Weima Electric Supplies 336 IE3 High-Efficiency Low-Voltage Motors for UMC's Singapore Wafer Fab Expansion Project
The P3 expansion project of Fab 12i, a wafer fabrication plant owned by global leading semiconductor foundry United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) in Singapore, is progressing at an accelerated pace. For this project, Weima Electric successfully supplied 336 units of TECO TEV3 series low-voltage motors to equipment manufacturers, with power output ranging from 0.55kW to 75kW with IE3 premium efficiency level. These motors were integrated by equipment manufacturers into fan systems as integrated system and have been successfully exported to Singapore where they are used in critical systems such as cleanroom ventilation, air conditioning and process exhaust. These TECO motors provide reliable power for the stable and efficient operation of UMC's overseas manufacturing base.
Company Profile
United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), founded in 1980 and headquartered in Taiwan, China, is a world-leading semiconductor wafer foundry. UMC has long focused on logic and specialty process technologies, operating multiple fabs ranging from 8-inch to 12-inch wafers, with processes covering mature nodes to advanced technologies such as 22/28 nm.
Fab 12i has been in operation for over 20 years, primarily producing 12-inch wafers. UMC is committed to meeting the strong global demand for chips in areas such as 5G, IoT, automotive electronics and high-performance computing through continuous technological innovation and capacity expansion.
Project Introduction
In February 2022, UMC announced the launch of the third-phase expansion (P3) of its Singapore Fab 12i, with a total investment of approximately US$5 billion. The P3 facility is planned to have a monthly capacity of 30,000 12-inch wafers, primarily offering 22nm and 28nm process technologies.
For this expansion project, a large number of process environment equipment systems require high-performance, high-efficiency motors and fan systems to meet the stringent operational requirements of cleanroom ventilation, process exhaust and air conditioning. Following the equipment manufacturers' overall selection and integration, Weima supplied 336 units of TECO TEV3 series low-voltage motors with IE3 premium efficiency. These motors were integrated by the equipment manufacturers into integrated system and ultimately exported to the Fab 12i expansion site in Singapore.
Solutions and Customer Value
Precise Matching for Fan Systems, Ensuring Continuous and Stable Operation
Weima provided TEV3 motors covering a full power output range from 0.55kW to 75kW, with mounting dimensions perfectly matching the equipment manufacturers' fan systems. The motors feature high-strength cast iron construction and high-quality bearings, resulting in low vibration and low noise. They are well-suited for 24/7 continuous operation in wafer fabs, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime, ensuring cleanroom environmental stability and lowering maintenance frequency and costs.
IE3 Premium Efficiency, Significantly Reducing Long-Term Operating Energy Consumption
All 336 motors comply with IEC 60034-30-1 IE3 efficiency level, achieving substantially lower iron and copper losses compared to standard efficiency motors. In long-term continuous operation scenarios such as ventilation and air conditioning, these motors will deliver considerable electricity cost savings over the entire lifecycle of the P3 facility, reduce the carbon footprint and help UMC achieve its green factory goals.
International Certifications and Export Compliance, Eliminating Overseas Deployment Barriers
The motors possess international energy efficiency and safety certifications. Weima assisted in preparing export technical documentation and parameter calibration. After integration by the equipment manufacturers, the complete machines met Singapore's import and electrical safety requirements. The 336 motors were successfully customs-cleared and quickly put into operation, avoiding project delays due to certification issues and reducing overseas project compliance risks.
Batch Delivery and Supply Chain Coordination, Ensuring Project Timeline
Leveraging close collaboration between Weima and the TECO factory, the 336 motors were delivered in several batches according to project milestones, matching the equipment manufacturers' assembly schedules. This shortened the equipment manufacturers' material waiting time, avoided project delays caused by motor shortages or inconsistent batches to ensure cost and schedule are under control.
Notes:
Weima Electricprimarily sells world-renowned industrial AC motors and drive systems(controllers, motors, gear reducers), providing enterprise customers withcomplete industrial drive chain solutions.
"Weima Electric" includes Weima Electric (Shanghai) Ltd., Weima Electric (Tianjin)Ltd., Weima Electric (Zhongshan) Ltd., and Weima Electric (Hong Kong) Ltd.
“TECO Electric” founded in Taiwan in 1956, is one of theworld's top three industrial motor manufacturers.