DEK & BTU partnership delivers complete solar cell manufacturing solution

DEK has announced a new strategic partnership with BTU International, an alliance which will see the two technology leaders deliver complete in-line metallization process solutions for solar cell manufacturers.

The new alliance will be officially unveiled at the 22nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, being held in Milan, Italy, over 3rd - 7th September. By combining DEK's next generation printing technologies and handling solutions with BTU's high performance drying and firing systems, the new partnership presents a powerful offering to the photovoltaic industry. Sharing booth G-26 in Hall 16, DEK and BTU will show conference visitors how their combined expertise will drive down the cost per watt of solar cell manufacture.

The mass imaging process employed by DEK's Europa and Galaxy printer platforms is ideal for creating the finer features required to maintain exceptional solar cell manufacturing productivity. Mass imaging also overcomes a major technology challenge by exerting greater control over the deposition process. By forcing the material onto the substrate through screen and stencil apertures, thickness uniformity is guaranteed.

In addition, DEK's award-winning ProFlow®enclosed print head system delivers even greater process control to enabling high accuracy screen printing of materials such as polymer thick film conductive inks. Key to the process is the engineering of advanced screen technologies critical to running a productive thin film solar cell manufacturing process - and these will be on display at Milan, along with a Galaxy printer.

"This new partnership will raise the bar in terms of productivity and throughput to deliver a distinct cost-of ownership advantage for today's photovoltaic manufacturers," explains DEK CEO John Hartner. "An intrinsic part of our Expect More philosophy, this alliance is an ideal foundation from which to increase the commercial viability of alternative energies. We are delighted to be teaming up with BTU and look forward to building on our collective experience to positively address the primary challenges of this industry - lowering cost, driving throughput and ensuring ongoing productivity."