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Manufacturing

Spending on chip manufacturing equipment to reach record high of $70 billion in 2021

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Global sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment by original equipment manufacturers are projected to increase six percent to $63.2 billion in 2020, compared to $59.6 billion in 2019, before logging record high revenue of $70 billion in 2021 on the strength of double-digit growth, according to industry association SEMI.

The group revealed the figures is its Mid-Year Total Semiconductor Equipment Forecast – OEM Perspective at the annual SEMICON West exposition.

Growth across a number of semiconductor segments is expected to power the expansion. The wafer fab equipment segment – which includes wafer processing, fab facilities, and mask/reticle equipment – is expected to rise five percent in 2020 followed by 13 percent growth in 2021 driven by a memory spending recovery and investments in leading-edge and China. [Read more…] about Spending on chip manufacturing equipment to reach record high of $70 billion in 2021

Canon launches new semiconductor lithography system

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Canon has launched the FPA-8000iW, which it describes as the first Canon semiconductor lithography system to support manufacturing using large panels that are common in back-end processing.

Integrating a proprietary projection optical system, the FPA-8000iW i-line stepper offers a wide exposure field and fine 1 µm† pattern resolution.

The FPA-8000iW was designed to meet the needs of manufacturers aiming for high production efficiency through the use of 515 x 510 mm organic panel substrates for Panel Level Packaging (PLP) applications. [Read more…] about Canon launches new semiconductor lithography system

Manufacturing industry ‘optimistic’ about post-pandemic recovery

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More than 60 percent of professionals in the UK manufacturing industry expect the sector to recover from the coronavirus pandemic and return to business as usual by mid-2021, according to a new survey by SteelScout.

However, they highlighted issues in the wider supply chain which might impact the recovery, with almost 30 percent unable to access the materials they need and 36 percent adding that it is taking longer just to receive a “winning quote”.

One key driver behind the confidence in recovery is that 62 percent of respondents reported having orders waiting to be fulfilled once lockdown rules have eased. [Read more…] about Manufacturing industry ‘optimistic’ about post-pandemic recovery

How is Robotics Shaking Up the Tire Industry?

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Robots will be playing a key role in kickstarting the economy in the post-Covid-19 world, as stated in a survey by Automatica.

This will be the case in a plethora of industries, including warehouse operations, plastic injection molding, and tire manufacturing and design. Take the example of tire giant Goodyear.

The company is currently using data, AI and “digital twins” to create more reliable, sophisticated tires that will usher tires into the future. [Read more…] about How is Robotics Shaking Up the Tire Industry?

Acieta launches new robotic machine loading cell

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Industrial automation specialist Acieta has launched a new, high-speed robotic machine loading cell. (See video below.)

The company says the system will enable manufacturers to solve labor and capacity challenges.

The global coronavirus pandemic has made it a challenging time for companies to recover fast and get production back up to speed to stay competitive in the market. [Read more…] about Acieta launches new robotic machine loading cell

BMW opens new $17 million additive manufacturing facility

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BMW has officially opened its new “Additive Manufacturing Campus”. 

The new centre brings together production of prototype and series parts under one roof, along with research into new 3D printing technologies, and associate training for the global rollout of toolless production.

The facility will likely 3D print parts for the Rolls-Royce Phantom, BMW i8 Roadster and MINI John Cooper Works GP, which contains no less than four 3D-printed components as standard. [Read more…] about BMW opens new $17 million additive manufacturing facility

Magna celebrates ‘significant milestone’ in contract manufacturing

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Magna is celebrating what it regards as a “significant milestone” in its progress as a contract manufacturer.

The company recently built the ArcFox α-T sports utility vehicle – a battery electric vehicle – through its Zhenjiang, China joint venture contract manufacturing facility.

The $40,000 α-T symbolises the first time Magna’s complete vehicle manufacturing has expanded beyond Europe, where the company has built vehicles for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover and others at its Graz, Austria facility. [Read more…] about Magna celebrates ‘significant milestone’ in contract manufacturing

Hitachi and Microsoft to offer digital solutions for manufacturing and logistics

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Hitachi and Microsoft have a “multi-year strategic alliance” to accelerate the digital transformation of the manufacturing and logistics industries across Southeast Asia, North America and Japan.

The first solutions will be available in Thailand in July 2020.

The two companies will work together to meet the growing demand for predictive maintenance and process automation in remote areas and support enterprises as they tackle the challenges infused by the Covid-19 pandemic. [Read more…] about Hitachi and Microsoft to offer digital solutions for manufacturing and logistics

Okuma unveils new bridge mill CNC machine

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Okuma has unveiled a new bridge mill CNC machine – the M8-80V.

The management team of Okuma America Corporation is pleased to announce an expansion to its robust line of CNC metal cutting machines with the debut of a new bridge-style machining center – the MB-80V.

This new product offers extreme machining flexibility due to its uniquely-combined vertical and double-column machining capabilities. [Read more…] about Okuma unveils new bridge mill CNC machine

Mazak launches new laser processing machine for small and medium diameter tube

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Yamazaki Mazak is launching a new high-productivity laser processing machine specifically designed for the high-speed, large lot cutting of small and medium diameter tube.

The new FT-150 FIBER is a compact laser processing machine that benefits from an ergonomic design, with the operator area, loading station and unloading station all located on the same side.

Equipped with a 3.0kW fiber resonator, the FT-150 FIBER can process single workpieces up to 6,500mm in length and 150kg in weight, with a maximum tube diameter of 152.4mm. 8,000mm and 180kg options are also available. [Read more…] about Mazak launches new laser processing machine for small and medium diameter tube