Synopex has begun validation testing of its chemical filters on Samsung Electronics semiconductor production lines, moving beyond the research and development stage into on-site demonstration testing using customer equipment.
According to industry sources on May 29, Synopex is testing chemical filters designed for 10-nanometer-class semiconductor processes on Samsung Electronics production lines. The Cheonan campus, where expansion work is underway, is considered the most likely testing site. Certification results are expected as early as the end of this year or by early next year. Validation of semiconductor process filters typically takes three to six months.
The chemical filters developed by Synopex remove microscopic impurities from high-purity chemicals such as sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid used in semiconductor manufacturing. The filters incorporate e-PTFE membrane material with high chemical resistance and purity characteristics.
Synopex succeeded in developing 10-nanometer-class chemical filters last year and completed research-stage testing at the end of the year. The company also finished development of a 5-nanometer-class product earlier this year and delivered samples to customers in March. Industry observers view the development as meaningful because Synopex has localized the entire manufacturing process, including production equipment for the filters.
During its first-quarter earnings presentation, Synopex said it planned to install its chemical filters at a major customer's newly built production facility for demonstration testing, adding that proximity between its filter factory and the customer's site would enable rapid support.
The customer is understood to be Samsung Electronics. Samsung signed an investment agreement with Cheonan City in late 2024 to expand its semiconductor packaging plant at the Cheonan Third General Industrial Complex, with production line expansion scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. Synopex manufactures semiconductor process filters and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membrane filters at its nearby Cheonan facility.
Synopex had originally planned to complete testing in the first half and begin generating mass-production revenue from the third quarter. However, strong semiconductor demand pushed production line utilization rates higher, making it difficult to secure idle lines for testing. The company subsequently agreed with the customer to conduct testing on newly installed production lines instead. Industry sources said products installed during the initial ramp-up stage of a new facility are more likely to transition into future mass-production supply.
Synopex is targeting a 70% share of chemical filters used in customer production lines. Currently, US-based Entegris supplies all chemical filters to Samsung Electronics. Synopex previously took market share from Entegris in the chemical mechanical polishing slurry filter segment, where Synopex now holds about 70% share compared with Entegris' 30%. The company plans to pursue a similar localization strategy in chemical filters.
Synopex is also seeking to supply SK hynix. The company received a request for sample submissions earlier this year and is currently optimizing external chemical filter casing designs to match the customer's equipment structure. It plans to provide samples within this year.
Source: Read the original report | Published: May 29, 2026