Veeco, a US-based semiconductor equipment supplier with $583 million in revenue, has recently acquired a 12-laser NXG XII 600 powder bed fusion 3D printer from Nikon SLM Solutions for semiconductor applications. The company is known for producing PVD machines, ALD machines, and other equipment for the semiconductor industry, which is currently cash-rich.
The NXG XII 600 is a large-scale machine that Veeco plans to use for manufacturing gas delivery systems, manifolds, and heat exchangers. This acquisition marks a significant step forward for Veeco in terms of utilizing additive manufacturing technology in semiconductor manufacturing.
The partnership between Veeco and Nikon SLM Solutions is expected to drive innovation and productivity in the semiconductor industry. By leveraging the capabilities of the NXG XII 600, Veeco aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in semiconductor manufacturing, leading to new advancements and applications in the industry.
It is interesting to note that the specific component-level logic behind Veeco’s purchase of the NXG remains unclear. While the semiconductor industry is predicted to invest around $1.4 billion in additive manufacturing by 2032, the exact applications Veeco envisions for the machine are not entirely clear.
Traditionally, large multi-laser systems like the NXG XII 600 have been used in defense and new space industries to produce singularly large, integrated components. The advantages of these systems include reduced assembly costs, lower mass, enhanced performance, and the ability to integrate more functionality while reducing the overall part count. These benefits have been particularly valuable in the new space industry.
Although heat exchangers, one of the applications mentioned by Veeco, are typically smaller components, there may be cases where exceptionally large heat exchangers for specialized semiconductor equipment are needed, justifying the use of a larger system like the NXG XII 600.
Overall, the semiconductor industry is proving to be a key growth driver for additive manufacturing, as more companies aim to localize production and invest in new technologies to stay competitive. Veeco’s decision to acquire the NXG XII 600 likely reflects broader industry trends and specific needs in high-precision and complex component manufacturing.
As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, the utilization of additive manufacturing technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in driving innovation and efficiency in manufacturing processes. Veeco’s partnership with Nikon SLM Solutions and the acquisition of the NXG XII 600 demonstrate the company’s commitment to embracing new technologies and staying at the forefront of semiconductor manufacturing advancements.