BTU International passes 5 GW milestone in metallization firing systems

BTU International, a leading supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment and processes for the alternative energy and electronics manufacturing markets, today announced its cumulative shipments for equipment used in firing of metallization for silicon photovoltaics have exceeded five gigawatts (GW).

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    “Our metallization tools are cost-of-ownership leaders and demonstrate the superior process control for which BTU is known,” said Jan-Paul van Maaren, Ph.D., vice president of marketing at BTU. “The ISO 9001:2008 certified factory, where most of our firing furnaces are produced, is strategically located in Shanghai, China near many of the leading PV manufacturers, offering them a substantial cycle-time advantage.”

    BTU offers the Tritan metallization firing system as well as the PVD line of contact/drying firing furnaces. Both of these systems use near infrared heating technology. Tritan metallization firing system features BTU’s unique TriSpeed technology, allowing users to take advantage of superior ramp rates ? up to 200ºC per second ? while not compromising the drying and cooling sections of the profile.

    The PVD line is available in varying lengths and widths to suit specific throughput requirements. Specialized features include rapid heating via densely spaced tungsten lamps and rapid cooling rates obtained through proprietary water cooling technology.

    http://www.btu.com