Kanthal has been empowering high-tech manufacturing industries with its decades-long expertise in electric resistance materials. Among our key partners is Centrotherm, a market leader in thermal production solutions. The Germany-based company is well-renowned for its capabilities in oxidation, diffusion, and annealing processes.
To highlight how this partnership drives success while weathering the challenges of rapidly changing market trends, Stephan Possik, Director of Purchasing at Centrotherm, shares insights into the collaboration and its impact on advancing manufacturing technologies.
Kanthal and Centrotherm: A partnership built on innovation
Kanthal stood out as a reliable ally offering high-quality materials and a forward-thinking approach to innovation.
Stephan Possik, Director of Purchasing, CentrothermCentrotherm has over 70 years of experience in thermal processing solutions, specializing in manufacturing high-tech equipment for semiconductors, photovoltaics, and electronics. “Centrotherm’s focus has always been on precision and efficiency,” explains Possik, who has been with the company for four years. “Our customers rely on us to deliver top-quality energy-efficient devices while maintaining rigorous standards.”
“Centrotherm sought a partner that could deliver specialized heating solutions and Kanthal stood out as a reliable ally offering high-quality materials and a forward-thinking approach to innovation,” Possik shares.
Meeting the demands of cost-sensitive markets
The semiconductor and photovoltaic industries are highly competitive and price-sensitive. Through a collaborative “design-to-cost” approach, Kanthal developed diffusion cassettes tailored to Centrotherm’s specific needs.
“Kanthal’s diffusion cassettes ensure precise, uniform heating during high-temperature processes, such as oxidation and diffusion. This enables Centrotherm to enhance production efficiency while maintaining competitive pricing,” Possik explains.
This synergy of cost-efficiency and performance strengthens Centrotherm’s position, while reinforcing Kanthal’s reputation as a leader in electric resistance materials.
Global challenges, agile solutions
As industries increasingly globalize, success depends on an agile supply chain, reliable material availability, and proximity to customers. With semiconductor and photovoltaic manufacturing primarily concentrated in Asia, Centrotherm’s ability to navigate this dynamic market is crucial.
“Our ability to act globally while thinking locally helps ensure consistent quality and reliable delivery, even amidst supply chain uncertainties,” highlights Possik.
Centrotherm also benefits from Kanthal’s extensive global network, which enables the seamless integration of high-quality materials into its systems.
Driving sustainability in high-tech manufacturing
Kanthal and Centrotherm share a strong commitment to sustainability. Kanthal’s top-of-the-line diffusion cassettes are critical for Centrotherm’s efforts to reduce energy consumption in high-temperature processes.
“Our processing equipment for Si- and SiC-based semiconductors plays an important role in reducing energy consumption across various applications, contributing to environmental protection,” shares Possik.
Diffusion cassettes are indispensable for holding wafers securely and enabling precise, uniform, and efficient thermal and chemical treatments. Their role directly impacts the quality, efficiency, and yield of Si- (Silicon) and SiC- (Silicon Carbide) based semiconductor manufacturing processes.
High-temperature processes require significant energy and generate considerable heat, therefore Centrotherm is exploring innovative ways to address this. “By implementing closed-loop heat recovery systems we can help our customers reuse heat within their production facilities,” explains Possik. This approach optimizes resource use and advances Centrotherm’s broader sustainability objectives.
Sustainability is embedded in everything Kanthal does. By providing energy-efficient solutions that align with global environmental goals, the company contributes to advancing sustainability in high-tech manufacturing.
A partnership for the future
The pace of innovation in the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries requires partners who can evolve and adapt together. Kanthal’s collaboration with Centrotherm is a testament to how co-innovation can unlock new possibilities for high-tech manufacturing.
“Kanthal is an important partner for us, helping to introduce innovations that improve costs, technology, and quality,” says Possik.
Looking ahead, both companies see immense growth potential. Kanthal’s expertise in materials science and Centrotherm’s strength in process engineering aim to drive the next wave of advancements in semiconductor and photovoltaic manufacturing.
“We must continually evolve to stay ahead of the curve and Kanthal’s ability to deliver high-performing solutions will be central to this journey,” Possik reflects.
By aligning expertise and vision, Kanthal and Centrotherm are setting new standards in semiconductor, microelectronics, and photovoltaic industries—powering the technologies that drive our world forward.