In the semiconductor manufacturing equipment market, ASML is a big and well-known company, but now its market dominance seems to be being seriously challenged. The rise of nanoimprint technology has put unprecedented pressure on ASML. Japan's Canon is making its mark, showing potential to break ASML's market monopoly with its newly launched nanoimprint semiconductor device.
Although ASML has achieved a breakthrough in the mass production of 2nm process chips with its new NA EUV lithography machine, it has to face a decline in shipments under the weight of export controls. ASML had been hoping that the NA EUV lithography machine would boost revenue, but it turned out that Canon's emerging equipment could have a place in the upcoming market competition.
Nanoimprint technology continues to attract semiconductor equipment manufacturers due to its low cost and high resolution. Canon's DPA-1200NZ2C nanoimprint lithography machine is not only much lower than ASML's EUV lithography machine in terms of cost, but also greatly reduces its cost of use. Nanoimprint equipment consumes only a quarter of the power of conventional lithography machines, making it cost-effective.
Canon's nanoimprint technology has already achieved a 5nm process and is expected to enter mass production in 2024. Although the exact production capacity is still unclear, Canon has shown confidence and paints a bright picture of a future that could surpass EUV lithography machines. What's even more remarkable is that it is expected that around 2026, Canon's nanoimprint equipment is expected to achieve mass production of 2nm process.
Considering that Canon's nanoimprint equipment relies mainly on non-U.S. technology development, this makes it difficult for the U.S. to restrict its shipments. This is good news for domestic chip manufacturers, which is expected to achieve mass production of advanced chips more conveniently. This is undoubtedly a blow to ASML, as it is facing an increasingly limited customer base.
The pattern of the chip industry is quietly changing, and although ASML once rode the dust with EUV lithography technology, it remains to be seen whether it can continue to dominate with the rise of competitors such as Canon.
Hotspot Engine Program