SolMateS, the highly innovative supplier of PZT thin-film solutions, announced that it has received a $3 million investment from private equity funds Twente Technology Fund and Participatiemaatschappij Oost Nederland (East-Netherlands Holding Co.) on April 27, 2011. SolMateS will use the investment to accelerate product development and international expansion for its unique production system.
Piezoelectric layers are to be used in all kinds of miniaturized systems were precise actuation is needed, for instance in small motors, RF MEMS components, or micro pumps. Currently those layers are deposited by notoriously unreliable and costly wet processing; production price and quality do not meet the high-volume electronic industry standards. SolMateS technology has been developed at the University of Twente, and is the "most advanced manufacturing solution currently available to deposit piezoelectric thin films." It marks the beginning of a whole new era of MEMS and will be used to create essential components for the next-generation mobile electronics, thin-film actuators, and medical devices.
PiezoFlare 1200 is a revolutionary manufacturing technology to produce chips with precise actuation functionality. It is an automated deposition system for PZT thin films on 6 in. or 8 in. wafers, based on pulsed laser deposition and offers high-yield piezo performance and flexibility for customized PZT compositions. The technology enables, "for the first time," high-volume, reliable production capability for PZT thin-film deposition. "The international demand for a machine like the PiezoFlare 1200 is exceeding our expectations," SolMateS CEO Arjen Janssens states. "We are pleased our investors share our visions, and with their help we will be able to accelerate our growth and meet current and future market needs."
About SolMateS
SolMateS is a fast growing and ambitious company with 15 employees, located at Science Park Twente, in Enschede, the Netherlands. SolMateS has already received several technology and business awards since its launch in 2006.