17" x 14" Chrome Photomask

BASE MATERIAL

Available on soda lime glass with a low-reflective chrome pattern etched into the surface. The chrome layer includes a CrO (chrome oxide) top layer to reduce light reflections. Quartz substrates are also available, with other materials offered as special orders. See SPECIFICATIONS for further technical details.

CHOOSING RESOLUTIONS

For LARGE FORMAT photomasks, we offer three standard resolution levels, referred to as "grades." Higher grades provide better quality. See the SPECIFICATIONS section for how each grade affects dimensional accuracy and feature tolerances.

GRADE C: Suitable for features approximately 100 µm and larger. Linewidth tolerance is ±3 µm. Edge sharpness and definition are acceptable for non-critical designs, although arcs, circles, and diagonal lines may exhibit visible pixelation. This is our lowest resolution.

GRADE B: Recommended for features >10 µm where linewidth tolerance can be ±1 µm. Provides good edge quality with minor pixelation. Corner rounding is reduced but still present. This is our mid-level resolution.

GRADE A: Commonly used for high-precision photomasks. Resolves down to 5 µm lines with minimal edge pixelation and excellent corner definition. Linewidth tolerance is ±0.5 µm. Offers a strong balance between cost and performance.

GRADE A+: Available only on selected mask sizes and types. Supports critical features down to 3 µm with linewidth tolerance of ±0.3 µm.

MIN CD

CD stands for "Critical Dimension" and refers to the smallest feature in the design, including both drawn elements and spaces between them. Providing an accurate CD value helps determine appropriate inspection and manufacturing methods. Use the NOTES section to convey any additional information.

CAD FORMAT

Only commonly used formats are listed above. Note that graphic-based formats such as CorelDraw, PDF, PostScript, SVG, BMP, and TIFF are not suitable for submicron accuracy and often introduce dimensional errors. For all high-resolution masks (Class 3 or 4), we strongly recommend vector-based engineering formats such as Gerber, GDSII, DXF, and CIF. If your format is not listed, contact us for clarification. Full drafting services are available if you require us to generate CAD files from drawings or specifications.

POLARITY Photomasks are defined as Clearfield (positive) or Darkfield (negative). In a positive polarity, CAD data appears as chrome features with a clear glass background. In a negative polarity, CAD data appears clear, and the background is chrome. To determine orientation, include reference text on your design and specify whether it should appear as right reading or wrong reading. Need further clarification? See our instructional video here...

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

For LARGE FORMAT photomasks, standard production turnaround is 7–10 working days from receipt of artwork, purchase order, and related documentation. A checkplot will be issued for all orders and must be approved promptly to avoid delays. This timeline assumes that the submitted data is correct and requires no revision. For high-resolution or large-quantity orders, please confirm feasibility before requesting premium turnaround services.

Standard (14 days): Our typical lead time. While 99% of orders ship within this window, actual turnaround may vary during peak periods. Early shipment is often possible when files and paperwork are promptly completed. Orders received after 13:00 are scheduled from the following working day.

7 Days: Premium service. A complete data package (design, order, and instructions) must be received by 11:00. Checkplot approval is expected within 1 hour to avoid delay.

INSPECTION

All photomasks are subject to a rigorous inspection process, regardless of the selected inspection class. Critical parameters such as CD (Critical Dimension) size and uniformity are measured and recorded internally. High-magnification images are captured using Nikon MM40 (900×) and OGP ZIP 300 (400×) systems, and stored with our production records. In some industries—particularly medical or automotive—additional inspection documentation may be required for compliance with quality systems. You can select the level of documentation to be provided with your order. 

Standard: Full inspection performed; no documentation issued.

Certificate of Conformance: Printed certificate confirming compliance with inspection criteria.

Certificate of Measurement: Verifies up to 10 user-defined dimensions against specified tolerances. A CAD file or drawing must be provided indicating the positions to be measured. Additional measurements available on request.

CHECKPLOT

Before production, we supply a checkplot—an essential part of our approval workflow. This checkplot is a high resolution PDF graphic, emailed to you for review. It provides an overview of the design layout, helping you confirm pattern alignment, feature placement, and polarity. However, it is a rasterised image and not suitable for verifying precise dimensions.

For critical designs where dimensional accuracy must be confirmed at the CAD level, we recommend using our online CAD checkplot viewer. This platform allows you to inspect your design using vector data, ensuring that features such as linewidth and spacing match your expectations. You can zoom in to inspect fine details, toggle layers, and therefore compare your submitted file against our interpreted version.

Checkplot approval is mandatory before manufacturing begins. No production will start until confirmation is received. Ensure that your review includes polarity, reading direction, and any reference markers required by your process.

For more details, see our Checkplot Information Page.

YOUR DRAWING NUMBER

Please specify the CAD file name or drawing number so we can match the uploaded data to your order.

NOTES

Use this section to provide any additional instructions or specifications related to your order.

Please refer to the TECHNICAL, DOWNLOAD, and FAQ sections for more information. For further clarification, contact us via email or use LIVE SUPPORT.