Relocating Semiconductor Equipment from Multiple Sources
July 20, 2022
By Andy Jones
As the demand for semiconductor chips increases, so does the need for fab expansions and asset relocation. Additionally, new semiconductor equipment manufacturers are experiencing longer lead times and used equipment is scarce. This forces buyers to consider multiple sources, making asset relocation a more challenging process.
As the chip shortage goes on, demand for them continues to grow. This creates supply chain issues, which results in longer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lead times. Ironically, they need chips to build the tools to build the chips. Luckily, SEMI is working with its members on a solution for this.
As a result, demand for used manufacturing equipment is skyrocketing, and buyers are looking everywhere for them. Purchasing equipment from different locations and suppliers can make relocation of assets more difficult for clients.
Buying equipment from one used tool vendor and relocating it is hard enough as it is. So, how can you buy used tools from multiple suppliers but only work with one organization for all the decommissioning and recommissioning?
That’s easy. We can handle it all through our NSURE Asset Relocation Services and NSURE Track.
Multiple Semiconductor Equipment Suppliers with One Relocation Service
There are certain steps for relocating manufacturing tools, and we even have an infographic to describe each step. But with multiple suppliers, the steps need to be changed and considerations need to be altered.
So, what are these extra considerations?
Determine the Source, Determine the Destination
Understanding where the tools are coming from and where they are going is the most important.
Tool source considerations:
- Date each tool is available for decommissioning
- Site-specific restrictions for move out
- Best crating location (on site or off site)
- Required governmental inspections/licenses
- Local resource availability (materials/personnel)
- Lead time for special materials required for shipping preparation
Tool destination considerations:
- Desired date for arrival at destination
- Site-specific restrictions for move in
- Best un-crating location (on site or off site)
- Required governmental inspections/licenses
- Local resource availability (materials/personnel)
- Lead time for special materials required for build up
Relocating Semiconductor Manufacturing Tools, It’s Easy with Us
You may be in the position of needing to buy from multiple sources because of the shortage of chips and semiconductor equipment. Or, you may have your equipment but don’t know how to get it to another facility.
We offer several services from tool assessment, commission, refurbishment and more.
Working throughout the world, we have handled full-fab deinstallations as well as startups as single-tool transfers. With our NSURE TrackSM QR product management tool, you will always be up to date on your assets’ locations and activities.
Either way, NSTAR knows which steps to take and can get you to your destination.
