韩国巨头，怒砸6万亿买光刻机！

Core Viewpoint - SK Hynix is significantly increasing its investment in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment, planning to introduce approximately 20 additional units by 2027, effectively doubling its current capacity. This move is aimed at enhancing the manufacturing capabilities for next-generation DRAM and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) [1][2]. Group 1: Investment and Equipment Expansion - SK Hynix plans to add over 20 EUV machines in the next two years, which will double its current total of around 20 units [1]. - The investment is expected to exceed 6 trillion Korean Won, with each EUV machine priced between 300 billion to 500 billion Korean Won [1][3]. - The new EUV equipment will be installed at the Cheongju M15X factory and the Icheon M16 factory, with M15X set to begin production by the end of this year [1]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The expansion of EUV equipment is part of SK Hynix's strategy to strengthen its competitive edge in the production of the 5th generation DRAM (1b) and the upcoming 6th generation DRAM (1c) [2]. - The company aims to enhance chip yield per wafer and improve energy efficiency and performance through the adoption of EUV technology [2]. - SK Hynix is expected to start mass production of the 1d DRAM as early as next year, which will also utilize EUV processes [2]. Group 3: Impact on Supply Chain - The investment will significantly impact the semiconductor materials and components industry, increasing demand for EUV-specific materials such as photoresists and cleaning solutions [3]. - SK Hynix is currently sourcing EUV photoresists from companies like JSR, DuPont, and SK Materials Performance, while cleaning solutions are supplied by Merck and YCChem [3]. - Discussions with partners regarding the expansion of materials and components supply are already underway [3].