The DEK Solar team is preparing to take a selection of new and proven solar technologies to this year’s Photon exhibition, being held in Stuttgart from 27^th – 29^th April. Stand D32 will showcase technologies including the award-winning PVP1200 metallization platform, solar dryer and brand new hybrid stencil technologies.

Taking center stage on the DEK stand, the PVP1200 forms the heart of DEK's PV1200 metallization line. Built using chassis and subsystems already proven in the global market for high volume, high-tech assembly, the PVP1200 combines high-speed and high-accuracy functionality with six-sigma process capabilities. Equipped to deliver throughput of 1200 wafers per hour, the PVP1200 display will also feature DEK’s productivity-boosting PV1200 Unloader and Re-Loader technologies, reinforcing the overall line even further for efficient commercial solar cell manufacture.

Photon visitors will also be able to take a look at DEK’s new solar dryer designed in conjunction with Heller Industries to extend the capabilities of the company's solar metallization lines. Heller’s pioneering dryer concept is based on the principles of hot air convection drying, a process which is conducive to precision thermal control at lower drying temperatures. Improved air exchange within the process chamber enables the dryer to manage the increased VOC volume associated with raised throughput. In addition, the specialist catalyst incorporated within the process

chamber converts the VOCs to simpler compounds such as carbon dioxide and water. An important by-product of the catalyst conversion is heat which, in turn, is used to enhance the drying process and reduce overall power consumption – helping DEK to prove that you can be green in manufacture as well as in end product!

The DEK Photon stand will also provide visitors with a first look at the company’s newly introduced hybrid stencil technologies for specific application requirements. Currently being refined through use in production environments worldwide, DEK’s hybrid stencils are based on its proven VectorGuard® technology – a patented tensioning system prioritizing operator safety, system rigidity, ease-of-use and simple storage. Benefits of this new technology include more open aperture areas, more even printing and enhanced aspect ratios. In addition to showcasing the PVP1200 and new stencil technology, the DEK team will also be talking to visitors about the extremely high throughput PV3000 metallization line. Deploying multiple print heads in parallel, the PV3000 ensures that if one head halts for operator attention, the others will continue to print – virtually eliminating downtime. Delivering six-sigma repeatability, the high accuracy platform is ideal for demanding technologies, achieving print-on-print capability (PoP) - +/- 12.5 microns at 2 Cpk.

Commenting on DEK's presence at Photon, DEK's Alternative Energy Business Manager, Darren Brown, explains: "Here at DEK, we take great pride in being a solar supplier with a difference. We think beyond equipment to deliver real world production solutions to our customers – a commitment that is evident in each of the technologies on show at Photon. Every technology on our stand is underpinned by dedicated engineering, advanced production capabilities, extensive global infrastructure and a talented team of people. That's why we're able to push the boundaries of what is possible today; and it’s also why our customers are equipped to achieve more tomorrow."