Date Published:May. 09. 2022 Date Updated:Jun. 05. 2025

No. 1: The Semiconductor Industry and NBK

Semiconductor Industry Facts (as of 2024)

The 'Spring 2024 Semiconductor Market Forecast' released by WSTS (World Semiconductor Trade Statistics) on June 4, 2024, highlights a sharp increase in demand for memory and certain logic products driven by AI-related investments.
In the future, continuous growth is expected in areas such as environmental sustainability and automation, in addition to AI-related demand. Significant market expansion is anticipated in sectors such as 'communication,' 'generative AI,' and 'automotive'.

Toward realizing a carbon-neutral society

Semiconductors' evolution is a source of expectations toward realizing a carbon-neutral society.
In order to realize this carbon-neutral society, energy-saving in every field, via devices using semiconductors, is an essential step.
Higher semiconductor performance and greater mass production are urgent issues.
Naturally, semiconductor manufacturing equipment is also called on for higher precision, higher quality, and greater throughput.

NBK's Actions

Due to the increased precision, quality, and throughput required of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, NBK receives numerous special requests for the screws used in the equipment.
NBK offers a wide lineup including characteristics such as corrosion resistance, heat resistance, non-magnetism and so on, as well as responding to various special orders.
Full lineup of special screws here

As well, NBK handles everything from requests from semiconductor manufacturing equipment manufacturers through product development and standardization.

Request example (1): Screws with seizing prevention which will not contaminate a vacuum chamber
Special Surface Hardened Screws


Galling and seizing are prevented by curing the screw surface.
Unlike plating or coating, there is nothing adhering to the surface, eliminating concerns about contamination due to stripping when tightening.
SNSL-PN   SVSL-PN

Request example (2): Screws with higher strength than resin which will not corrode due to cleaning agents
Tantalum hex socket head cap screws


Tantalum is a material characterized by excellent chemical resistance.
With excellent corrosion resistance to strong acids such as sulfuric acid, it is also resistant to aqua regia.
SNSTA

Slotted pan head screws made of silicon carbide

Slotted pan head screws made of silicon carbide.
Heat resistance and chemical resistance are excellent.
SICX-SX

Request example (3): Screws with higher corrosion resistance than Hastelloy＊1
MAT21＊2Hex Socket Head Cap Screws
MAT21＊2 demonstrates excellent corrosion resistance in both oxidizing and reducing environments.
In a wide range of corrosive environments, it demonstrates better corrosion resistance than Hastelloy＊1 C-22 and C-276.
SNSMT

The above are examples.
We also propose difficult-to-machine materials, surface treatments, etc. in accordance with customers' issues.
Please feel free to contact us when the standard products do not meet your needs.
Special Product Examples：

Hastelloy＊1 B-2
Special Product Problem Solution Examples using Special Material Screws here
Hastelloy＊1 B-2 is also introduced in detail.

＊1：Hastelloy is a registered trademark of Haynes International, Inc.
＊2：MAT and MAT21 are registered trademarks of Proterial, Ltd.

Problem Solution Examples by Semiconductor Manufacturing Process

Problem solution examples are introduced by semiconductor manufacturing process.
Pre-process here
Post-process here

Product Introduction Heat resistance/corrosion resistance Cleanroom/vacuum/non-magnetic Seizing Prevention Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment The Semiconductor Industry and NBK Special Screws