At Seacole, we offer a range of chemistries that meet the standards of various common chemical grades, from semiconductor grade solvents for medical device and semiconductor manufacturing to technical grade cleaners for decorative finishes, we have the range of chemistries to meet your manufacturing needs and your budget.
Let’s take a closer look at the different chemical grades, what they mean, and how they’re used, from the purest semiconductor chemistries to purified and technical chemistries.
Semiconductor-Grade Chemicals
Semiconductor-grade chemicals are ultra-purified to parts per billion (ppb) or parts per trillion (ppt) levels for metal ions and organic contaminants. This ensures low, controlled particulate levels and very low residues after evaporation.
Our line of semiconductor-grade chemistries meets the strictest quality requirements with specifications established by the semiconductor industry. As such, they are also ideal for medical device manufacturing, where biocompatibility and patient safety are paramount.
ACS-Grade Chemicals
Also known as reagents, ACS-grade chemicals are formulated to the specifications of the American Chemical Society (ACS). They are ultra-pure, high-assay reagent chemicals created for laboratory quality control testing. They may also be used by manufacturers who require high purity.
USP-Grade Chemicals
USP-grade chemicals are chemistries produced to the standards of United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for use in pharmaceutical, food, and some medical applications, such as microbiological testing. The USP standards ensure the chemicals meet specific criteria for identity, quality, purity, strength, and consistency.
NF-Grade Chemicals
Similar to USP-grade chemicals, NF-grade chemicals are formulated for non-active pharmaceutical ingredients. Standards for NF-grade chemicals are set by the National Formulary, which is published by the USP.
Laboratory-Grade Chemicals
Laboratory-grade chemicals are formulated on the lower end of the ACS chemical specifications. They are relatively high-purity chemicals that contain unspecified contaminants. They are suitable for low-level education and training purposes where full ACS standards are not required.
Purified-Grade Chemicals
Purified-grade chemicals are medium- to low-purity chemicals that do not meet any official standards. They are used for industrial cleaning where purity is not critical, such as decorative plating or transportation cleaners.
Technical-Grade Chemicals
Technical-grade chemicals are good-quality chemicals for use in commercial and industrial applications where purity is not critical. It may be the case that chemical manufacturer’s purity specifications are high, but handling and packaging affect quality and consistency. Like purified-grade chemicals, technical-grade chemicals are ideal for industrial cleaning and other processes where purity is not critical.
Chemical grades are important, but they don’t need to be confusing. Work with a technical expert at Seacole to source the appropriate grade chemistry for your process. Share your manufacturing chemistry challenges with us, and we will work with you to find a solution. Contact us today for local, expert support.
