The $250 Million Machine Fueling the AI Chip Boom

ASML’s extreme ultraviolet lithography machines — giant, $250 million systems that print ultra-dense chip circuitry — are central to making the AI chips powering data centers and Nvidia’s products. The machines use tin droplets, powerful lasers, and Zeiss mirrors to pattern silicon wafers at 13 nanometers, and are delivered from the Netherlands to major fabs including TSMC, Samsung, SK Hynix, Intel, Micron and Rapidus. ASML shipped 44 EUV systems last year and expects a surge in demand for 2026–27 as AI and cloud infrastructure expand.