Small-run machine parts are less expensive than chip fabrication. "The smallest run possible is typically 12 wafers, which can cost more than US $50 000 after

Small-run machine parts are less expensive than chip fabrication. "The smallest run possible is typically 12 wafers, which can cost more than US $50 000 after tallying up the cost of materials, photolithography, and fabrication, he says." http://www.theinstitute.ieee.org/portal/site/tionline/menuitem.130a3558587d56e8fb2275875bac26c8/index.jsp?&pName=institute_level1_article&TheCat=1016&article=tionline/legacy/inst2005/dec05/12w.memprof.xml&#38 http://www.theinstitute.ieee.org/portal/site/tionline/menuit...;