BTU acquires AtmoPlas(TM) technology and rResearch organization from Dana Corporation

BTU International, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: BTUI) announced that it has acquired the AtmoPlas(TM) technology and research team from Dana Corporation.  The financial terms of the acquisition were not announced.
 
The AtmoPlas process makes possible a new method of heating components where microwave energy is used to create a plasma at atmospheric pressure. Typically, plasma is generated under low pressure or vacuum, adding substantial complexity and cost to the equipment. The ability of AtmoPlas to operate without a vacuum offers several significant advantages compared to conventional microwave processing.
 
The acquisition provides BTU with a strong intellectual property position with 27 patents and filings in plasma processing through the use of microwave technology.
 
"We envision that after further development this technology will provide thermal processing solutions which could significantly affect processing flexibility, cycle time, equipment footprint and throughput in the electronics, energy generation, as well as other applications," said Paul J. van der Wansem, BTU chairman and CEO.
 
"This acquisition also significantly broadens our thermal technology portfolio," said van der Wansem. "This is part of the company's long-range strategic initiative to acquire products and technologies that will meet the future processing needs of our customers. We added infrared technology for the solar market with the recent acquisition of the product lines of Radiant Technologies Corporation (RTC) and we continue to strengthen our position with the addition of the AtmoPlas research team and technology."