NIKON: Use of 3D Data as a Communication Pipeline

Abstract

NIKON Precision Inc. is a manufacturer of semiconductor fabrication exposure devices (steppers) for manufacturing semiconductors and liquid crystal display (LCD) exposure devices for mass producing LCDs. These devices consist of numerous parts and are typical collaborative manufacturing-type products. The use of 3D data can therefore significantly improve design efficiency at this company. The use of 3D data can also improve the efficiency of downstream processes. And although the effective use of 3D data in downstream processes still requires considerable trial and error, XVL has become an indispensable means for communication at the NIKON group. This chapter contains an interview with Mr. Kiyotaka Yamamoto, the head of the precision machinery department at NIKON Precision Inc., about their endeavors to incorporate XVL in their design and manufacturing activities.