• 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.

• Read more about Picarro’s New 1-ppb Class Chemical Metrology Solution for Lithography Process Tool Monitoring Enables Semiconductor Fabs to Improve Process Control

Applied Nanolayers BV (ANL) and SoundCell BV (a spin-off from Technische Universiteit Delft TUD), today announced they have received 275,000 EUR R&D funding from Provincie Zuid-Holland to develop a prototype for SoundCell’s high throughput single-cell graphene antibiotic sensitivity test.

The announcement follows research undertaken at TU Delft and published in Nature Nanotechnology last year where ultrathin bilayer graphene was used to detect nanoscale forces – at least 1000 times smaller than a mosquito bite – generated by single bacteria.

By tracking the changes in the bacteria’s nanomotion when different types of antibiotics are administered, the team were able to demonstrate that graphene drums can effectively perform antibiotic susceptibility testing with single-cell sensitivity.

This breakthrough in measuring antibiotic efficacy has major implications for public health worldwide. The technology has the potential to enable very fast antibiotic testing in healthcare settings, giving physicians a much more effective diagnostic toolkit for fast detection of antibiotic resistance in clinical practice, leading to more effective treatment, and acting as an invaluable tool in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

The 18-month project will optimise the antibiotic sensitivity platform, bringing it closer to market. Enhancing the throughput of the platform, developing faster read-out schemes, and validating it against a variety of pathogenic samples, the funding will accelerate development of a clinical-grade graphene-based antibiotic screening device that is manufacturable in high volumes.

Paul Hedges, CEO of Applied Nanolayers, said, “The team at SoundCell has made a phenomenal scientific breakthrough, and ANL will provide the quality and volumes of graphene needed to deliver on that vast potential. Our work over the next few months will therefore focus on delivering suitably sensitive chips with arrays of graphene membranes that can be reliably manufactured in the high volumes that will be required by healthcare providers.”

Aleksandre Japaridze, CEO of SoundCell, added: “Proving the commercial viability of this test over the next 18 months represents the cutting edge of the fight against antibiotic resistance, an ever-increasing threat to human health. It is an issue that demands innovative and-out-of-the box solutions and using graphene to detect nanoscale vibrations offers a unique method for monitoring the efficacy of antibiotics.

By developing a much faster and more sensitive method for diagnosing bacterial resistance – that can be used by doctors worldwide – our work with ANL is a critical effort in the fight against a threat that endangers millions of lives worldwide.”

About Applied Nanolayers BV
Applied Nanolayers (ANL) is based in the city of Delft in the Netherlands. We are a high volume 2D material foundry and producer of monolayer graphene and other high performance 2DM wafers to 200mm (8”) diameter.

• Read more about Applied Nanolayers and SoundCell awarded grant to develop groundbreaking graphene based antibiotic sensitivity test

Deventer, March 8, 2023 – RoodMicrotec N.V., a leading independent company for semiconductors supply and quality services, today announces that its wholly owned subsidiary 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.

As announced on 21 February 2022, Robus had initiated legal proceedings against RoodMicrotec GmbH before the Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main. Robus claimed being entitled to an 11.7% compensation payment in relation to 2017, 2018 and H1-2021. In addition, alleging non-compliance by RoodMicrotec GmbH of the terms and conditions of the 2010 perpetual bond, Robus claimed the immediate and full repayment of the nominal amount of the perpetual bond asserting grounds for the extraordinary termination of the perpetual bond. The total amount claimed by Robus in the proceedings amounted to EUR 2,568k to be increased with 11.7% interest for the applicable period.

Following an oral hearing held on 7 March 2023, the 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, in four equal instalments of EUR 548k each, by 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December 2023. RoodMicrotec will be able to pay the installments from free available cash.

RoodMicrotec is pleased that the ongoing litigation procedure is now settled and the dispute is closed.

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

This press release is published in English and German. In case of conflict between these versions the English version shall prevail.

• Read more about RoodMicrotec enters into final settlement agreement with Robus regarding legal proceedings on 2010 perpetual bond

Brewer Science presents hybrid printed sensors for efficient, real-time water quality monitoring
Real-time measurement of lead, nitrate and pH using printed sensors presented at LOPEC

Munich, Germany – February 21, 2023 – Brewer Science, Inc., a global leader in developing and manufacturing next-generation materials and processes for the microelectronics and optoelectronics industries, will be presenting its newest water quality monitoring innovations, and exhibiting at booth 414 at LOPEC in Munich, Germany February 28th – March 2nd.

Manually sampling for water monitoring is inefficient and inadequate
Standard methods of detection for heavy metals and toxic inorganics involve manually sampling water followed by complex laboratory procedures and instrumentation with a slow turnaround time, all of which is subject to human error. There is no safe level of lead consumption for anyone. Lead is especially damaging for children and can damage developing brains leading to reduced intelligence quotient (IQ), attention span, impaired learning ability, and increased risk of behavioral problems. Prompt detection and remediation of any lead or other toxic contaminants in drinking water is imperative. It’s better to know now.

Efficient and economical water quality monitoring is achieved with printed sensors arrays
Austin Peters, Embedded Systems Engineer at Brewer Science, discusses an efficient and economical way to monitor water quality using a fully printed sensor array capable of detecting lead (Pb2+), nitrate (NO3-), pH, conductivity, and temperature in his presentation, Hybrid Systems for Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring, at LOPEC on March 2nd at 4:40pm CET in ICM Room 13b.

Dr. David Taggert, Senior Scientist at Brewer Science, takes an in-depth look at a printed sensor array for monitoring conductivity, temperature, lead (Pb2+), nitrate (NO3-), and pH in water. He will discuss the advantages of using printed technology, fabrication of the array, theory of solid-contact ion selective electrodes, measurement methodologies, and performance of the device in his presentation, A Printed Sensor Array for Water Quality Monitoring, at LOPEC on March 2nd at 2:00pm CET in ICM Room 14c.

Learn more about Brewer Science’s real-time water quality monitoring at LOPEC

Brewer Science fabricates a variety of printable sensor materials and deposits them onto a substrate utilizing processes such as physical vapor deposition (PVD) sputtering, screen printing, stencil printing, ink-jet printing, and high-speed jet dispensing. After fabrication, the resulting array is comprised of solid-contact ion selective electrodes (SC-ISEs) for detecting analytes Pb2+, NO3-, and H+, along with a reference electrode and conductive pathways for measuring temperature and IC.

Brewer Science’s innovative water sensors are made possible by combining printed electronics with next-generation materials. The result is a continuous real-time monitoring platform capable of multi-sensing arrays and associated multifaceted sensor solutions. This system is incredibly adaptive and can be integrated and customized for use in numerous industries and applications.

“Bringing integrated and connected water monitoring solutions to the market requires a sophisticated commitment to material science. Brewer Science’s decades of experience as a leading manufacturer of next generation materials is enabling the transformative future of water sensing,” according to Robert Frueh, Senior Manager of Business Development – Emerging Technologies at Brewer Science.

Connect with Brewer Science at the LOPEC, booth 414 at Messe München, in Munich, Germany March 1st – 2nd or speak to an expert by visiting Brewer Science’s website.

About Brewer Science
Brewer Science is a global leader in developing and manufacturing next-generation materials and processes that foster the technology needed for tomorrow. Since 1981, we’ve expanded our technology portfolio within advanced lithography, advanced packaging, smart devices, and printed electronics to enable cutting-edge microdevices and unique monitoring systems for industrial, environmental, and air applications. Our relationship-focused approach provides outcomes that facilitate and deliver critical information. Our headquarters are in Rolla, Missouri, with customer support throughout the world. We invite you to learn more about Brewer Science at www.brewerscience.com.

• Read more about Brewer Science presents hybrid printed sensors for efficient, real-time water quality monitoring