Samsung obtains world's first 450-mm tool
The 450-mm era has finally begun, but will the next-generation wafer size move the IC and chip-equipment industries towards bankruptcy?
The proposed new and costly 450-mm fabs are a huge gamble and could indeed make or break the industry. In any event, Japan's S.E.S. Co. Ltd. has reportedly just shipped the world's first 450-mm tool--a next-generation wafer cleaning system, according to sources. The first 450-mm tool, which is said to be a R&D prototype, is reportedly going to South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., according to sources.
http://www.eetimes.com/news/se...VN?articleID=208402622
Pretty exciting to see things moving and shaking in the 450mm toolset industry.
I personally would have expected this day to not come for another 3-4 years, Samsung is obviously making a statement here by (1) ensuring they are at the forefront of the 450mm transition, and (2) ensuring the rest-of-the-world knows they are at the forefront of the 450mm transition. (it is rare for an IDM to publicly acknowledge tool shipments from specific vendors, usually this is considered trade secret material and competitive info)