Case Studies

VSL Develops Dedicated Vacuum Design Solution for SK hynix... Interview with CEO Kang Tae-wook

Posted : 2026.04.10 17:59

VSL said it has developed a dedicated vacuum simulation system for SK hynix through its 3D M&S-based FitVac solution, and verified results that reduce power consumption and secure carbon credits through design automation.

Kang Tae-wook, CEO of VSL [Provided by VSL]

Dependence on experience and inefficiency in vacuum system design Vacuum system design, which controls chamber pressure in semiconductor and display processes, has long relied on engineers' experience. In the process, pumps are often oversized because safety margins are set too high, leading to unnecessary power consumption and lower equipment efficiency.

3D M&S-based design automation with the FitVac solution VSL's FitVac is a SaaS solution that automates this process. Once a user sets the basic conditions, it automatically designs piping routes with high conductance and selects pumps with the optimal capacity. As a result, simulation work that once took engineers several days can now be completed in just minutes.

Economic gains, including lower electricity costs and carbon credits According to cases at major corporate clients, optimizing hundreds of pumps has cut annual electricity costs by hundreds of millions of won and secured carbon credits. In addition, Digital Twin-based prevalidation has prevented trial-and-error during installation, accelerating fab startup and reducing both CapEx and OPEX.

Target markets and partnership expansion across the global semiconductor supply chain VSL has secured customers in Germany, Poland, Japan, and the United States, confirming the solution's global applicability. It is now prioritizing Taiwan and the U.S. market while building partnerships across the semiconductor supply chain, including not only IDMs such as Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and SK hynix Inc., but also OEMs and EPC firms.

Collaboration results with large corporations through support from the Seoul Center for Creative Economy & Innovation Through the Deep Tech Value-Up Program at the Seoul Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, VSL identified SK hynix's needs and developed a dedicated private SaaS solution. This became a decisive opportunity to validate the technology in a security-focused manufacturing environment at a large corporation, where startups usually struggle to enter.

Aiming for an integrated vacuum system management platform and investment plans VSL aims to build an integrated platform covering the full lifecycle of vacuum systems, including design, optimization, real-time monitoring, and fault prediction. It is currently preparing to raise Pre-Series A investment and plans to expand its R&D workforce and advance its AI-based automation engine to help establish a global standard.

WHAT is VSL's FitVac solution? VSL's FitVac is a SaaS-based simulation platform that automates and optimizes vacuum system design for semiconductor manufacturing processes using 3D M&S technology. HOW does FitVac automate design? Based on environmental data set by the user, it automatically calculates the optimal piping route that avoids obstacles and the pump capacity suited to process conditions using AI and data simulation. RESULT What are the practical effects of adopting the solution? At large semiconductor manufacturing sites, it cuts annual electricity costs by hundreds of millions of won, secures carbon credits, and shortens equipment setup periods and fab startup timing through Digital Twin validation.

This content was prepared by MaeKyung Biz Content Planning Team based on official announcements and press releases.