Epoxy Molding Compound (EMC) lead frames have high thermal resistance, Ultraviolet (UV) resistance, high electric voltage conductivity, and resistance to yellowing. They offer a new choice for LED package manufactures that are continuously looking for new ways to lower costs.

Taiwanese and Chinese LED package manufactures have both been expanding EMC production capacity this year, with Chinese manufacturers expanding the fastest. Lightning Optoelectronic Technology EMC production capacity has already doubled. EMC lead frame price is anticipated to decrease rapidly due to manufacturers expanding production capacity, which is creating competition for PCT lead frames that already have an advantage in cost/performance ratio.

Manufacturers who already produce EMC spec packaging include Nichia who was the earliest to introduce EMC package lead frames. The company’s 757 series EMC lead frames were entered the global market in 2013. Nichia has the highest monthly capacity of 800KK EMC with Chinese LED package manufacturer Lightning Optoelectronic close behind producing 270KK a month. The recent pace of production capacity expansion has again widened the gap between Taiwanese package manufactures.

Taiwanese manufacturer Gio Optoelectronics, recently acquired by China Electric, has a monthly production capacity of 80KK. Everlight’s monthly EMC production capacity is around 60KK.

With Chinese LED package manufactures rapid pace of EMC expansion gradually satisfying demands, the market estimates that EMC lead frames could continue to decrease in price as production capacity expansion increases. EMC lead frames continual price decreases  could lead to the replacement of PCT frames which are currently lower in price and have a higher price/performance ratio.