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MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Control at
every material stage.

The manufacturing sequence converts refined feedstock into engineered sapphire while controlling orientation, geometry and surface condition.

CRYSTAL GROWTH

Two growth platforms

The process begins with in-house crystal growth by one of two methods.

Diagram of Czochralski crystal growth: a seed crystal drawn from the melt forms a cylindrical boule
Czochralski (CZ)A seed crystal is drawn slowly from the alumina melt while rotating, forming a cylindrical boule for ingots and wafers.
Diagram of Edge-defined Film-fed Growth: crystal pulled through a shaping die into near-net forms
Edge-defined Film-fed Growth (EFG)The crystal is pulled through a shaping die, producing near-net forms such as ribbons, sheets, tubes and rods.
Sapphire ingot and crystal pieces
Sapphire ingot and crystal pieces
Back-lit sapphire ingot
Back-lit sapphire ingot

Photographed at the AEIM factory.

  1. 01

    Crystal growth

    High-purity starting material is transformed into synthetic sapphire under a controlled growth process.

  2. 02

    Coring and slicing

    The crystal is oriented and converted into the required preliminary geometry.

  3. 03

    Grinding

    Dimensional geometry and edge conditions are developed toward specification.

  4. 04

    Lapping

    Flatness, thickness and intermediate surface condition are progressively controlled.

  5. 05

    Polishing and buffing

    Surface finish is prepared for the intended optical, electronic or mechanical requirement.

  6. 06

    Cleaning and inspection

    Finished material is cleaned, inspected and documented against the agreed acceptance criteria.