Applied Materials,
Inc. announced today that its recently-launched Applied HCT MaxEdge™
wire saw is already in volume production at key customers in Europe and Asia
for solar photovoltaic (PV) wafering applications. The MaxEdge system revolutionized
wire saw technology with the industry's first dual-wire system, enabling
significantly higher throughput and load capacity than competitive systems,
while requiring much less factory floor space and fewer operators for equivalent
megawatt output. MaxEdge systems have been qualified for production in as little
as four weeks, rapidly meeting customers' stringent performance and quality
specifications.
Launched in March 2009, the Applied HCT MaxEdge system revolutionized wire saw technology with the industry's first dual-wire management system and has already been qualified for production at key customers in Europe and Asia. (Photo: Business Wire)
According to Dr. Patrick Markschläger and Axel Schmidt, managing directors
of Wacker Schott Solar, “The MaxEdge systems are an important part of
our commitment to delivering competitive, high-end products that meet the exacting
specifications of our customers. Our excellent working relationship with Applied
resulted in very successful start-up of the MaxEdge systems. We are confident
that this teamwork will enable us to continue to achieve the world class yield
and productivity we need to meet our customers' current and future roadmap
requirements.”
“We are experiencing strong demand for the MaxEdge technology, with over
40 systems shipped in the last three months,” said Jean-Maurice Imbert,
general manager of Applied's Precision Wafering Systems division. “The
system's rapid market momentum shows that the technology is meeting the
expectations of PV customers focused on both quality and cost. We worked closely
with our customers to boost wafer output and to lower operating expenses –
which are critical to making solar electricity competitive with grid power.”
Launched in March 2009, the uniquely designed MaxEdge system delivers 50% higher
productivity than the previous generation of wire saws by using two, independently-controlled
120µm diameter cutting wires. Advanced process control is used to lower
wire tension, reducing wire wear and unplanned downtime, while maintaining wafer
thickness uniformity and surface finish. Reduced tension also allows smaller
diameter cutting wires to be used, resulting in significantly less silicon loss
without compromising yield. For more information, please visit http://www.appliedmaterials.com/products/maxedge_3.html.
Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in Nanomanufacturing
Technology™ solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment,
service and software products for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat
panel displays, solar photovoltaic cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient
glass. At Applied Materials, we apply Nanomanufacturing Technology to improve
the way people live.