Requirement: Upgraded Metallurgical Grade (UMG) Silicon.
Purity: 5N (99.999%)
Type: Doped P-type (Boron)
Dimensions: 4 to 8 inches, thickness ≤ 300 micron.
UMG Silicon Wafers
We frequently handle custom requests for upgraded materials. Below is an example of a specification from a solar cell researcher:
Our Solution:
While UMG is specific, many research applications can utilize CZ wafers. Standard CZ silicon typically has an Oxygen level of ~20ppma, effectively making the material 99.998% pure, which often meets or exceeds 5N UMG requirements for testing.
If the dissolved Oxygen is not a critical defect for your application, we recommend:
100mm P/B (100) 1-10 ohm-cm 300um DSP Prime Grade
Reference #95612 for specs and pricing.
Metallurgical Grade Silicon (MG-Si)
MG-Si is the primary feedstock for the entire silicon industry. Produced by the carbothermic reduction of quartz, typical MG-Si is approximately 98% to 99% pure. For semiconductor applications, this material undergoes further processing to become Electronic Grade Silicon (EG-Si).
If you require raw MG-Si chunks, powder, or specific UMG ingots, please provide your purity specs.
What Does "Metallurgical Grade" Mean?
In the silicon industry, Metallurgical Grade (MG) refers to silicon with a purity level typically ranging from 98% to 99.5%. It is the most basic commercially purified form of silicon, distinct from the higher purities required for electronics or solar panels.
Key Characteristics:
- Purity: MG-Si contains approximately 98% silicon. The remaining 1-2% consists of impurities such as Iron (Fe), Aluminum (Al), and Calcium (Ca).
- Production: It is produced via the carbothermic reduction of quartz (silica) in electric arc furnaces at temperatures exceeding 1,900°C.
- Hierarchy of Silicon Grades:
- Metallurgical Grade (MG-Si): ~99% pure (2N). Used for aluminum alloys and silicones.
- Solar Grade (SoG-Si): ~99.999% pure (5N). Used for photovoltaic cells.
- Electronic Grade (EG-Si): >99.9999999% pure (9N-11N). Used for semiconductor chips.
Metallurgical Grade Silicon Wafers Price
The price of Metallurgical Grade Silicon varies significantly depending on the form factor (raw chunks vs. processed wafers). While the raw material is inexpensive, the cost to process it into wafers can be substantial.
1. Raw Material Cost (Chunks/Ingots)
Raw MG-Si is a globally traded commodity. As of early 2026, spot prices for metallurgical grade silicon metal typically range from $1.50 to $3.50 USD per kg depending on the region and specific impurity content.
- Asian Markets: ~$1.50 - $1.80 per kg
- North American/European Markets: ~$2.10 - $3.40 per kg
2. Wafer Pricing
Unlike standard Electronic Grade wafers, MG-Si wafers are often custom-manufactured items. Their price is driven by processing costs (slicing, grinding, polishing) rather than the raw material value.
- Standard Wafers (Prime/Test): Mass-produced electronic grade wafers often cost between $15 - $50+ per wafer due to economies of scale.
- MG-Si Wafers: Because they are non-standard, small-batch MG-Si wafers may cost more per wafer than high-purity stock wafers due to custom setup fees, despite the lower material quality.
- Bulk Orders: For large-scale solar research or alloy testing, purchasing in ingot form or bulk-pack wafers significantly reduces the unit cost.
Note: Prices are subject to market fluctuations and energy costs. Please use the quote form below for current pricing on specific dimensions and quantities.
Request a Fast Quote
Tell us your purity target (e.g., 3N, 4N, 5N), form (chunks, crushed, or wafer), and intended use. Our engineers will recommend the most suitable MG-Si or UMG lot for your research.
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Metallurgical Grade Silicon & Applications
Production and Characteristics
Metallurgical Grade Silicon (MG-Si) is commercially produced by the reaction of high-purity silica (quartz) with wood, charcoal, and coal in an electric arc furnace. This process utilizes carbon electrodes to reduce the silica into silicon liquid, which is then tapped from the furnace, cooled, and crushed. The resulting material typically contains 98% to 99% silicon, with primary impurities being iron, aluminum, and calcium.
While MG-Si is the starting point for almost all commercial silicon products, it is distinct from Electronic Grade Silicon (EG-Si). EG-Si requires significantly higher purity (9N to 11N) and is produced by purifying MG-Si via the Siemens process (reacting with HCl to form trichlorosilane) or Fluidized Bed Reactor methods.
Upgraded Metallurgical Grade (UMG) Silicon
For the solar energy industry, the extreme purity of EG-Si is not always strictly necessary. Upgraded Metallurgical Grade (UMG) silicon serves as a cost-effective alternative for photovoltaic cells. UMG is produced by refining MG-Si using metallurgical techniques—such as slagging, leaching, and directional solidification—rather than chemical gas-phase purification.
UMG silicon generally targets a purity of 5N (99.999%). Using UMG substrates can significantly reduce the manufacturing cost of solar modules while maintaining acceptable efficiency levels. Research indicates that upgrading to UMG offers advantages in lower energy consumption during production compared to the Siemens process.
Applications in Research and Industry
MG-Si and UMG silicon are utilized in various high-tech sectors:
- Photovoltaics: As a substrate for inexpensive silicon solar cells. Improvements in directional solidification have allowed UMG to rival standard polysilicon in specific solar applications.
- Aluminum Alloys: The largest application of MG-Si is as an alloying agent for the aluminum industry, improving strength and castability.
- Silicones: Used as a precursor for producing silicone polymers and sealants.
- Semiconductor Research: Used in the development of thin-film epitaxy and as a baseline material for testing purification methodologies.
Test Wafers and Reclaimed Options
In equipment manufacturing, silicon process test discs (often made from lower-grade or reclaimed silicon) serve as automation hardware. Plant manufacturers use these to simulate the performance of handling systems without risking expensive prime wafers. Unlike virgin MG-Si, Reclaimed Silicon Wafers are previously used wafers that have been stripped and repolished.
Whether you require raw MG-Si chunks for alloy research or polished UMG wafers for photovoltaic testing, UniversityWafer provides materials tailored to your specific purity and dimensional requirements.