Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market Growth – Trends & Forecast 2023-2033

Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market Snapshot (2023 to 2033)

Future Market Insights projects the wafer cleaning equipment market to reach USD 8.3 billion in 2023. The market is expected to incline at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2023 to 2033. Continuous demand for IoT and smart devices and increased consumer electronics are expected to boost the market for wafer cleaning equipment.

Traditionally, wafer cleaning involved dipping wafers in cleaning fluid, but today it is one of the biggest engineering challenges seen in the manufacture of GAA FETs and 3D-ICs. With the introduction of new materials and processes, a specialized cleaning process is crucial for further innovation.

Using cleaner wafers leads to higher semiconductor production yields. More functional and reliable chips are produced when defects are mitigated and wafer surfaces are improved. Wafer cleaning equipment is also used by other electronics-related industries, for example, to produce microelectromechanical devices (MEMS) and flat-panel displays.

For instance, A Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) was published by the NIST CHIPS Program Office in February 2023 under the CHIPS and Science Act. A revised FOA was issued on June 23, 2023, allowing applicants to construct, expand, or modernize commercial facilities capable of wafer manufacturing, or semiconductor materials and equipment requiring a capital investment of at least USD 300 million.

Report Attribute	Details
Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market Size (2022)	USD 7.6 billion
Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market Share Value (2023)	USD 8.3 billion
Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market Anticipated Forecast Value (2033)	USD 17.2 billion
Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market Projected Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	7.5% CAGR

Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market Historic Sales Compared to 2023 to 2033 Forecast Outlook

According to FMI, the wafer cleaning equipment market expanded at a 9.5% CAGR between 2018 and 2022. Growing semiconductor industry investments will boost the market for wafer cleaning equipment.

As part of solar cell production, wafer cleaning equipment are being employed during the production process. Wafer cleaning equipment is also used in the optoelectronics industry for the fabrication of photodiodes and laser diodes, which are devices that produce, detect, or emit light.

The preparation of pristine substrates for semiconductor research and experiments is accomplished using wafer cleaning equipment in academic laboratories and universities. The use of semiconductor technology is common in medical devices, particularly those that involve advanced electronics. The semiconductor components used in these devices are cleaned with wafer cleaning equipment to ensure cleanliness and reliability.

Equipment manufacturers and LED manufacturers may choose environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and processes in order to reduce their environmental footprint. Cleaning equipment can use a variety of cleaning techniques, such as wet cleaning and dry cleaning. FMI analysts estimate that between 2023 and 2033, the wafer cleaning equipment market is likely expand at a 7.5% CAGR.

How are the Trends Shaping the Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market?

Increased Demand for Advanced Sensors and Popularity of Smart Devices to Drive Market Expansion

Due to the constant evolution of the semiconductor industry, more advanced wafer cleaning technologies are required to meet the stringent requirements of smaller nodes and complex device structures. Manufacturers through research and development have developed innovative cleaning techniques that ensure higher yields and reliability.

Higher production capacities were needed as demand for semiconductor chips grew in different applications, including consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial. Therefore, wafer cleaning equipment suppliers were experiencing increased demand.

A wide range of applications, such as sensors, actuators, and micro-oscillators, are being supported by microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). Cleaning these devices requires specialized and precise processes, making advanced wafer cleaning equipment vital in the market.

Power electronics and high-frequency applications now use advanced materials, such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC). MEMS-based sensors are increasingly being adopted in smartphones, wearable devices, and IoT devices, resulting in an increase in the demand for wafer cleaning equipment.

What Factors Impede the Sales of Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market?

Environmental and Cost Concerns Are Likely to Limit Growth of the Market

Environmental pollution and harmful chemicals can be caused by the processes and gases produced during cleaning, posing a great concern. Wafer cleaning equipment may experience a decline in market growth as a result of increased regulations on their use.

The costs associated with manufacturing and maintaining wafer cleaning equipment can lead to higher prices for customers. Due to cost consciousness, semiconductor manufacturers might delay or reduce investing in new equipment, hampering market growth.

The complexity and delicateness of wafers increases as semiconductor technology advances. Manufacturers may face challenges in keeping up with these technological demands and may have to increase equipment costs as a result of this complexity.

With the advancement of the semiconductor industry, new techniques for wafer cleaning might emerge, such as those that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. In the future, these alternatives may disrupt the market for wafer cleaning equipment.

Country-wise Insights

How is the United States Market for Wafer Cleaning Equipment Faring?

An Increase in Technologies and Miniaturization will Drive Demand for Wafer Cleaning Equipment

By 2033, wafer cleaning equipment sales in the United States are expected to reach USD 5.4 billion. Technological advancements and demand for research and development studies should drive demand for wafer cleaning equipment.

As miniaturized electronic devices and smart portable devices become more popular, the market for wafer cleaning equipment is expected to expand. Microchip makers are continuously striving to produce chips that have smaller and more intricate features as technology advances. As semiconductor nodes become smaller and smaller, they require higher precision during manufacturing, including cleaner wafers that are thoroughly and precisely cleaned to ensure optimal performance and yield.

Wearables, smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronics have proven to be popular. With the advancement of these devices, better semiconductor components are needed, which drives wafer cleaning equipment demand.

Why are Wafer Cleaning Equipment Manufacturers in China Profitable?

Growing Exports and Investments for Wafer Cleaning Equipment Plants to expand the Market

According to FMI, China will have the fastest growth in wafer cleaning equipment. An estimated market revenue of USD1.5 million will be achieved by 2033, according to a forecast. Between 2023 and 2033, wafer cleaning equipment is projected to expand at a growth rate of 8.4% in China.

With the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronic devices, along with technological advances such as 5G and artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and wafer cleaning equipment have become increasingly important. As a way to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers and promote domestic production, the Chinese government has committed to investing heavily in the semiconductor industry.

It appears that the wafer cleaning equipment market would be positively affected by the construction or planning of several semiconductor fabrication plants in China. For instance, Neontech recently won a USD6 million order for its new ABF substrate packaging tool, "TB Cleaning Saw & Sorter." This is expected to bolster the company's exports as it implements innovative technologies to become more competitive.

Category-wise Insights

Which Equipment is expected to Influence the Growth of Wafer Cleaning Equipment in the Market?

Growing Demand for Safety Features and Process Control and Monitoring Methods to Drive Demand

A batch spray cleaning system is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Between 2023 and 2033, the global batch spray cleaning system market is predicted to rise at a CAGR of 7.4%. Large quantities of semiconductor wafers are commonly cleaned using batch spray cleaning systems. The aim of these systems is to ensure high-quality semiconductor device fabrication by removing particles, residues, and contaminants from wafer surfaces.

Batch spray cleaning requires multiple spray nozzles to deliver a controlled flow of cleaning solution. Getting uniform cleaning across wafer batches requires careful placement and configuration of the nozzles.Demand for cleaning solutions is accurately mixed and delivered to the spray nozzles using a chemical delivery system. Consistent cleaning requires precise control over flow rate and chemical concentration.

Wafer batches are designed to fit the cleaning equipment in order to assure a successful manufacturing process. The wafer handling mechanisms are designed to ensure safe loading and unloading of wafers. Batch spray cleaning systems may incorporate rotating or tumbling mechanisms for cleaning wafers. As a result, the cleaning solution is exposed to all sides of the wafers, resulting in a more efficient cleaning process. All these factors are expected to grow demand for the wafer cleaning equipment market.

Which Application is predicted to drive the Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market?

Increasing Demand for Automation and Cost-effective Solutions is expected to Fuel Market

According to a recent report by FMI, LED applications are anticipated to expand at a 7.3% CAGR over the next few years. Due to the large volume of wafers required for LED production, high throughput, and automation capabilities contribute to the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of wafer cleaning equipment.

Cleaning LED wafers involves removing impurities, residues, particles, and contaminants from the surface of the wafers during manufacturing. LED chip performance and yield are directly affected by the cleanliness of the wafers.

Keeping the LED performance consistent requires uniform cleaning across the entire wafer. Using real-time monitoring and control systems can ensure the effectiveness and reliability of cleaning processes. A LED wafer is typically constructed from semiconducting materials such as gallium nitride (GaN) or sapphire and therefore requires specific cleaning chemistries.

As LED wafer fabrication continues to develop, so wafer cleaning equipment manufacturers are developing advanced cleaning technologies to meet the industry's needs. The most efficient and suitable cleaning solutions for LED applications should be found by LED manufacturers in collaboration with equipment suppliers.

Start-Ups in the Wafer Cleaning Equipment Market

Wafer cleaning equipment offers growth opportunities for startups. A significant component of the industry's growth depends on overcoming market uncertainty and turning it into an opportunity. Wafer cleaning equipment is being driven by a few start-ups.

• Electro Mechanical Solution- EMS is a semiconductor manufacturing outsourcing company that develops robotic solutions with a focus on manufacturing outsourcing. A variety of vacuum robots have been developed for use in semiconductor clean rooms as part of wafer handling operations. They offer a Wafer Handling system known as Accu-Handler that can handle etching and deposition equipment. The company also offers software for the control of processes, robotics, communication, and so on.
• Milara- builds wafer printing and bumping systems, semiconductor handling robots, and SMT products. Designed to work in clean rooms and vacuum environments, these robots are certified for the task. A robotic arm is used to load and unload semiconductor wafers with wafer bumping systems.
• UnitySC- provides semiconductor manufacturers with wafer metrology and inspection solutions. A wide range of applications are served by its products, including advanced packaging, substrate control, wafer thinning, and MEMS. UnitySC's solution is a “swiss army knife” that measures silicon, thick compounds, and other substrates from nanometers to millimeters. As an integral part of the FOGALE Nanotech Group, UnitySC is a wholly owned subsidiary.

Competitive Analysis

Wafer cleaning equipment is gaining popularity due to the innovative research and development being done by researchers and developers. Players are attempting to reduce wafer cleaning equipment prices in order to improve customer satisfaction are also using technology.

• In April 2023, Amtech Systems Inc. was awarded multiple orders for 300mm clustered horizontal discussion systems. During mid-fiscal year 2024, these orders worth USD 9.7 million would be shipped. In addition to offering higher temperature processes and better wafer slippage prevention, horizontal diffusion furnaces are particularly suited to 300mm power semiconductor fabrication. A number of leading semiconductor IDMs and foundries in North America and Asia will install the systems.
• In April 2023, Noel Technologies announced a major expansion at its wafer factory in Campbell, California, where it develops advanced semiconductor processes and fabricates them for the world's leading manufacturers of integrated devices, OEMs of semiconductors, and companies without fabs. In addition to being America's number one reclaim solution provider, Pure Wafer is Lam Research Corporation's global film supplier. In addition to investing in clean room space and toolsets at Noel Technologies' Campbell facility, the company has made significant improvements in its MEMS and bioengineering services to meet increased demand from US semiconductor makers and their OEMs.

Report Scope

Attribute	Details
Expected Value in 2023	USD 8.3 billion
Projected Value in 2033	USD 17.2 billion
Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.5% from 2023 to 2033
Forecast Period	2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for	2018 to 2022
Market Analysis	USD billion for Value
Key Regions Covered	North America; Latin America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Middle East & Africa
Key Countries Covered	United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, GCC Countries, South Africa, Israel
Kay Segments Covered	Equipment, Wafer Size, Technology, Operation Mode, Application, Region
Key Companies Profiles	SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.; Tokyo Electron Limited; Applied Materials; LAM Research; Shibaura Mechatronics Corporation; SEMES Co. Ltd; Modutek Corporation; Entegris; Veeco Instruments Inc.; KLA Corporation; Semsysco GmbH
Customization & Pricing	Available upon Request

Table of Content

• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Market Overview
• 3. Market Background
• 4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
• 5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Equipment
  • 5.1. Single Wafer Spray System
  • 5.2. Single Wafer Cryogenic System
  • 5.3. Batch Immersion Cleaning System
  • 5.4. Batch Spray Cleaning System
  • 5.5. Scrubber
• 6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Wafer Size
  • 6.1. ≤150 mm
  • 6.2. 200 mm
  • 6.3. 300 mm
• 7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Technology
  • 7.1. Wet Chemical Cleaning Process
  • 7.2. Vapor Dry Cleaning Process
  • 7.3. Aqueous Cleaning Process
  • 7.4. Cryogenic Aerosols Super-Critical Fluid Cleaning Process
  • 7.5. Emerging Technologies
• 8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Operation Mode
  • 8.1. Automatic
  • 8.2. Semi-Automatic
  • 8.3. Manual
• 9. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application
  • 9.1. MEMS
  • 9.2. CIS
  • 9.3. Memory
  • 9.4. RF Device
  • 9.5. LED
  • 9.6. Interposer
  • 9.7. Logic
  • 9.8. Others
• 10. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
  • 10.1. North America
  • 10.2. Latin America
  • 10.3. Europe
  • 10.4. Asia Pacific
  • 10.5. MEA
• 11. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
• 12. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
• 13. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
• 14. Asia Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
• 15. MEA Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
• 16. Key Countries Market Analysis
• 17. Market Structure Analysis
• 18. Competition Analysis
  • 18.1. SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd
  • 18.2. Tokyo Electron Limited
  • 18.3. Applied Materials
  • 18.4. LAM Research
  • 18.5. Shibaura Mechatronics Corporation
  • 18.6. SEMES Co. Ltd
  • 18.7. Modutek Corporation
  • 18.8. Entegris
  • 18.9. Veeco Instruments Inc
  • 18.10. KLA Corporation
  • 18.11. Semsysco GmbH
• 19. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
• 20. Research Methodology