Heidelberg, Germany – Heidelberg Instruments, a global player in direct write technology and solution provider for the advanced packaging market, is transforming the semiconductor industry with its maskless laser lithography system, the MLA 300. Continuous and repeat orders of MLA 300 systems confirm Heidelberg Instruments' capabilities and customer satisfaction.

MLA 300 is increasing production capacity for wafer-level packaging providers.

Flexible designs, high throughput, uniformity, and yield are the basic requirements in the semiconductor industry. The MLA 300 Maskless Aligner meets all of these requirements and more, with its capability to expose a tailor-made design on each substrate to match the actual die locations. Unlike a fixed mask, the design data can be tailored and augmented before exposure, enabling yield improvements by compensating for line width bias due to processing or loading re-mapped designs that include die shift. In addition, serial number labeling and other dynamically generated, unique patterns can be added to each exposure.

The MLA 300 is optimized for industrial volume production and features distinct benefits such as full automation. The flexibility of maskless lithography allows rapid design customizations, even unique designs on each substrate, which can be updated automatically. This is particularly useful for chip packaging where mounted die shift due to the curing of a reconstituted wafer or panel. The MLA 300 system seamlessly integrates into wafer-level packaging production lines, fully automating production with a resolution down to 2 µm lines and spaces. Customers benefit from reduced production costs and efforts by eliminating mask procurement, verification, and management requirements. Operating costs are reduced by utilizing a long-lifetime exposure laser and fewer consumables. The modularity enables fast maintenance, replacement, or repair. Real-time autofocus compensates substrate warp or corrugations for flawless patterning.

“We are thrilled to witness this cutting-edge technology’s impact on the industry, and we’re excited that many important companies and groups are taking this journey with us. The MLA 300 is a game-changer in maskless lithography,” states Alexander Forozan, Head of Global Sales and Marketing at Heidelberg Instruments Group. “Its revolutionary features transform the production process, delivering unmatched precision and high throughput. So, whether you want to enhance productivity or streamline your operations, the MLA 300 is designed to exceed your expectations.”

Introduced into the market at the end of 2019, the MLA 300 Maskless Aligner is the first direct exposure system specially designed for industrial applications in advanced packaging, wafer-level packaging, electronics components, sensors, MEMS, and many more.

With continuous order intakes from leading wafer-level packaging providers in Asia, the Heidelberg Instruments MLA 300 Maskless Aligner has proven capabilities and customer satisfaction, making the company poised for growth in the demanding and fast-growing high-technology market.

Contact:
Sonja Pfeuffer
Head of Global Marketing
[email protected]

Further information:
https://heidelberg-instruments.com/

About Heidelberg Instruments Mikrotechnik GmbH
With over 35 years of experience and over 1,300 systems installed worldwide, Heidelberg Instruments is a world leader in designing, developing, and manufacturing high-precision laser lithography systems, maskless aligners, and nanofabrication tools. Industry stakeholders and working groups of renowned universities and research institutes worldwide use Heidelberg Instruments systems for advanced micro- and nanofabrication. Fields of applications include micro-optics and microsystems technology, photonics, electronics, semiconductors/ advanced packaging, quantum computing, MEMS/NEMS, micro-mechanics, biomedical engineering, 2D materials, IoT, and many more. Heidelberg Instruments provides lithography solutions tailored to meet our global customers' micro- and nanofabrication requirements – no matter how challenging.

• Read more about Redefining Wafer-Level Packaging Production with Heidelberg Instruments Flexible Direct Writing Technology

RoodMicrotec shows strong financial performance for the year 2022.
• Total income of EUR 16.5 million with an EBITDA of EUR 3.9 million
• Net profit of EUR 2.4 million
• Cash flow from operating activities of EUR 3.6 million

Deventer, April 20, 2023 – RoodMicrotec N.V., a leading independent company for semiconductors supply and quality services, today publishes the Company’s Annual Report for the financial year 2022 including the audited consolidated and company financial statements. The 2022 Annual Report is available for download on the corporate website: www.roodmicrotec.com/en/investor-relations-en/financial-publications.

The total income for 2022 amounted to EUR 16.5 million, which is 14% higher than in 2021 (EUR 14.5 million) resulting in a second consecutive year with double-digit growth. Notably, this is the highest total income since 2000, and it shows that RoodMicrotec is focusing on the right fast-growing future-oriented markets.

“Once again, we managed to exceed the outlook and deliver a higher total income as well as a higher profit. In the first and second quarter of 2022, we generated a total income that was similar to the fourth quarter of 2021, which was a very good start of the year,” says Martin Sallenhag, CEO of RoodMicrotec. “In the third and fourth quarter of 2022, we saw a steady increase in total income making the full year the best in over 20 years. The profit before tax for the year as well as the overall liquidity put us in a good position for future investments in machinery and services. This allows us to focus on growing the business with new customer engagements.”

Throughout the year, the Test Operations department continued to deliver outstanding results. The total income increased from EUR 7.9 million in 2021 to EUR 10.0 million in 2022, which is a growth of 26%. Our long term customers are increasing their demand and we are able to support them with additional capacity. In 2022, we have added both manpower and new machines to support the expanding business.

The Supply Chain Management unit is growing thanks to long-term projects. The total income increased from EUR 3.4 million in 2021 to EUR 3.5 million in 2022, a growth of 5% year-over-year. This is also driving turnover in the other units, especially in the Test Operations department.

In the Qualification & Failure Analysis department we have seen a big increase in request for counterfeit analysis. Due to the shortage of components, it is becoming more important to analyze the used components before going into mass production. RoodMicrotec is the first and only company in Germany to offer the counterfeit electronic parts standard SAE AS6081 as an accredited method according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.

2022 HIGHLIGHTS / MAIN DEVELOPMENTS

Financials
• Total income: EUR 16.5 million (2021: EUR 14.5 million).
• EBITDA: EUR 3.9 million (2021: EUR 2.8 million).
• Balance sheet total: EUR 17.2 million (2021: EUR 15.0 million).
• Net result: EUR 2.4 million profit (2021: EUR 1.4 million profit).
• Net cash flow from operating activities: EUR 3.6 million (2021: EUR 2.0 million).

Commercial/operational
• RoodMicrotec has continued to expand its services in the areas defined in the Company’s technology roadmap. High frequency test solutions are being developed for our demanding customers based on this new technology and their demand for production test.
• The first projects to qualify high power electronics according AQG 324 have been started in the Qualification & Failure Analysis department. These new services have been added to handle high power devices aimed for battery management and control.
• RoodMicrotec and Rohde & Schwarz have been working together for over 10 years and in this period RoodMicrotec has carried out the test development for various high frequency ASICs used by Rohde & Schwarz in their products. RoodMicrotec performs wafer and component level tests as well as qualifications prior to product launch. For the coming years, further projects of this kind are already scheduled.
• The world leader in UWB (Ultra-Wideband) sensing solutions, Novelda, and RoodMicrotec have reached an agreement on qualification, test, and supply of a new generation of UWB devices. The Ultra-Wideband Sensor can detect the tiniest movements, even breathing and heartbeat. The cooperation with RoodMicrotec as European partner enables Novelda to manage faster qualification and industrialization of new products. Effective collaboration, both on engineering and management level, and combining each partner’s expertise is allowing ‘first time right’ development of test solutions, qualification processes, and the rapid launch of production testing and supply.
• The order book is at a higher level than in the beginning of the year, even though the total income was higher than budgeted. This means that the book-to-bill ratio was above 1 for the year.
• During 2022, we have continued to progress the booked SCM projects towards production through test program development as well as qualification work. Some projects have been released for production and we start to see the first volumes for these customers. The turn-key project for a Swiss customer, which includes the design of an ASIC by a design house partner, packaging of the device in Asia, qualification, and in-house test development, is progressing well. The volume production for this device will be launched early in 2023 in the RoodMicrotec facility in Nördlingen.
• The nationally and internationally funded APPLAUSE project “Advanced packaging for photonics, optics and electronics for low cost manufacturing in Europe,” fosters the European semiconductor value chain by building new tools, methods and processes for high volume manufacturing. RoodMicrotec has taken over the leadership of the work package “testing, reliability, failure analysis and metrology”. The project has delivered exceptional results with significant immediate or potential impact. The progress over the last period was convincing.
• As a full and final settlement of the 2012 perpetual bond, RoodMicrotec GmbH has paid Robus a total settlement amount of EUR 400k nominal, i.e. without any interest, in two equal nominal installments of EUR 200k on February 28, 2022 and June 30, 2022. This final settlement has been reached before and confirmed by the Regional Court of Hamburg in February 2022.
 
Events after balance sheet date
• RoodMicrotec GmbH has entered into an agreement for a full and final settlement with Prime Capital Debt SCS, SICAV-FIS – Robus Recovery Sub-Fund (“Robus”) regarding the perpetual bond that RoodMicrotec GmbH issued in 2010 and which is held by Robus.

Following an oral hearing held on March 7, 2023, both parties have reached agreement on a full and final settlement that was reached before and confirmed by the Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main. Pursuant to the settlement, RoodMicrotec GmbH shall pay a total amount of EUR 2,194k (110% of the nominal value of the perpetual bond issued in 2010), in four equal installments of EUR 548k, by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2023.
 
Key figures
(x EUR 1,000 unless stated otherwise) 2022 2021

Results & Cash
Total income 16,548 14,532
EBITDA 3,898 2,786
EBITDA as % of total income 23.6% 19.2%
EBIT (operating result) 2,451 1,227
EBIT as % of total income 14.8% 8.4%
Profit (loss) before tax 2,271 1,038
PBT as % of total income 13.7% 7.1%
Net result 2,380 1,435
Net cash position (year-end) 3,682 2,558
Net cash flow from operating activities 3,553 2,049

Capital, Debt & Liquidity Ratios (at year-end)
Total assets 17,197 15,014
Equity 7,850 5,583
Net debt -805 374
Invested capital (net debt + equity) 7,045 5,957
Gearing ratio (net debt / invested capital) -11% 6%
Solvency (equity / total assets) 46% 37%
Debt ratio (net debt / EBITDA) -0.2 0.1
Net working capital (working capital - net cash position) 211 317
Net working capital ratio (net working capital / total income) 1.3% 2.2%
ROCE (EBIT / average invested capital) 37.7% 21.0%

Assets (at year-end)
Tangible and intangible fixed assets 8,765 8,295
Investments in (in)tangible fixed assets 1,743 681
Depreciation of (in)tangible fixed assets 1,447 1,559

Data per share (x EUR 1)
Equity 0.105 0.074
Operating result 0.033 0.016
Net cash flow from operating activities 0.047 0.027
Net result 0.032 0.019
Share price: year end 0.205 0.201
Share price: highest in the year 0.215 0.267
Share price: lowest in the year 0.171 0.176

Other information
Number of issued shares at year end (in millions of shares) 75.1 75.1
Average number of employees (FTE) 94 89
Total income / average FTE 176 163
Market capitalization (in EUR millions) 15.4 15.1

 
Total income and result
In 2022, RoodMicrotec’s total income of EUR 16.5 million was 14% higher than in 2021 (2021: EUR 14.5 million), with 92% of its total sales effected in the European countries.
Total income from the Automotive sector increased by 18% to EUR 8.1 million in 2022 (2021: EUR 6.9 million) and represents 49% of the total income. Total income in the Industrial / Medical sector increased by 7% to EUR 6.7 million in 2022 (2021: EUR 6.3 million) and represents 40% of the total income. The HiRel / Aerospace segment declined by 8% to EUR 0.8 million (2021: EUR 0.9 million) and with 5% only represents a small percentage of the total income. The income in this sector mainly consists of failure analysis and qualification work and this is very much depending on our customers’ design cycles. Total income in other sectors increased by 105% to EUR 0.9 million (2021: EUR 0.5 million).
Total income by market sector:
(x EUR 1,000) 2022 2021 change

Automotive 8,094 6,886 17.5%
Industrial / Medical 6,683 6,270 6.6%
HiRel / Aerospace 849 926 -8.3%
Others 922 450 104.9%

Total 16,548 14,532 13.9%

Throughout 2022, the Test Operations unit showed a strong increase, which was related to the superior services and the excellent position RoodMicrotec has with its existing and new customers. The Supply Chain Management unit showed a limited increase compared to last year. The sharp increase in the second half of 2022 compared to the first half of 2022 was due to a higher demand for existing products as well as the production ramp-up in the context of new long-term contracts. In 2022, the Qualification & Failure Analysis unit saw a decrease compared to 2021. However, the total income for the second half of 2022 was 9% higher than for the first half of 2022, which shows that new customer projects are now starting.
Total income results per operational unit:
(x EUR 1,000) 2022 2021 change

Supply Chain Management 3,533 3,364 5.0%
Test Operations 10,035 7,938 26.4%
Qualification & Failure Analysis 2,980 3,230 -7.7%

Total 16,548 14,532 13.9%

Operating result
The Company recorded an operating result for 2022 of EUR 2.5 million compared to EUR 1.2 million in 2021, and thus an increase of 99.8%. The increase in total income only led to a modest rise of expenses for raw materials and consumables (in 2021, expenditures for raw materials and consumables were exceptionally high due to a high level of wafer deliveries). Combined with a lower increase in operating expenses than in total income, this led to an increase in the operating margin from 8.4% in 2021 to 14.8% in 2022.

Net result
The Company recorded a net result of EUR 2.4 million profit for 2022, which is an increase of 65.9% compared to 2021. 

Personnel and organization
During 2022, RoodMicrotec continued to optimize the organization to keep track with the changing demands from customers and markets. Furthermore, highly experienced personnel has been recruited for support of the Company’s future plans. The average number of full time employees (FTE) in 2022 was 94. Total income per average full-time employee increased to EUR 176,000 from EUR 163,000 in 2021. RoodMicrotec’s policy is to strive for growth of sales per FTE.
Looking back, RoodMicrotec got through the COVID-19 period very well and without any material impact on staffing levels. The measures taken with facial masks, distance between the working places, home offices, and general care, offered a safe environment for all employees.

Outlook
RoodMicrotec expects the total income for 2023 to be in the range of EUR 17.0 million to EUR 17.5 million, with a profit before tax of 5-10% and thus in line with the financial targets. The geopolitical situation in the world and the current energy crisis throughout Europe could have an impact on the Company’s business. The Management is keeping a close eye on the situation and is doing everything possible to mitigate any potentially negative impact.

Conference call
You are invited to take part in RoodMicrotec’s conference call for shareholders, financial press, and analysts via Microsoft TEAMS on
Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 9:30 CEST.
The Board of Management, Martin Sallenhag and Arvid Ladega, will comment on the Annual Report 2022 in detail and will answer your questions.
To join the event please follow these login instructions:
Join with your computer or mobile app Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+49 69 509544247 Germany, Frankfurt am Main
+31 20 399 9804 The Netherlands, Amsterdam
+32 2 895 09 68 Belgium, Bruxelles
+41 43 217 23 02 Switzerland, Zurich

Find a local number – in case you are in another country
Phone Conference ID: 124 673 558#
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 15:00 CEST at the Amsterdam Stock Exchange (EURONEXT), Beursplein 5, 1012 JW Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The convening notice (including registration and voting instructions) and the agenda with explanatory notes, as well as all other meeting documents for the AGM, including the 2022 Annual Report and the 2023 Remuneration Policy are available for download on our corporate website:
www.roodmicrotec.com/en/investor-relations-en/annual-general-meeting.
 
Financial calendar
June 6, 2023 Annual general meeting of shareholders
July 20, 2023 Publication interim report 2023
July 20, 2023 Conference call for media, analysts and shareholders
October 19, 2023 Trading update quarter 3-2023

Forward-looking statements
This press release contains a number of forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and prognoses of the Board of Management, and on the information currently available to the Company. The statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which are hard to evaluate, such as the general economic conditions, interest rates, exchange rates, and amendments to statutory laws and regulations. The Board of Management of RoodMicrotec cannot guarantee that its expectations will materialize. Furthermore, RoodMicrotec does not accept any obligation to update the statements made in this press release.

About RoodMicrotec
RoodMicrotec is a leading independent company for semiconductor supply and quality services. With more than 50 years of experience in the semiconductor and electronics industry, RoodMicrotec is well-established as a highly valued partner for many companies worldwide. The Company provides full-turnkey ASIC services for complex microchips that are customized to handle specific applications for individual customers. In cooperation with strong partners, RoodMicrotec manages the entire development and production flow of ASICs in the target volume, ranging from low quantities up to multiple millions per year. The turnkey solution includes project management, wafer test, assembly, final test, qualification, failure analysis, and logistics. All services comply with the industrial and quality requirements of the high reliability, aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and industrial sectors. RoodMicrotec’s headquarter is located in Deventer, Netherlands, with operational units in Nördlingen and Stuttgart, Germany.
For more information visit https://www.roodmicrotec.com

• Read more about RoodMicrotec N.V. publishes 2022 annual report with audited financial statements

• Total income for the first quarter of 2023 was EUR 4.6 million (first quarter 2022: EUR 3.6 million)
• Order book value increased by 12% compared to March 31, 2022
• Invitation to the presentation of the 2022 Annual Report on April 20, 2023 at 9.30 CEST

Deventer, April 13, 2023 – RoodMicrotec N.V., a leading independent company for semiconductors supply and quality services, today releases its trading update for the first quarter of 2023. The total income for the quarter was EUR 4.6 million, which is 28% higher than the total income in the first quarter of 2022. Having in mind the forecasted increase of the total income in 2023 over last year, it is encouraging to see the growth in total income in the first quarter and that the order book continues to rise. The order book contains orders for both long term contracts and engagements as well as short-term orders. The long term contracts and engagements are mainly in the SCM and Test Operations units and the short-term orders in the Failure Analysis & Qualification unit.

“I’m very proud to be able to report another increase in total income for the first quarter of 2023. We are working very hard to support our customers in their demanding test and qualification tasks and the continuous high level of total income shows that we are doing a good job”, says Martin Sallenhag, CEO of RoodMicrotec. “The steady increase in the order book is a good indicator for the rest of the year and makes us confident for the future.”

RoodMicrotec will publish the 2022 Annual Report before the opening of the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange on Thursday, April 20, 2023. The Company’s Board of Management, Martin Sallenhag and Arvid Ladega, will comment on the report and answer questions during the conference call for media, analysts and shareholders to be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 9:30 CEST.

You are invited to join the Microsoft TEAMS event using the following login instructions:
Join with your computer or mobile app Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+49 69 509544247 Germany, Frankfurt am Main
+31 20 399 9804 The Netherlands, Amsterdam
+32 2 895 09 68 Belgium, Bruxelles
+41 43 217 23 02 Switzerland, Zurich
Find a local number – in case you are in another country
Phone Conference ID: 124 673 558#
 
Outlook
RoodMicrotec expects the total income for 2023 to be in the range of EUR 17.0 million to EUR 17.5 million, with a profit before tax of 5-10% and thus in line with the financial targets. The geopolitical situation in the world and the current energy crisis throughout Europe could have an impact on the Company’s business. The Management is keeping a close eye on the situation and is doing everything possible to mitigate any potentially negative impact.

Audit
The financial data in this press release have not been audited.

About RoodMicrotec
RoodMicrotec is a leading independent company for semiconductor supply and quality services. With more than 50 years of experience in the semiconductor and electronics industry, RoodMicrotec is well-established as a highly valued partner for many companies worldwide. The Company provides full-turnkey ASIC services for complex microchips that are customized to handle specific applications for individual customers. In cooperation with strong partners, RoodMicrotec manages the entire development and production flow of ASICs in the target volume, ranging from low quantities up to multiple millions per year. The turnkey solution includes project management, wafer test, assembly, final test, qualification, failure analysis and logistics. All services comply with the industrial and quality requirements of the high reliability, aerospace, automotive, healthcare and industrial sectors. RoodMicrotec’s headquarters are located in Deventer, Netherlands, with operational units in Nördlingen and Stuttgart, Germany
For more information visit https://www.roodmicrotec.com

• Read more about Trading Update: RoodMicrotec announces total income for the first quarter of 2023

[April 10, 2023 – Taipei, Taiwan] Test Research, Inc. (TRI) has unveiled its latest innovation in Conformal Coating Inspection, the TR7700 SIII Ultra CI. Equipped with advanced optical design, specialized multi-phase lighting, and intelligent inspection algorithms, this cutting-edge AOI can detect coating issues with unprecedented accuracy, measure coating thickness, and inspect dispensed flux and glue.

The TR7700 SIII Ultra CI AOI can precisely measure coating thickness from critical areas on the PCB, detecting unwanted coating spills near PCB connectors, sensitive components, and designated mounting holes. The CI software can identify common coating issues, including cracks, bubbles/voids, insufficient/excess coating, and loss of adhesion, with innovative algorithms calculating the maximum/minimum coating coverage length and measuring coating length, splash, or insufficient coating. The coating thickness measurement range is from 35 μm to 750 μm.

The Smart CI AOI allows for the creation of coating maps from CAD data for rapid deployment. The smart programming also extends to learning and tuning the coating programming for an accurate inspection.

Upgrade your conformal coating inspection with TRI's latest technology. For more information about the TR7700 SIII Ultra CI, please visit the link below, https://www.tri.com.tw/en/product/product_detail-60-2-1689-1.html.

TRI's PCBA Test and Inspection solutions and Industry 4.0 data-driven management system, YMS 4.0, can help manufacturers realize their production line's full potential. These systems are designed to interoperate with other manufacturing equipment, minimize downtime, optimize production quality, and reduce operator workload.

About TRI
Test Research, Inc. (TRI) offers the most robust product portfolio in the industry for Automatic Test and Inspection solutions. From Optical Inspection to Board Testing, TRI provides the most cost-effective solutions to meet a comprehensive range of manufacturing Test and Inspection requirements. Learn more at http://www.tri.com.tw. For sales and service information, please write to us at [email protected] call +886-2-2832 8918.

• Read more about TRI releases Next-level Conformal Coating Inspection

Virginia Beach, VA, April 3, 2023: Busch Vacuum Solutions in the United States is pleased to announce the acquisition of Vac-Tech Inc., a vacuum pump service and sales provider for precision high vacuum pumps in the semiconductor, electronics, and solar markets. Vac-Tech has two locations, one in Phoenix, AZ, and the other in Richardson, TX.

This initiative expands Busch’s nationwide presence by adding complementary high vacuum service to its overhaul, repair, and installation processes closer to customers in the Western region.

"We are very excited about this acquisition," says Busch US President, Turgay Ozan. "Vac-Tech has been a trusted service and sales provider for many years and bringing their team of vacuum experts under the Busch company provides even more value to our customers."

The new Vac-Tech service locations offer vacuum pump repairs, component replacements, valve rebuilds, parts cleaning, and used vacuum equipment sales.

According to Busch US Vice President of Medium High Vacuum Sales, Mark Magill, "Vac-Tech joining Busch demonstrates our commitment to our customers through every step of the after sales process from start to finish." He added, “Busch is dedicated to helping customers get their pumps serviced quickly while ensuring exceptional quality workmanship.”

For more information about Busch Vacuum Solutions expanded service offerings and products, please visit www.buschusa.com or call 1-800-USA-PUMP (872-7867).

About Busch Vacuum Solutions
Busch Vacuum Solutions offers vacuum and pressure solutions from individual vacuum pumps, blowers, and compressors to tailor-made vacuum systems. In addition to vacuum equipment, Busch is also a global service provider. Busch USA headquarters is in Virginia Beach, VA, and part of the global Busch family-owned company with over 3,800 employees in 45 countries. For more information, please contact Busch at [email protected] or visit the Busch US website at www.buschusa.com.

• Read more about Busch Vacuum Solutions US Acquires Vacuum Service and Sales Provider

PENANG, MALAYSIA - MARCH 2023 ViTrox, which aims to be the world’s most trusted technology company, is excited to announce the launch of the enhanced Tray-based Vision Handler, TR1000S⁺i!

The semiconductor business is continually changing and has grown significantly in recent decades. Some industry developments worth noticing in recent years, particularly for Integrated Circuit (IC) packages, have emerged. These trends include miniaturisation and the increased demand for IC packages due to the growth of the consumer electronics market, the automotive industry, and the medical industry.

Additionally, manufacturers are actively looking for cost-effective and well-performing equipment to secure product quality, which also includes automating inspections. Hence, we are bringing you our enhanced Tray-based Vision Handler, TR1000S⁺i! This solution is designed to cater for 360° inspection of BGA, QFP, QFN, CSP, TSSOP, MSOP, and SOP packages handled in tray-to-tape inspections.

Our TR1000S⁺i is now enhanced with an improved PP3 design with an added nozzle. The users can experience faster unit pick-and-place with three nozzles and the inspection speed is greatly improved. This translates to an average UPH increase of 24%!

The TR1000S⁺i also houses the following features:
1) Built-in de-taping module: reduces conversion time with a movable linear guide with a built-in jig.
2) Fetcher module: shortens translation time and unit pick-up time to higher throughput.
3) Auto pitching mechanism: expedites nozzle pitch conversion.
4) Easy 3D calibrations: simplifies calibration process (place and slot, no adjustments needed)‏, fast (only 5 minutes) and auto-illuminated.

In general, TR1000S⁺i is the enhanced version of the previous TR1000Si system. With the enhancement of the Tape & Reel as well as the additional nozzle piece, it will greatly reduce the Pick & Place bottleneck and generate higher throughput which compliments the high-speed vision inspection time. Thus, our TR1000S⁺i will guarantee you both quality assurance and productivity which is worth the low cost of investments. To ensure that they have a smooth automation journey with ViTrox, we have a team of technical support experts that are ready to provide top-notch services to you.

Ready to kickstart your automation journey? Reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more about how you can automate your IC package inspection effectively!

About ViTrox Technologies
ViTrox is committed to being the World’s Most Trusted Technology Company and the leading solutions provider through the most innovative, advanced, and cost-effective machine vision solution of excellent quality to its customers by integrating its technologies, people, and strategic alliances.

ViTrox offers a full spectrum of solutions, ranging from Middle & Back-end Semiconductor Inspection Solutions, SMT PCB Assembly Vision Inspection Solutions, Electronics Communication Systems, and Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Intelligence Solutions. ViTrox is headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, with offices in Asia, Germany, and the United States and sales and support sites worldwide.

For more information about ViTrox’s products and services, please visit www.vitrox.com.

• Read more about Kickstart Your Automation Journey with TR1000S⁺i!

Rochester, N.Y. – Linton Crystal Technologies announces Edward Przybycien has joined the company as principal engineer. His responsibilities will include overseeing the research, development, design and optimization of Linton’s crystal growing machines, supporting processing equipment and accessories. As such, Przybycien will serve as design lead throughout the product realization process. Located in Henrietta, New York, Linton is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of Czochralski (CZ) silicon furnaces for production of monocrystalline silicon ingots for the semiconductor and solar industries.

“We are thrilled to have Ed join our team,” says Scott Blazey, director of operations. “With more than 25 years of mechanical design and cost reduction experience specific to crystal growing furnace and hot zone design, Ed will be an integral part of our continued growth at Linton Crystal Technologies.”

Przybycien is a technical professional with a wide range of mechanical design and engineering management experience. This is complemented by business experience as the principal of Przybycien Consulting LLC, through which he provided technical trade compliance services for more than a decade prior to joining LCT.

His engineering experience includes several years as a professional engineering consultant providing specialized design expertise for hot zone development, vacuum chamber design, and development of retrofit devices for semiconductor processing equipment, as well as 13 years with Kayex, Linton’s predecessor. With Kayex, he began as a mechanical project engineer developing custom assemblies, was the project manager for the 300mm grower and then served as engineering manager. In this last role, he directed the activities of 12 mechanical, electrical, and software engineering personnel and managed order engineering, R&D and product maintenance worldwide.

Przybycien earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering magna cum laude from State University of New York at Buffalo. Additionally, he completed training in Complying in U.S. Export Controls and Encryption and Technical Data Controls from the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security, as well as several trainings regarding U.S. export transactions and controls from the Export Compliance Training Institute.

About Linton
Linton specializes in silicon and produces equipment for materials such as germanium and gallium arsenide. They also provide technical support, process engineering support and replacement parts to help clients get businesses off the ground, improve productivity and continue to innovate. Linton has been the exclusive owner of Kayex technology since 2013.
For more information, visit www.lintoncrystal.com.

• Read more about Linton Crystal Technologies Announces Przybycien, Principal Engineer

SLiM 100 delivers real-time detection and quantification of VOCs to the 1 ppb level

Santa Clara, CA — March 14, 2023 — Picarro Inc., a leading provider of chemical metrology systems for advanced semiconductor fabs, today announced the SLiM 100 Lithography Process Tool Monitoring System. The new 1-ppb class chemical metrology solution detects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the lithography process in real time, enabling semiconductor manufacturers to quickly take steps to prevent excursions and detect non-visual defects, thereby improving yield.

As design features shrink, small amounts of airborne molecular contamination (AMC) from VOCs are resulting in significant increases in non-visual defects on reticles and wafers. Crystal growth defects on reticles, hazing of scanner optics, and t-topping of photoresists are some of the serious problems that are caused by the presence of undesired VOCs. Ultimately, these contaminants not only damage expensive lithography tools; they result in yield loss on the wafer.

To mitigate the negative effects of VOCs in the lithography process, fab operators need real-time measurements of VOCs at very low concentration levels. This is very difficult to do in the fab environment with traditional technologies because they are slow and difficult to use.

The SLiM 100 system is a real-time measurement system that is designed to run 24/7 in the fab environment. It is a fully integrated chemical metrology system that is robust, easy to operate, and is ideal for use as a high-volume process monitoring and control system. It measures and monitors 10 organic compounds that negatively affect the lithography process with concentration sensitivity down to 1 part per billion. The system can also accommodate analyzers that measure inorganic molecules at parts-per-trillion concentration levels.

“The Picarro SLiM 100 enables fab operators to detect and resolve semiconductor manufacturing issues much faster than other solutions,” said Dr. Sanjay Yedur, Director of Product Management at Picarro. “This robust system will allow them to reduce costs by halting production of defective wafers sooner and minimize downtime of lithography tools for maintenance and repair."

About Picarro Semiconductor Solutions
Picarro’s Semiconductor business offers industry leading solutions for airborne molecular contamination (AMC) and chemical contaminant monitoring within fabs and process tools. Picarro’s Semiconductor solutions respond to contaminants in seconds, not hours, enabling semiconductor manufacturers to quickly mitigate contamination events in cleanrooms, FOUP, and lithography process equipment – improving production yield. For more information, visit semi.picarro.com.

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