Entegris, Inc., a developer of yield-enhancing materials and solutions for highly advanced manufacturing environments, announced the first shipments of production quantities of UPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) membrane from its i2M Center for Advanced Materials Science in Bedford, Massachusetts. UPE membrane is a core material used in high-purity filtration solutions for semiconductor and life sciences applications.

“In the first half of 2015, we reached multiple milestones in our expansion plan to provide new membrane technologies to solve the yield challenges our customers face to manufacture semiconductor devices,” said Entegris Vice President of the Liquid Microcontamination Control business unit, Clint Haris. “Several key customers have completed their qualification process and are now receiving i2M-based products for use in current applications, as well as for their developmental programs. We’re excited to take this step forward as we continue to commercialize other UPE-based technologies in 2015.”

The 80,000 sq. ft. facility opened in June 2014 as a $60 million investment intended to create one of the most advanced facilities of its kind. The investment included an expansion of membrane manufacturing capacity, implementation of advanced process controls and upgraded quality monitoring systems. In addition, the i2M Center is also used to develop and manufacture gas filtration and specialty coatings products.