply chain issues, the report includes profiles and updates for seven base material and crucible suppliers and a detailed update on 450mm preparedness.
Techcet Group, LLC specializes in market analysis and technical trend analysis for the semiconductor, silicon, PV, TFT, and related electronics industries. For additional information about “Quartz for Semiconductor Applications, A Critical Materials Report 2010” and other Techcet reports, contact Lita Shon-Roy, +1-858-259-9077, [email protected], or visit www.techcet.com
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