With technological advancement, growing demand for electronic devices, and increasing complexity of electronic components, the hermetic packaging market has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. Data Bridge Market Research shows that the hermetic packaging market is expected to reach $6.32 billion by 2030, compared to $3,70 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 6.90% from 2023-2030.
Hermetic packaging provides a completely sealed enclosure that protects electronics from gases, liquids, changes in atmospheric pressure, and other harsh environmental conditions. This article will explore in detail hermetic packaging, including its definition, components, and applications.
What is Hermetic Packaging
Hermetic packaging, or hermetic sealing, is a type of packaging that makes the object airtight and properly sealed. Compared to plastic packaging, hermetic packaging provides thoroughly sealed packaging that completely isolates the object from external elements, such as gases, moisture, humidity, dust, or other contaminants. This way, nothing could penetrate the hermetic-packaged object and compromise its functionality.
The term “hermetic” derives from the Greek god Hermes. It is related to a practice called Hermeticism, which has its roots in alchemy. In fact, the legendary Hermes Trismegistus was said to have invented a method for turning a glass tube airtight using a secret seal. Following the same concept, hermetic packaging creates a sealed environment around the object so that nothing from the outside world can compromise the enclosed object.
Hermetic packaging has become a crucial solution for protecting emerging new electronics, such as advanced sensors, semiconductors, integrated circuits (ICs), frequency communication devices, etc. In short, hermetic packaging serves as an ideal electronic packaging seal that ensures the longevity and reliability of enclosed electronics.
Components of Hermetic Packaging
There are many components in hermetic packaging that collectively make up a complete and reliable hermetic seal package for devices. Below is the list of essential components of hermetic packaging:
- Housing/Enclosure
Housing is the outermost component as a physical barrier between the internal electronics and the outside environment. It is usually made of metal or ceramic materials with high mechanical strength and thermal conductivity. The main purpose of this component is to provide structural support and protection from physical damage.
- Hermetic Seal
The most crucial component of hermetic packaging is the hermetic seal, as it creates an airtight barrier within the package. Depending on the desired level of hermeticity, the sealing can be performed via welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, brazing, or glass-to-metal sealing. Its main function is to ensure that no gases, liquids, or other contaminants can penetrate the housing/enclosure.
- Feedthroughs
Feedthroughs are electrical connectors that pass through the hermetic seal to allow the transmission of power or signals to and from the sealed electronics. They are usually made from materials compatible with the hermetic seal package and designed carefully to ensure no leakage paths. The primary purpose of this component is to allow any power/signal cables to pass into the sealed housing/enclosure without worrying about leakage around or through the cable.
- Getter
The getter is a material placed inside a hermetic package to protect the environment inside the package. The material of the getter, mostly a metal alloy/compound, is picked carefully depending on the specific electronics. The main purpose of the getter is to capture contaminants present at sealing or those that outgas over the device’s lifetime.
- Lid/Cover
The lid/cover is an additional component that some hermetic packaging includes to cover the hermetic enclosure. It is mainly made from the same material as housing and sealed using the same sealing method. The primary purpose of this component is to provide additional protection and mechanical strength.
All the above components work harmoniously to create a complete hermetic seal package, offering the protection sensitive electronic devices need.
Applications of Hermetic Packaging
Hermetic packaging is commonly used in applications where sensitive electronics or semiconductor devices must function reliably despite high moisture levels, high/low temperatures, high pressure, etc. Owing to that, hermetic electronic packages are used in various fields, as follows:
- Aerospace technologies
- Medical devices
- Petrochemical industry for offshore or down-hole drilling
- Telecommunication
- Optical devices
- Automotive electronics
And many more.
In short, the ability of hermetic packaging to protect devices from harsh environmental factors and ensure more reliability of devices make it a preferred sealing approach in various industrial applications.
Hermetix – The Leading Provider of Top-Notch Hermetic Packages
Hermetix is a renowned and leading provider of state-of-the-art hermetic packages, offering cutting-edge solutions for various applications and industries. With over 25 years of experience and a vast network of engineers and suppliers, Hermetix provides a wide range of product categories, such as:
- Optoelectronic packages
- Power packages
- Sensor packages
- HIC packages
- TO headers
- SMD
Hermetix’s extensive hermetic packages powered with the most advanced hermetic sealing technologies are fulfilling the hermetic packing needs in various fields, from optical communication, sensors, and medical equipment to automobile, commercial lasers, and aviation. Moreover, our comprehensive R&D stage helps companies to solve design issues and create the most feasible hermetic package design for their products. Overall, Hermetix stands as a leading and reliable provider of an extensive range of hermetic packages.
Click here to get comprehensive hermetic packaging solutions for your business.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermetic_seal
https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-hermetic-packaging-market