Semiconductor Etching Machines Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, (Wet Etching Machines, Dry Etching Machines and Others), By Application (Logic and Memory, Power Devices, MEMS and Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2031

Updated On: 06 May 2024

SEMICONDUCTOR ETCHING MACHINES MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW

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The global semiconductor etching machines market size was USD 20740 million in 2023 and the market is projected to touch USD 27790 million by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period.

By carefully eliminating material from the surface of semiconductor wafers, semiconductor etching machines are essential to the semiconductor manufacturing process. The complex structures and patterns that serve as the foundation for electrical components on the wafer are created by this process, which is crucial. Wet etching machines and dry etching machines are the two main categories into which semiconductor etching machine types may be divided. In the semiconductor business, semiconductor etching machines are employed in a wide range of processes, such as the creation of sensors, MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), power devices, logic and memory devices, and other specialized components. The specifics of the semiconductor manufacturing process, such as the required degree of precision, material compatibility, and the type of structures to be formed on the semiconductor wafer, determine whether wet or dry etching is best.

COVID-19 Impact: Pandemic Adversely Affected the Construction, Manufacturing and Electronic Industries and Havocked the Market Growth

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The industrial, construction, and electronics sectors suffered greatly during the COVID-19 epidemic. Production was either stopped completely or severely curtailed. The world economy was negatively impacted in the manufacturing and transportation sectors, along with their supply networks. This resulted in a drop in semiconductor production and market demand, which in turn restrained the market's expansion for semiconductor etch equipment. On the other hand, industries are progressively returning to their normal production and services. This is anticipated to trigger the resumption of operations at full capacity for semiconductor etch equipment firms, therefore aiding in the industry's recovery.

LATEST TRENDS

"Rapid Technological Advancements and Transition to Tumble up the Market Shares"

These days, the most interesting "must-win" future technologies—like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated wireless networks—are powered by semiconductors. In order to address the complicated demands of a constantly changing digital landscape, semiconductors and microelectronics are developing at the same rapid pace as breakthrough technologies are being added to almost every aspect of life. Furthermore, the development of artificial intelligence and big data accelerates this increase and necessitates the use of smaller, more powerful circuits, making their production more difficult and requiring advancements in technology. As a result, innovative new product introductions have occurred in the marketplace.

For example, in February 2022, Lam Research unveiled a new range of selective etch devices designed to assist chipmakers in building gate-all-around (GAA) transistor topologies. These devices are made using novel wafer manufacturing processes and exclusive chemistries. Argos, PrevosTM, and Selis, three new technologies in Lam's selective etch portfolio, offer a major advantage in the design and manufacture of sophisticated logic and memory semiconductor systems. As a result, the previously mentioned elements present chances for the expansion of the global market.

SEMICONDUCTOR ETCHING MACHINES MARKET SEGMENTATION

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By Type

Based on type the global market can be categorized into wet etching machines and dry etching machines.

• Wet Etching Machines: In wet etching, the semiconductor wafer is submerged in an etchant, a liquid chemical solution that interacts and dissolves the material that has to be removed in a targeted manner. Because the process is isotropic, material is removed consistently in all directions. For straightforward and less important patterning, when isotropic etching is acceptable, wet etching is frequently utilized.                                                                                                                                 
• Machines for Dry Etching: Often referred to as plasma etching, dry etching uses a plasma and reactive gases to remove material from a wafer's surface in a targeted manner. The method employed determines whether the process is anisotropic or isotropic. In more complex semiconductor manufacturing processes where more accuracy and control over etching profiles are needed, dry etching is frequently employed.

By Application

Based on application the global market can be categorized into logic and memory, power devices, MEMS and others.

• Logic and Memory Devices: Logic Devices (such as CPUs and GPUs): Transistors, interconnects, and other components required for logic device manufacture are made possible by semiconductor etching machines, which employ complex patterns and features to be created on semiconductor wafers. Memory Devices (e.g., DRAM, NAND Flash): Etching is used to specify the interconnections, memory cell architectures, and other important characteristics of memory devices. It aids in the shrinking and boosting of memory cell density.                                                                                                                 
• Power Devices: Power MOSFETs, IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors): High-performance parts used in power electronics applications, such inverters and power converters, can be made possible by semiconductor etching, which is crucial for defining the structure of power devices.                                                                                                                       
• Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS): Microphones, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and so forth The integration of mechanical and electrical components is a feature of MEMS devices. In MEMS production, etching is essential for producing exact micro structures, cavities, and patterns that specify the mechanical operation of these devices.                            
• Others: Etching is employed in the production of optoelectronic devices to define waveguides, light-emitting areas, and other characteristics. Photonic devices, LEDs, and photodetectors are examples of these devices. Applications such as optical communication, sensors, and displays require this. Etching is used to define sensor designs and create surfaces with certain qualities to increase sensitivity in chemical, gas, and radiation detectors. This is essential for the creation of diverse detectors and sensors for a range of applications. Semiconductor etching is used to make high-frequency components with exact dimensions for radio frequency applications, such as RF filters, antennas, and switches. It helps in the production of radio frequency (RF) devices for wireless technology and communication systems. Lab-on-a-Chip, Biosensors: Semiconductor etching is used in the production of biomedical devices, such as biosensors and lab-on-a-chip systems, which enable the development of microfluidic channels and sensing components for study and medical diagnostics.

DRIVING FACTORS

"Increasing Capital Spending on Semiconductor Processing to Electrify the Market Growth"

Large investments and worldwide collaboration have enabled the industry's steady expansion and the advancement of semiconductors in accordance with Moore's law. The industry's growth will most likely be supported by ongoing investment. Another significant factor driving up demand for semiconductor etching equipment is the government's growing engagement in the semiconductor industry. To help the chip sector, for example, China's government has allocated about USD 150 billion in investments by 2030 to jump-start semiconductor output.

"Expanding Utilization in Automobile Industry to Accelerate the Market Sales"

Modern, high-tech cars rely on semiconductors for essential functions including power management, safety features, displays, control, and sensing. The number of electric and hybrid automobiles (EVs), which are becoming more and more common, uses semiconductors. Semiconductor devices provide semi-autonomous driving assistance systems and safety systems. Furthermore, smart features that are made possible by semiconductors include airbag deployment sensors, emergency braking systems, backup cameras, collision-avoidance sensors, adaptive cruise controls, lane-change assistance, blind-spot detection systems, and emergency braking systems. These innovations accelerate the growth of the market.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

"Trade Uncertainties and Semiconductor Memory Markets to Deprive the Market Growth"

The US-China trade war's aftereffects and the unpredictability of world politics have an impact on the electronics sector. Conditions in the semiconductor business are slowing down because of the global economic uncertainty that stems from the US-China trade spat, slowdown in China's economy, and general sluggishness. Moreover, semiconductors are a highly traded commodity with a convoluted manufacturing supply chain. Customs and trade rules, procedures, and practices that are unduly complex have the potential to seriously disrupt semiconductor supply chains and create costly barriers that harm companies and consumers. These elements might limit the market's expansion. Hence, such factors are expected to hinder the semiconductor etching machines market growth during the forecast period.

SEMICONDUCTOR ETCHING MACHINES MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The market is primarily segregated into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.

"Asia Pacific to lead the Market owing to Largest Semiconductor Foundries Worldwide "

Asia Pacific to lead the semiconductor etching machines market share. As the largest worldwide stakeholder in the semiconductor etch equipment market, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a faster rate than average throughout the course of the forecast period. The greatest semiconductor foundries in the world are found in the Asia-Pacific area, which is home to important businesses like Samsung Electronics and TSMC. Major nations with sizeable market shares in the area are China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.

China has very high goals for the semiconductor industry. The nation is growing its own IC sector and plans to build additional circuits with funds totaling $150 billion. Greater China is a geopolitical hotspot that includes China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The US-China trade war is forcing many Chinese businesses to invest in their semiconductor foundries because it is escalating tensions in a region that has the most sophisticated process technology.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Key Industry Players Shaping the Market through Innovation and Market Expansion"

Important industry players have a big impact on the market and are crucial in determining customer preferences and market dynamics. These major firms provide consumers easy access to a vast array of clothing alternatives through their huge retail networks and online platforms. Product adoption has increased as a result of their strong worldwide presence and well-known brand, which has also enhanced consumer trust and loyalty. These industry titans also consistently fund R&D, bringing cutting-edge designs, materials, and clever features to semiconductor etching machines to meet changing customer demands and preferences. These big businesses' combined efforts have a big impact on the market's future direction and level of competition.

List of Market Players Profiled

• Lam Research (U.S.)
• TEL (Japan)
• Applied Materials (U.S.)
• Hitachi High-Technologies (Japan)
• Oxford Instruments (U.K)
• SPTS Technologies (U.K.)
• GigaLane (South Korea)
• Plasma-Therm (U.S.)
• SAMCO (Japan)
• AMEC (U.K.)
• NAURA (China).

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

• April 2023: In order to boost the production capacity of etching systems for its semiconductor manufacturing equipment business, Hitachi High-Tech Corporation announced that it would build a new production facility in the Kasado Area of Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Production is expected to start in FY2025.
• December 2022: Applied Materials declared that it will increase its worldwide production capacity through 2030 and make large investments in the US innovation infrastructure. Along with allowing the firm to expand equipment production capacity, these expenditures are anticipated to boost customer collaboration for speeding advancements in semiconductor performance, power, and cost.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report includes a thorough SWOT analysis and offers predictions for market growth in the future. It explores a broad range of market categories and possible applications that might have an impact on the market's trajectory in the upcoming years, as well as key aspects that contribute to the market's growth. The research provides a comprehensive overview of the market's components and identifies possible growth opportunities by taking into account both historical turning points and present trends.