Lithography, Fundamental & Indispensable for Mass Production of Semiconductor Chips

These machines are responsible for the world’s computer chips.

ASML, a Dutch technology company, manufactures the world's most advanced and expensive chipmaking machines, costing up to US$400 million each.

These High NA lithography systems are essential for TSMC to produce advanced semiconductors used by NVIDIA and Apple.

The machines create extreme ultraviolet light (EUV) by shooting molten tin at 50,000 droplets per second and vaporizing them with lasers.

This process etches microscopic patterns onto silicon wafers with unprecedented precision.

Each machine takes 18 months to build, weighs more than a double-decker bus, and requires seven Boeing 747 aircraft for delivery.

ASML's monopoly on this technology has made it a geopolitical flashpoint in global trade disputes.