Junkosha EPTFE Flat Cable’s narrow-pitch capability enables manufacturers to achieve space savings and design optimization in metrology and inspection environments

November 11th, 2024 - Junkosha, pioneers of sophisticated fluoropolymer application technologies, has chosen SEMICON Europa to announce the launch of its EPTFE Flat Cable designed for critical components in manufacturing and inspection equipment. The cables suit demanding environments – valued in applications where high-flex cycles, clean manufacturing and long-lasting reliability are required. Junkosha will use this event to present its tailor-made and highly durable cable featuring the industry’s narrowest pitch level for semiconductor manufacturing and inspection equipment manufacturers looking to minimize overall cable width to achieve compact, efficient, and streamlined wiring solutions that meet tighter market windows for next generation logic, memory, and specialty markets.

With wafers containing over 100 circuit layers, even small failure rates in a single process can have a large impact on the final product. This makes precise process control essential for companies that manufacture advanced semiconductors. Engineered using the superior mechanical and electrical properties of fluoropolymer, Junkosha EPTFE Flat Cable allows the flat cables to be stacked on top of each other without needing dividers and shelves, reducing the overall size of the cable system. Additionally, unlike traditional flat cables, this innovative cable design offers a highly adaptable solution for equipment where space, flexibility, and performance are crucial. By tailoring the pitch to specific requirements, it enables manufacturers to achieve space savings and design optimizations while improving durability, functionality and overall system efficiency – a crucial advantage as device features continue to shrink to 2nm and below.

“As the process nodes and the transistor designs get more sophisticated, the process windows are becoming much more sensitive. This is made even more challenging due to increasing pressure to advance new processes more quickly”, explains Shinsuke Kitazawa, Product Manager at Junkosha. “As a result, metrology and inspection have entered a new era by driving significant improvements in quality control and productivity. With our new EPTFE Flat Cable we have developed customizable cables that consolidate electrical, pneumatic, and position control lines into a single, streamlined system for improved space efficiency. This enables manufacturers to configure the cable for growing functional demands without sacrificing performance.”

The key to the EPTFE Flat Cable’s high flex and low particulation performance is its EPTFE composite jacket. The cables are inherently designed for particle reduction, improved stability and low bend radius to meet the unique needs of the customer. Additionally, Junkosha provides customizable options which allow for purpose-built arrangements including multi-core and multi-pair cables, high-durability machine vision cables, and integrated custom tubes—ideal for dynamic applications.

“Alongside the superior electrical and mechanical properties offered by our cables and systems; most of the moulding and extrusion processing technology, of which Junkosha is incredibly proud, has been honed through the use of manufacturing equipment based on our proprietary core technologies and our wealth of accumulated operational know-how. This knowledge is resident in our highly engaged, educated, and trained workforce. Our integrated service, from raw material processing through to product commercialization, ensures that we consistently deliver complete end-to-end quality”, concludes Kitazawa, Product Manager at Junkosha.

Junkosha will be exhibiting its EPTFE Flat Cable at the SEMICON Europa exhibition from November 12-15. More information on Junkosha’s range of semiconductor solutions can be found here.