LED Taiwan’s 2013 Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) exhibition will be launched on Sept. 4, 2013 to present the latest technology from domestic and international LED manufacturers and suppliers. Main themes of forums hosted at the show will include “LED technology forum,” “2013 Automation Technology for Solid-State Lighting Workshop,” and “TechXPOT”. Over the last year, the LED industry has been more cautious in expansions, and has been elevating its oversupply situation. SEMI believes LED chip manufacturers capital expenditures will grow 17% in 2014, and that large international brands will be actively transiting into 6-inch wafer productions. Price falls in sapphire substrate prices will also help these substrate materials maintain high competitiveness.

Over recent years, the LED industry has been debating whether sapphire substrates are under pressure of being replaced by cheaper substrate materials. Upstream LED chip manufacturers are gradually switching from 2-inch and 4-inch sapphire wafer productions to 4-inch and 6-inch. Those in the industry believe sapphire substrates will still be highly competitive even after transiting into 6-inch wafer productions, as sapphire substrate prices have fallen recently, sapphire substrate material remained stable, and with mature industrial technology. 

On the other hand, the LED industry has used sapphire substrate material in more than 80% applications. As sapphire substrate prices plunge recently, it has led to decreased LED chip costs. The current price for 4-inch sapphire wafer is about US$ 32, compared to its record high price of US$ 130 in 2011. Prices for 6-inch sapphire wafer are currently under US$ 300, in comparison to its price 18 months ago of US$ 450. Patterned Sapphire Substrate (PSS) is also quickly becoming the new standard for 2-inch and 4-inch wafers. Six-inch wafers also have a positive future outlook.