For over a decade, Mycronic have focused on the development of leading-edge mask writer technology for photomasks within display manufacturing (in TV’s, smartphones and tablets etc.), as well as for applications within the multipurpose market – a broad segment comprising many different application areas.
Based on the same advanced technology, the SLX laser mask writer is designed to meet the rising demand for photomasks for mature semiconductor nodes. With this new series of machines, Mycronic intends to support an upcoming replacement and modernization cycle within the industry and meet the need for additional capacity.
The trend towards making everything smarter – consumer goods, cars, Internet of Things, medical devices, and even industrial manufacturing equipment – is driving new demand for low and mid-range semiconductors. Industry projections point to more than 90% of all new growth in the industry stemming from these fields, rather than traditional sources like computers and smartphones.
The rapid pace of change in the semiconductor industry has led to a strong investment focus on keeping up with the leading-edge, rather improving the efficiency of more mature node production. Still, due to speed and lower dollar-to-mask costs, laser photo masks are preferred whenever they can meet the technical requirements. Out of the over 600,000 photomasks produced in semiconductor industry each year, 70-75% of these are written using laser-based mask writers, demonstrating how these remain critical for semiconductor production – especially in mature design nodes.
Although Mycronic hasn’t launched any new offerings in the semiconductor arena recently, the company never left the space. Service of the existing installed base of semiconductor mask writers Sigma and Omega secured a close contact with the industry.
The SLX series is based on the same technology as the display mask writers, including writing principles and the recently launched Evo control platform. The precision of the leading-edge mask writers used for the display industry are already well within the requirements of the mature semiconductor arena. Sharing a base technology platform between display and semiconductor mask writers will leverage synergies within current and future technology development – fully utilizing the existing service organization.
For more information, visit: https://www.mycronic.com/en/news/news-articles/introducing-slx-laser-mask-writer-series-for-semiconductors/
