Wafer Cassette Sale | 150mm / 200mm / 300mm Sizes

I. Introduction

In the highly controlled environment of semiconductor manufacturing, wafer handling is a critical aspect that directly impacts yield, cleanliness, and process efficiency. Wafer cassettes play an essential role in this ecosystem, providing a secure, precise, and standardized way to store and transfer wafers between tools and processing stages.

With increasing demands for cost efficiency and reliability, many fabs, OEMs, and R&D labs are now turning to refurbished or second-hand wafer cassettes to balance performance and budget. Whether for 200mm legacy nodes or advanced 300mm lines, sourcing the right wafer cassette is a strategic choice.

II. What Is a Wafer Cassette?

A wafer cassette is a precision-engineered container designed to hold silicon wafers in a vertical orientation, separating each wafer into a dedicated slot. These cassettes are used to protect wafers from physical damage and contamination during:

• Storage

• Transfer between processes

• Loading into wafer processing equipment

Depending on the fab environment, cassettes may be open, or enclosed within FOUPs (Front Opening Unified Pods) or SMIFs (Standard Mechanical Interface) to maintain cleanroom integrity and support automation.

Wafer Cassette Categories:

III. Common Wafer Cassette Sizes and Standards

Wafer cassettes are manufactured to match specific wafer diameters and industry standards. The most common wafer sizes are:

• 100mm (4-inch) – R&D and specialty processes

• 150mm (6-inch) – Analog, MEMS, legacy logic

• 200mm (8-inch) – Mature process nodes (e.g., automotive)

• 300mm (12-inch) – Advanced logic and memory production

Each cassette is designed to accommodate a fixed number of wafers, usually 25 wafers per cassette for 100mm to 200mm sizes. For 300mm, cassettes may hold 13 or 25 wafers depending on tool requirements.

Wafer Size and Cassette Configuration Table:

IV. Materials and Performance Features

To meet strict contamination and durability standards, wafer cassettes are made from a range of high-performance plastics and composite materials. Each material is chosen based on the specific needs of the cleanroom or tool environment.

Common Materials Used:

• PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane): Superior chemical resistance for wet benches

• PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide): Heat-resistant, good dimensional stability

• Polycarbonate (PC): Common for general use, moderate thermal tolerance

• PEEK (Polyetheretherketone): Premium material, high mechanical and thermal performance

Key Performance Characteristics:

• Thermal Stability – Can endure tool heating and plasma exposure

• Chemical Resistance – Especially important in etch and clean tools

• ESD Safety – For wafer charging protection during transfer

• Cleanroom Compatibility – Low particle shedding, low outgassing

• Automation Friendly – Designed for robotic arm handling and indexing

V. Choosing the Right Wafer Cassette

Selecting the correct wafer cassette is not only about matching the wafer size—it also involves evaluating the compatibility with tools, the degree of automation in your line, and the cleanliness requirements of your process environment.

Considerations When Selecting:

1. Tool Compatibility

   • Ensure the cassette conforms to the mechanical and dimensional specifications of your wafer handler or process chamber.

   • Check SEMI standard compliance (e.g., E1, E47.1).

2. Automation Level

   • Manual operations may tolerate open cassettes, while fully automated lines demand FOUPs with RFID and sensor alignment.

3. Material Requirements

   • Wet processes require chemical-resistant cassettes (PFA, PEEK).

   • High-temperature processes benefit from PPS or PEEK material.

4. Environment

   • Class 1 cleanrooms require ultra-low outgassing, static-dissipative materials.

Decision Matrix:

VI. Where to Source Wafer Cassettes

Sourcing wafer cassettes requires balancing quality assurance, price transparency, and supplier reliability. Whether buying new or refurbished, the key is choosing vendors who understand semiconductor-grade handling.

Trusted Sources May Include:

• OEMs and Direct Distributors – Best for FOUPs and high-end applications

• Third-Party Refurbishers – Ideal for legacy node fabs or mid-volume production

• Semiconductor Equipment Resellers – Often stock popular sizes in bulk

• Online Platforms & B2B Marketplaces – Require cautious vetting, especially for used goods

⚠ Important: Always request a specification sheet and, if possible, a particle count report or material verification certificate when buying used.

VII. Conclusion

Whether you're managing a 300mm advanced logic fab or a 150mm specialty R&D line, wafer cassettes remain a critical component of maintaining yield, automation integrity, and wafer safety. With a variety of sizes, materials, and compatibility options available, buyers must assess both technical requirements and operational goals.

For those looking to reduce cost without compromising quality, refurbished wafer cassettes offer a reliable alternative—provided they come from verified, cleanroom-qualified sources. If you’re unsure which type or material best suits your application, our team is available to help you evaluate and find the optimal solution.