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味之素堆积膜(ABF)
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味之素卡了全球芯片脖子
Sou Hu Cai Jing· 2025-09-02 03:16
Core Insights - Ajinomoto, a Japanese company known for producing MSG, has become a critical player in the global semiconductor industry due to its development of a high-performance insulation material called ABF (Ajinomoto Build-up Film) [1][2][9] - The ABF material is essential for chip manufacturing, significantly reducing production costs and improving efficiency while ensuring high-quality chips [2][10] - Ajinomoto's ABF accounts for approximately 2% of the company's revenue but boasts a profit margin of around 45%, generating annual profits of about 10 billion yen [2][12] Company Background - Ajinomoto was founded in 1908 and is recognized for inventing MSG, which was derived from the amino acid glutamate found in seaweed [4][6] - In the 1970s, the company began exploring the potential of by-products from MSG production, leading to the development of high-insulation materials [6][13] Industry Impact - The ABF material addresses the challenges posed by increasingly dense chip circuits, which require effective insulation to prevent signal interference [2][9] - Ajinomoto holds over 90% of the market share for this insulation material, making it an indispensable supplier for major chip manufacturers like Intel, Samsung, and TSMC [9][10] - The technology behind ABF has a high barrier to entry, making it difficult for competitors to replicate, thus contributing to the high costs associated with chip production [10][12] Technological Significance - The development of ABF was a result of years of research and preparation, highlighting the importance of long-term investment in technology [9][10] - The insulation material is crucial for the functioning of various electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and AI chips, indicating its widespread application across the tech industry [16][18]