VELO3D and Lam Research developing AM semiconductor applications

VELO3D has just announced a new collaboration with Lam Research Corporation, a U.S.-based manufacturer of semiconductors. Through a joint development agreement, the companies will develop new materials and metal additive manufacturing applications for the semiconductor industry. At the core of the partnership is VELO3D’s metal AM technology, the Sapphire 3D printer.

Through the partnership, Lam Research Corporation is aiming to increase the volume of 3D printed semiconductor parts over the course of the next five years. AM has the potential to transform its supply chain and offer an alternative to more conventional subtractive manufacturing methods. The technology’s main benefits in this area are design freedom and agile production, which in turn drives Industry 4.0 principles.

“Lam Research is leveraging additive manufacturing as a driver of the innovation that enables our customers to build smaller, faster, more powerful, and power-efficient electronic devices for everyday use,” explained Kevin Jennings, senior vice president of Global Operations at Lam Research. “This joint development arrangement aligns well with Lam’s mission to continuously seek new technologies that push the limits of product design and manufacturing. We are excited to lead the semiconductor industry in delivering value to our customers from AM.”

For its part, VELO3D will develop new metal alloys on its Sapphire 3D printing system which are suitable for Lam’s semiconductor production and applications. As part of the collaboration, Lam Capital has reportedly also invested an undisclosed amount in the 3D printing firm. The investment, along with a recent $40 million funding round, will enable VELO3D to expand its technology capabilities and attain profitability by mid-2022.

“Semiconductor manufacturing is one of the best examples of high-volume production and Lam requires the highest levels of repeatability and consistency to achieve precision control at atomic scale,” added Benny Buller, VELO3D CEO and founder. “VELO3D is well positioned to provide confidence in metal 3D printing due to our calibration, metrology and digital traceability capabilities. This relationship aims to accelerate Lam’s journey of continuous innovation toward producing equipment that creates cutting-edge microprocessors, memory devices and numerous related product types.”