Hefei Crystalbridge Optoelectronic Materials has used Model K1 sapphire crystal grower from Thermal Technology to manufacture about 100 kg of commercial grade sapphire crystal, the first of its kind in China.
Model K1 Sapphire Crystal Grower
Hefei Crystalbridge expects that the sapphire crystals will produce nearly 5,700 superior quality 2² substrates and 4,000 mm of TIE (two inch equivalent) rods. The company developed the crystal in 14 days, achieving over 25% increase in productivity compared to competitive producers in China.
The Model K1 sapphire crystal grower delivers high capital productivity and mass production of superior quality crystals. It employs a modified kyropoulos (KY) technology, coupling the proprietary seeding with kyropoulos’ high crystal quality as well as the automation and process control function to enhance productivity.
Hefei Crystalbridge’s General Manager, Chen Jun commented that the cycle time of K1 is 25%-30% quicker than competitive products, allowing the company to manufacture 25,000-30,000 more substrates annually than its peers utilizing HEM or other systems. Chen anticipates producing 1 million pieces of LED substrate per year by 2011 end and 5 million pieces per year by 2012 end.
The President and Chief Executive Officer at Thermal Technology, Matt Mede commented that the company is happy to be selected as Hefei Crystalbridge’s strategic partner. Thermal Technology designs and produces high-temperature vacuum and controlled atmosphere furnaces and crystal growing systems for processing quartz, glass, ceramics and metals.