Jul 14, 2009 
Being demonstrated live on EU PVSEC Stand B5/73, DEK’s PV3000 screen printing platform is a very high throughput complete metallization solution. Deploying multiple print heads operating in parallel, the display will show visitors how, if one head halts for operator attention, the others will continue to print – virtually eliminating downtime. Delivering six-sigma repeatability for capability in advance of current solar cell requirements, the platform’s inherent accuracy and repeatability is ideal for demanding technologies such as selective emitter and progressive techniques such as print-on-print. Indeed, with these processes fast-becoming industry standard, the PV3000 achieves print-on-print capability (PoP) - +/- 12.5 microns at 2 Cpk.
Visitors to Stand B5/73 will also be able to find out more about the company’s ability to provide solutions for print-on-print to substantially extend productivity and end-of-line yield. Ideal for solar manufacturers looking to enhance cell efficiency and drive down cost-per-watt, print-on-print is designed to give finer grid lines more height, printing the lines twice over to enhance current-carrying capacity without shadowing underlying silicon substrate. Repeatable accuracy is the enabler here since even the slightest misalignment can result in printing paste flooding out and ruining the entire cell. Backed by DEK’s experience in process design and control, the PV3000 is equipped to deliver repeatable accuracy without compromise. Robust chassis technology and vibration-tested one-piece construction for exceptional rigidity and mechanical integrity further reinforce the PV3000’s inherent precision, future-proofing print alignment accuracy going forward.
Complementing emerging techniques such as print-on-print, DEK Solar is committed to pioneering advances in every aspect of the industry’s quest to reach grid parity. The company’s Alternative Energy team is currently investigating a number of techniques which could extend the commercial potential of photovoltaic production into the future. Generating optimal commercial efficiency on a single printer is one of the ways manufacturers can drive costs down even further, an area which the company is currently investing in heavily through a new development program. DEK Senior Process Development Specialist Tom Falcon details this endeavor in a brand new paper he will present at the show. The presentation will highlight DEK’s progress in creating a new solution to generate enhanced grid patterns without the cost and complexity traditionally associated with this area of photovoltaic development.
About DEK Solar
DEK is a global provider of next-generation technologies and process support to solar cell manufacturers with solutions that include modular metallization platforms, precision screens and materials applications used in back side field coating, current-collector pattern and termination deposition for photovoltaic substrate production. For more information, visit DEK Solar at http://www.deksolar.com.
