One of the world’s leading chip manufacturing equipment manufacturers has released a new Lego set. Veldhoven, Netherlands-based ASML has added the TWINSCAN EXE:5000 Lego set to its growing portfolio of gifts. At $227.95, this “technological masterpiece” may sound pretty expensive, but keep in mind that an actual ASML lithography system costs nearly $400 million. And even if you’re drooling over this gift, you’ll probably admit it’s a niche item.
If you’re a regular reader of Tom’s Hardware, you’re well aware of ASML’s vital place in the world of semiconductor manufacturing. The company supplies leading chip manufacturers such as Intel, TSMC, and Samsung, and its tools are essential for cutting-edge lithography.
ASML TWINSCAN EXE:5000 is one of the most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography tools available in 2024. ASML tested the machine in-house earlier this year, boasting projection optics with a numerical aperture (high NA) of 0.55. Intel is also using this machine for research and development of Intel 18A (1.8nm class) process technology.
Okay, but what about Lego sets? It is also a wonder of human creativity, but only in your dreams. The ASML TWINSCAN EXE:5000 LEGO set contains 851 LEGO bricks/parts, so it’s a bit of an engineering feat for home technology enthusiasts to complete. When you place the final brick, the result is a 13.86 x 3.9 x 2.52 inch model. It’s quite small considering the price.
ASML seems pretty confident that demand for the new TWINSCAN EXE:5000 Lego set will be strong. Orders are limited to one set per person, and if you request more, you will be warned that your order will be cancelled. However, this “iconic” set is not the first or only ASML Lego product released. The company previously launched the LEGO ASML Skyline and LEGO TWINSCAN NXE:3400C sets. There is one replacement Lego set that is still on sale here for $166.70.
And if you’re in the Christmas spirit, you can purchase a set of 3 unique handmade glass tree ornaments for $29. These consist of a glass ASML logo, a cleanroom employee, and an NXT machine (pictured below).
The worlds of PC technology and Lego often intertwine. Looking back at Tom’s Hardware archives, back in August we reported on the RTX 4080 superpowered Lego Fortnite PC, and last year a life-sized Lego Intel Arc graphics card project caught our eye.
