The German company Zeiss Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (Zeiss SMT) has opened a new production facility in Germany to increase the production of optical components for EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography.
This step is of strategic importance for the semiconductor industry. Because Zeiss SMT is currently the only supplier in the world that produces high-precision optical components for ASML's EUV lithography systems. Without Zeiss lenses, mirrors and optical systems, it is impossible to manufacture EUV machines used in the production of modern processors and chips.
According to experts, Zeiss' production capacity has long been considered one of the main factors limiting ASML's equipment production. The company produces lenses, mirrors and lighting modules for High-NA EUV systems. One such projection system consists of more than 40 thousand parts, weighs about 12 tons, and some mirrors take several months to manufacture.
To expand production, ASML has allocated a loan of 1.91 billion euros and an advance of 1.19 billion euros to its partner. The companies aim to reduce the lead time for each EUV lithography machine from 22 weeks to 15-16 weeks and increase production volumes.
ASML’s purchases from Zeiss SMT are also increasing year on year. This figure will rise to 3.33 billion euros in 2023, 3.95 billion euros in 2024 and 4.41 billion euros in 2025.
