ASML sells ‘Lego’ model of most advanced chip machine to workers

ASML Holding, the Dutch maker of the world’s most advanced chipmaking machines, was selling “Lego” replicas of its most prized product to employees.

When asked about the miniature models of its TWINSCAN EXE:5000 high-NA extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, ASML spokesperson Monique Mols responded: “Sorry, but it’s only for ASML employees.”

Engineers on social media are calling on the company to make the sets more widely available, but Mols said the model is only intended to be “a fun item for employees” in celebration of the manufacturer’s 40th anniversary.

The Lego-like replica was going for 208 euros (S$294) on ASML’s employee store.

Meanwhile, the chip-making machine costs 350 million euros apiece and weighs as much as two Airbus A320s. Intel got the first (real) one shipped to its factory in Oregon last year.