Views: 222 Author: Rebecca Publish Time: 2025-06-28 Origin: Site
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>> Key Properties of Silicon Carbide
● Major Applications of Silicon Carbide
● Top Silicon Carbide Manufacturers and Suppliers in America
>>> Key Features:
>> 2. onsemi
>>> Key Features:
>>> Key Features:
>> 4. Coherent Corp. (formerly II-VI Incorporated)
>>> Key Features:
>> 6. Atlantic Equipment Engineers, Inc.
>> 7. Reade Advanced Materials
>> 8. Composition Materials Co., Inc.
>> 10. Other Notable Suppliers
● Silicon Carbide Market Trends and Outlook
● Comparison Table: Leading Silicon Carbide Manufacturers and Suppliers in America
● How to Choose a Silicon Carbide Manufacturer or Supplier
● The Role of OEM and Custom Manufacturing in the Silicon Carbide Industry
● The Future of Silicon Carbide in America
>> 1. What are the main differences between black and green silicon carbide?
>> 2. Why is silicon carbide preferred over traditional silicon in power electronics?
>> 3. How is silicon carbide manufactured?
>> 4. Are there US-based suppliers that offer custom silicon carbide formulations?
>> 5. What should I look for in a silicon carbide supplier for semiconductor applications?
Silicon carbide (SiC) has become one of the most essential materials in modern industry, enabling advancements in abrasives, electronics, automotive, energy, and many other sectors. As global demand for high-performance materials continues to rise, the American market for silicon carbide manufacturers and suppliers is thriving, with companies offering everything from raw grains for abrasives to advanced SiC wafers for next-generation semiconductors. This comprehensive guide explores the top silicon carbide manufacturers and suppliers in America, their technologies, applications, and what sets them apart in a competitive global landscape.
Silicon carbide is a compound of silicon and carbon, known for its exceptional hardness (9–9.25 on the Mohs scale), high thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. While it doesn't occur naturally on Earth, SiC is synthesized industrially, primarily via the Acheson process, which has been the industry standard since the late 19th century.
- High hardness and wear resistance: SiC is nearly as hard as diamond, making it ideal for abrasive and cutting applications.
- Excellent thermal conductivity: It efficiently dissipates heat, which is crucial in high-power electronic devices.
- Low thermal expansion: SiC maintains its shape and size even under extreme temperature changes.
- Chemical inertness: It resists corrosion from most acids and alkalis, making it suitable for harsh environments.
- High-temperature stability: SiC can withstand temperatures up to 2,700°C (4,892°F) without significant degradation.
These properties make silicon carbide indispensable in a wide range of industries, from abrasives and refractories to cutting-edge power electronics.
Silicon carbide's unique characteristics have enabled its use in a variety of demanding applications:
- Abrasives: Grinding wheels, sandpaper, blasting media, and polishing compounds.
- Refractories: Furnace linings, kiln furniture, crucibles, and other components exposed to high temperatures.
- Semiconductors: Power devices for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and industrial systems, due to its superior electrical properties.
- Ceramics: Mechanical seals, wear-resistant parts, and advanced ceramic components.
- Metallurgy: Used as a deoxidizing agent and for foundry applications.
- LEDs and Optoelectronics: Substrates for light-emitting diodes and other optoelectronic devices.
Below is an in-depth look at the leading silicon carbide manufacturers and suppliers in America, their specialties, and their contributions to the industry.
Washington Mills is one of the oldest and most respected silicon carbide manufacturers in the United States, with a legacy dating back to 1868. The company produces CARBOREX® silicon carbide grains and powders, tailored to customer specifications for size, chemistry, and shape. Their products serve a broad array of industries, including abrasives, refractories, ceramics, and filtration.
- Vertically integrated manufacturing, from crude SiC to finished grains and powders.
- Multiple US production sites ensure reliable supply and fast delivery.
- Custom formulations and toll processing services.
- Applications: Abrasive blasting, grinding wheels, ceramics, refractories, filtration, and more.
onsemi is a leading US-based supplier of silicon carbide power devices, offering a vertically integrated manufacturing solution from substrate to assembly and packaging. Their EliteSiC™ portfolio powers electric vehicles, industrial systems, and renewable energy infrastructure.
- End-to-end SiC manufacturing for reliable supply chain control.
- Focus on automotive, industrial, and energy applications.
- Advanced simulation and design support for customers.
- Market-specialized solutions (die, devices, packages).
Wolfspeed, formerly known as Cree, is a pioneer in SiC technology and a global leader in SiC wafer and device manufacturing. Their state-of-the-art Mohawk Valley facility in New York is the world's first 200mm SiC wafer fab, enabling large-scale production for automotive, energy, and industrial markets.
- Industry-leading SiC wafer production (200mm).
- Focus on automotive, energy, and industrial power electronics.
- Strong R&D and innovation in SiC materials and devices.
- Partnerships with major automotive and industrial OEMs.
Coherent Corp. is a major supplier of high-quality SiC wafers and advanced materials for electronics and photonics. Their products serve demanding markets such as automotive, telecommunications, and industrial power electronics.
- High-purity SiC wafers for semiconductors.
- Broad product portfolio for diverse electronic applications.
- Advanced photonic integration to enhance SiC production.
Valley Design Corp. specializes in custom manufacturing of lapped and polished SiC substrates and wafers, serving optics, aerospace, and semiconductor industries. Their expertise in precision shaping and finishing makes them a go-to supplier for specialized SiC components.
Atlantic Equipment Engineers provides black and green silicon carbide powders for abrasives, electronics, and semiconductor applications. They offer custom shapes, sizes, and blanket delivery services, meeting strict industry standards.
Reade Advanced Materials distributes black and green SiC in various forms (crystals, powders, sheets, sputtering targets) and purities (up to 99.9995%). Their products are used in abrasives, grinding wheels, refractories, and semiconductor technology.
Composition Materials Co. manufactures reusable SiC abrasives for surface preparation, blasting, stone engraving, and glass etching. They offer SiC in angular form, packaged in bags, pallets, and drums for industrial use.
Pellets, LLC produces and distributes SiC blasting abrasives for pressure blasting, lapping, grinding, and polishing. They serve industries such as foundries, electronics, sporting goods, and metalworking.
- Noah Chemicals: Alpha green SiC for aerospace, agriculture, and nuclear industries.
- CeramTec North America: SiC for semiconductors, aerospace, and medical applications.
- Foundry Service & Supplies, Inc.: SiC for corrosion and wear-resistant components.
- Refractron Technologies Corp.: High-temperature SiC ceramics for filtration and separation.
The silicon carbide market in America is characterized by rapid technological innovation and growing demand from the automotive (especially EVs), renewable energy, and industrial sectors. Key trends include:
- Shift to 200mm SiC wafers: Enabling higher device yields and lower costs for power electronics, especially in automotive and energy applications.
- Vertical integration: Major players like onsemi and Wolfspeed control the entire supply chain, ensuring quality and reliability from raw materials to finished devices.
- Strategic partnerships: Collaborations with global semiconductor and automotive leaders to accelerate SiC adoption and innovation.
- Sustainability: Focus on energy-efficient manufacturing and recyclable SiC products to meet environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals.
- Increased R&D investment: Companies are investing heavily in research and development to improve SiC crystal growth, reduce defects, and enhance device performance.
| Company | Main Products/Services | Key Markets | Unique Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Mills | CARBOREX® SiC grains, powders | Abrasives, refractories | Custom formulations, legacy |
| onsemi | SiC devices, wafers, modules | Automotive, industrial | Vertically integrated, EliteSiC™ |
| Wolfspeed, Inc. | SiC wafers, power devices | Automotive, energy, industry | 200mm fab, innovation |
| Coherent Corp. | SiC wafers, advanced materials | Electronics, photonics | High purity, photonic integration |
| Valley Design Corp. | Lapped/polished SiC substrates | Optics, aerospace | Precision finishing |
| Atlantic Equipment Engineers | SiC powders (black/green) | Abrasives, electronics | Custom shapes, ISO certified |
| Reade Advanced Materials | SiC crystals, powders, targets | Abrasives, semiconductors | High purity, diverse forms |
| Composition Materials Co., Inc. | SiC abrasives (reusable) | Blasting, etching | Reusable, various packaging |
| Pellets, LLC | SiC blasting abrasives | Foundry, electronics | Pressure blasting, lapping |
When selecting a silicon carbide manufacturer or supplier in America, consider the following factors:
- Product Range: Does the company offer the specific SiC form (grain, powder, wafer, device) and purity you need for your application?
- Customization: Can they tailor products to your size, chemistry, or application requirements?
- Quality Assurance: Are products certified (ISO, Mil-Spec, etc.) and traceable for quality and safety?
- Supply Chain Reliability: Is the manufacturer vertically integrated or reliant on third-party sources, which can affect lead times and consistency?
- Technical Support: Do they provide application engineering and after-sales support to help you optimize your processes?
- Sustainability: Are manufacturing processes energy-efficient and environmentally responsible, aligning with your company's sustainability goals?
- Pricing and Delivery: Does the supplier offer competitive pricing and reliable delivery schedules to meet your production needs?
Many American silicon carbide manufacturers and suppliers offer OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) services, which is especially valuable for foreign brand owners, wholesalers, and producers seeking to customize SiC products for their own brands or applications. OEM services can include:
- Custom branding and packaging: Allowing companies to market SiC products under their own label.
- Tailored formulations: Adjusting grain size, purity, or chemical composition to meet specific customer requirements.
- Technical collaboration: Working closely with customers to develop new products or improve existing ones.
- Supply chain management: Providing just-in-time delivery, inventory management, and logistics support.
OEM services are particularly important as the global market for silicon carbide continues to diversify, with applications expanding into new industries and regions.
The future of silicon carbide in America is bright, driven by several key factors:
- Electric vehicles (EVs): The shift to EVs is increasing demand for SiC power devices, which offer higher efficiency and longer range compared to traditional silicon devices.
- Renewable energy: SiC's superior performance in high-voltage, high-frequency applications makes it ideal for solar inverters, wind turbines, and energy storage systems.
- Industrial automation: As factories adopt more advanced automation and robotics, SiC components are essential for reliable, high-performance power management.
- Emerging technologies: SiC is being explored for use in quantum computing, high-frequency communications, and advanced sensors.
With continued investment in research, manufacturing capacity, and supply chain integration, American silicon carbide manufacturers and suppliers are well-positioned to lead the global market for years to come.
The American silicon carbide industry is robust, innovative, and rapidly evolving. From legacy manufacturers like Washington Mills to cutting-edge semiconductor leaders like Wolfspeed and onsemi, the market offers a diverse range of products and services for every application—from abrasives and refractories to advanced electronics and renewable energy. When choosing a silicon carbide manufacturer or supplier, it's essential to consider product range, customization options, quality assurance, supply chain reliability, and technical support. As demand for high-performance materials continues to grow, American silicon carbide manufacturers and suppliers are set to play a pivotal role in the future of global industry.
Black SiC is typically used for grinding and abrasive applications due to its toughness, while green SiC is purer and sharper, making it ideal for cutting hard materials and in electronics.
SiC has higher breakdown voltage, better thermal conductivity, and greater efficiency at high temperatures, making it superior for high-power, high-frequency applications like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
Most SiC is produced via the Acheson process, which involves heating silica and carbon to high temperatures in an electric furnace, forming SiC crystals that are then crushed and graded.
Yes, companies like Washington Mills, Atlantic Equipment Engineers, and Reade Advanced Materials provide custom SiC formulations to meet specific size, chemistry, and application needs.
Key considerations include wafer purity, diameter (e.g., 150mm or 200mm), defect density, supply chain reliability, and technical support for device integration.
