SK C&C Builds Smart Factory Platform at SKC Subsidiary's Semiconductor Plant in the US

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Choi] SK Inc. C&C is unveiling an integrated smart factory platform for full-process automation in semiconductor component production.

On the 14th, SK C&C announced that it will begin a smart factory construction project specialized for a semiconductor component manufacturing plant in the United States, based on its smart factory platform ‘I-FACTs’.

This project was initiated to establish automation and intelligent operation and management systems by area at the semiconductor glass substrate factory being built in Covington, Georgia, USA, by Absolics, a subsidiary of SKC.

Semiconductor glass substrates are next-generation semiconductor materials that maximize semiconductor performance and power efficiency compared to conventional printed circuit boards (PCBs). Absolics plans to build a smart factory with an intelligent production system locally in the U.S. and start full-scale product mass production from the second quarter of 2024.

SK C&C will implement the entire semiconductor glass substrate production process in an automated environment and establish an integrated operation and management system for real-time monitoring and quality control. The I-FACTs platform, which realizes smart factories through manufacturing intelligence, standardizes operational processes and performs real-time tracking across all areas including production, materials, equipment, quality, and return logistics from material input to product shipment.

In connection with logistics automation equipment planned and introduced by Absolics, an intelligent logistics system minimizing worker intervention will be implemented, while providing an optimized operating environment for the entire manufacturing system. It also supports efficient operation schedule calculation considering production processes, logistics workload, and movement patterns. Furthermore, the integrated quality management system across all processes minimizes production errors and improves product yield. All production equipment and processes are monitored in real time to immediately detect any abnormalities occurring from initial defects in glass substrates to product development, mass production, and shipment stages.

Kim Seong-hwan, Head of Manufacturing Digital Platform Group at SK C&C, said, “Even if new equipment or processes are introduced, the microservice architecture (MSA) design will allow quick application anytime without halting production lines,” adding, “Through the smart factory, we will do our best to ensure Absolics always produces semiconductor components of the highest quality.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.