Manz Bolsters Capabilities of Industry-leading Laser Processing Tools by
Integrating Synova’s Laser MicroJet® Technology into its Manufacturing Systems
REUTLINGEN, Germany, and LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Apr. 2, 2007—Manz Automation AG, a leading systems and components supplier, and Synova SA, the world pioneer of water jet-guided laser technology, today announced an exclusive technology licensing agreement. Manz will integrate Synova’s innovative Laser MicroJet® technology into its advanced manufacturing equipment for photovoltaics (PV) applications. The new Synova-enabled Manz solutions will be used to improve the efficiency, and substantially reduce the cost of cutting, drilling and edge isolation, of mono- and multi-crystalline solar cells. Under the terms of the agreement, Synova will spearhead all R&D efforts for the combined toolsets, while Manz will drive the manufacturing, sales and service operations on a worldwide and PV-exclusive basis.
“Synova’s unique technology—which guides a laser beam through an ultra-thin water jet—will substantially increase the efficiency of current laser processes. Moreover, completely new uses in the manufacture of crystalline solar cells will arise,” explained Manz’s chairman of the board, Dieter Manz. “Synova’s Laser MicroJet technology will help us improve and expand our market position as one of the leading worldwide suppliers for laser processing systems for photovoltaics manufacturing,” added Manz.
The collaboration with Manz allows Synova to rapidly expand adoption of its Laser MicroJet technology into the photovoltaics market. Synova Chief Executive Officer Bernold Richerzhagen commented, “The Synova-Manz partnership provides an excellent vehicle to extend the advantages of our Laser MicroJet technology into a
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MANZ AUTOMATION INKS LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH SYNOVAPAGE 2 OF 2
fast-growing market. Given Laser MicroJet’s superb price/performance record in the semiconductor industry, our solution is a natural choice for deployment in the cost-sensitive PV manufacturing space. Our mutual collaboration combines cutting-edge laser technology with state-of-the-art manufacturing tools to deliver a new breed of efficient and cost-effective laser processing solutions to global PV producers.”
Synova already has an installed base of tools in the field for PV manufacturing, and it will continue to sell and support systems to its existing PV customers. This agreement is one of several licensing partnerships Synova is establishing to facilitate explosive growth in its diverse served industries. These branches include semiconductors, flat-panel displays, photovoltaics (solar cells), medical instrumentation and automotive devices, among others.