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Canon targets ASML market share with new KrF lithography equipment amid NAND shortage

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 08:10 PM

Canon is positioning its new KrF lithography equipment to capture market share from ASML as NAND flash memory manufacturers face supply constraints and look for more cost-effective manufacturing solutions.

Context

Canon is aggressively challenging ASML’s dominance in the lithography market by launching advanced KrF (Krypton Fluoride) exposure equipment. This strategic move targets the recovering NAND flash memory sector, where a looming supply shortage is driving manufacturers to expand capacity. While ASML holds a near-monopoly on high-end EUV systems, Canon aims to capture the high-volume mature node market essential for stacking the numerous layers required in modern 3D NAND production. The timing is critical as the semiconductor industry shifts toward massive scale for AI-driven data centers. Canon’s new machines offer higher throughput and lower operating costs, positioning the company as a high-efficiency alternative to ASML’s deep ultraviolet lineup. By focusing on the KrF segment, which remains a workhorse for the industry, Canon expects to significantly bolster its market share throughout 2025 and 2026, capitalizing on a projected recovery in memory-related capital expenditures.

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