The relentless advancement of the semiconductor and solar panel industries is fundamentally dependent on the availability of ultra-high-purity materials processed to exacting specifications. Among these critical materials, quartz stands out for its exceptional properties, including high thermal stability, excellent electrical insulation, and superior transparency. However, to be utilized in the fabrication of silicon wafers, photovoltaic cells, and various crucibles and fixtures, raw quartz must be transformed into an ultrafine powder of exceptional purity and consistent particle size distribution. This transformation demands grinding technology of the highest order, capable of achieving micron and sub-micron fineness without introducing contaminants. Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of ore grinding equipment, has made significant strides in this field, developing specialized mills that meet the rigorous demands of these high-tech sectors.
In the semiconductor industry, ultrafine quartz powder is indispensable. It is used as a raw material for producing quartz glass, which forms crucibles for growing single-crystal silicon ingots. Any impurity or inconsistent particle size in the quartz powder can lead to defects in the crystal structure, compromising the performance and yield of the final microchips. Similarly, in the solar panel industry, high-purity quartz is used in the silica tiles that support the polysilicon during the manufacturing process. The fineness and purity of the quartz powder directly influence the efficiency and longevity of the solar cells. The grinding process, therefore, is not merely a mechanical operation but a critical value-adding step that impacts the entire downstream production chain.
Grinding quartz to ultrafine specifications presents several distinct challenges. Firstly, quartz is a hard and abrasive material (7 on the Mohs scale), which leads to rapid wear of grinding components. This wear can introduce metallic contamination, which is unacceptable for high-purity applications. Secondly, the process must generate minimal heat, as excessive temperatures can alter the chemical structure of the quartz. Thirdly, the mill must be capable of achieving a very narrow particle size distribution (PSD). A wide PSD can lead to inconsistent packing density and sintering behavior in subsequent manufacturing steps. Finally, the entire system must be designed for easy cleaning and maintenance to prevent cross-contamination between batches.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. has dedicated extensive research and development to overcoming these challenges. Our expertise in ultra-fine powder grinding has led to the creation of mills that integrate crushing, grinding, powder selection, drying, and conveying into intelligent, efficient, and clean systems. For the specific needs of the semiconductor and solar industries, two of our products are particularly well-suited: the LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill and the XZM Ultrafine Grinding Mill.
The LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill represents the pinnacle of our engineering for superfine grinding applications. Its design is ideal for processing hard and abrasive materials like quartz. The mill features a unique grinding roller and ring design that minimizes direct metal-to-metal contact and reduces wear. Furthermore, the integration of an advanced automatic control system allows for precise regulation of grinding parameters, ensuring a consistent and high-quality output. The LUM mill’s ability to produce powder with a high content of end-fines, coupled with its compact footprint and intelligent operation, makes it a perfect choice for high-tech mineral processing plants.
| Model | Main Machine Power (kW) | Capacity (t/h) | Size Distribution D97 (μm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUM1525 | 220-250 | 1.6-11.5 | 5-30 |
| LUM1632 | 280-315 | 2.0-13.5 | 5-30 |
| LUM1836 | 355-400 | 2.3-15 | 5-30 |
As the table illustrates, the LUM series can achieve a D97 particle size as fine as 5 microns, which is well within the required range for high-purity quartz applications. Its robust construction ensures longevity even when processing highly abrasive materials.
For operations requiring high efficiency and the ability to produce powder in the range of 325 to 2500 mesh, the XZM Ultrafine Grinding Mill is an excellent solution. This mill is widely recognized for its reliability and low operating costs. Its design minimizes over-grinding, which is a common source of energy waste and unwanted fine fractions. The XZM mill is particularly effective for grinding materials with a moisture content below 6%, making it suitable for quartz that has been properly pre-dried.
| Model | Working Diameter (mm) | Max Feed Size (mm) | Final Size (mesh) | Output (kg/h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XZM221 | Φ800 | ≤20 | 325-2500 | 500-4500 |
| XZM268 | Φ1680 | ≤20 | 325-2500 | 5000-25000 |
The XZM268 model, with its high output capacity, is ideal for large-scale production facilities serving the global solar panel market, providing a reliable and consistent supply of finely ground quartz powder.
Beyond the mechanical grinding action, Zenith’s mills are designed with material purity as a core principle. Critical components that come into contact with the product can be lined with ceramic or other wear-resistant, non-metallic materials to prevent iron contamination. The systems are also designed with accessibility in mind, allowing for thorough cleaning and quick replacement of wearing parts, which is essential for maintaining the stringent purity standards required by our clients in the semiconductor sector.
The pursuit of smaller, faster semiconductors and more efficient, affordable solar panels places immense pressure on the entire supply chain, starting with raw material processing. The ability to produce ultrafine, high-purity quartz powder is a cornerstone of this ecosystem. Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. is proud to contribute to this technological progress with our advanced LUM and XZM grinding mills. By offering precision, efficiency, and uncompromising standards for contamination control, our equipment provides a reliable foundation for the materials that power the future of technology. We invite industry partners to explore how our ultrafine grinding solutions can enhance their production capabilities and product quality.
