CoreCase: a new UHP hose solution for semiconductor manufacturing

Semiconductor manufacturing operates at a scale that is difficult to comprehend. Modern chips are produced using structures measured in only a few nanometers. At these dimensions, particles that are thousands of times smaller than the thickness of a human hair can already impact process performance.

As a result, contamination control extends far beyond simple cleaning procedures. Materials, manufacturing processes, handling methods and supplier capabilities all influence the cleanliness of the final product.

In advanced deposition processes, corrosion introduces an additional risk. When hose materials begin to degrade, corrosion particles can enter the process environment and ultimately affect wafer production. For semiconductor manufacturers, contamination and corrosion are therefore closely connected challenges that must be addressed together.

To address the customer’s requirements, CoreDux developed a new UHP hose solution based on Alloy 22, a high-performance nickel-chromium alloy specifically selected for its superior corrosion resistance.

Compared to conventional 316L stainless steel solutions, Alloy 22 offers significantly improved resistance against aggressive media used in modern deposition processes. At the same time, CoreDux combined this material expertise with advanced electropolishing capabilities and validated UHP cleaning processes to achieve the required cleanliness levels.

The project required more than selecting a new material. Every aspect of manufacturing, cleaning, validation and quality control had to be carefully aligned to ensure that both corrosion resistance and contamination control requirements could be achieved.

For the customer, this resulted in a solution capable of supporting demanding deposition environments while maintaining the cleanliness levels required for semiconductor manufacturing.

Beyond the technical solution itself, the project delivers strategic value for semiconductor manufacturers facing increasingly demanding process requirements.

Historically, many systems relied on rigid tube solutions to minimize contamination risks. While effective from a cleanliness perspective, these systems often create challenges during maintenance and servicing activities. Components must be disconnected, cleaned and revalidated, increasing downtime and operational complexity.

By introducing a flexible UHP hose solution that combines validated cleanliness levels with corrosion resistance, CoreDux enables customers to maintain process integrity while improving serviceability and reducing maintenance effort.

The result is a solution that supports both operational efficiency and long-term process reliability.

One of the key challenges was introducing Alloy 22 into a hose manufacturing process that requires complex forming operations and strict quality control.

Different materials respond differently during production. Developing a reliable manufacturing process therefore required extensive collaboration between engineering, operations, process engineering and quality teams across multiple CoreDux locations.

At the same time, UHP cleanliness requirements demanded a fully integrated contamination control strategy. Cleanliness validation, cleanroom manufacturing, supplier awareness and process discipline all played a critical role in achieving the final result.

The project demonstrates how material expertise, contamination control knowledge and manufacturing capabilities must work together to successfully deliver solutions for advanced semiconductor applications.

The newly developed UHP hose solution has successfully passed customer validation and is approved for production deployment.

By combining Alloy 22 corrosion resistance, advanced electropolishing capabilities and validated UHP cleanliness levels, CoreDux successfully supported the customer’s next-generation deposition process requirements.

The project also reinforces CoreDux’ position as a partner capable of delivering highly specialized semiconductor solutions through material expertise, contamination control knowledge and vertically integrated manufacturing.

As semiconductor technologies continue to evolve, the ability to control both contamination and corrosion will only become more important. Through continuous investment in manufacturing capabilities, cleanroom technologies and process innovation, CoreDux continues to support customers operating at the highest levels of semiconductor performance.

Do you want to know more about this project or what we can do for you? Feel free to contact us.