 Edinburgh, Scotland - July 18, 2007 - memsstar® Technology today announced that it is to enter into a strategic alliance with SAFC Hitech™, a business segment within SAFC®, a member of the Sigma-Aldrich Group (NASDAQ: SIAL), to supply fully qualified memsstar SPD™ (Surface Preparation and Deposition) systems with standard precursor chemical materials from SAFC Hitech for Surface Coatings on micro devices. The alliance between the two companies, both technology leaders for advanced microstructure and materials fabrication, will better service the emerging technology needs of companies involved with MEMS and nanotechnology devices, claims memsstar®
"With more and more nanotechnology devices being developed and entering the market, there is a growing requirement for ultra thin coatings deposited on the surface to ensure device performance or reliability," commented Mike Leavy, CEO, memsstar® Technology. "The proprietary memsstar® SPD systems offer customers more robust films and shorter process times, together with more environmentally-friendly methods, compared to liquid processing. Customers will now be able to purchase memsstar® SPD systems with fully qualified materials on board which are ready to use. This enables the quick and easy implementation of a full process solution using high quality materials from SAFC Hitech, which are fully supported by the strategic alliance."
Example applications include microfluidics to ensure hydrophobic or hydrophilic surface properties for devices such as inkjets or microneedles, and medical applications where bio-compatibility is essential. Other applications such as moisture barriers or anti-stiction properties are required by moving micro-sensors.
"SAFC Hitech is a market leader in the development and supply of chemicals to the global semiconductor industry," added Mr. Leavy. "memsstar® Technology has gained fast market acceptance in MEMS with its range of memsstar® platforms for etching and ultra thin film deposition. Together, both companies are committed to help enable the cost effective development of new devices and technologies by their customers."
About memsstar® Technology: memsstar® Technology, a subsidiary of Point 35 Microstructures (www.pt35.com), is a global leader in the provision of technology and systems to the MEMS (Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems) and integrated semiconductor markets. memsstar® offers a wide range of deposition and etching products including fabrication equipment, applications support, system installations, warranty and post-warranty coverage. memsstar® products are designed to provide cost effective research, development & manufacturing solutions to the global microelectronics manufacturing industry. Additional information about the company can be found at www.memsstar.com
About SAFC: SAFC® is the custom manufacturing and services group within Sigma-Aldrich that focuses on high-purity chemicals for high technology applications, cell culture products and services for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, biochemical production and complex, multi-step organic synthesis of APIs and key intermediates. SAFC has manufacturing facilities around the world dedicated to providing manufacturing services for companies requiring a reliable partner to produce their custom manufactured materials. SAFC has four operating segments – SAFC Pharma™, SAFC Supply Solutions™, SAFC Biosciences™, and SAFC Hitech™ – and had annual sales of nearly $500 million in 2006. SAFC is one of the world's 10 largest fine chemicals businesses.
About SAFC Hitech: SAFC Hitech™ provides a unique chemistry service translating application understanding into performance materials worldwide. Through collaborative partnerships and an integrated approach from research and development, process development and scale-up to commercial manufacturing, SAFC Hitech invests in innovation and manufacturing enabling current and future technology needs. Find out more online at www.safchitech.com
Forward Inquiries To:
memsstar® Technology
Peter Connock, +31 70 5145 767
(Business & Technical media)
Keith Rutter, +44 1506 409 160
(Financial) |
Media Inquiries:
SAFC Hitech
Mr. Mark Button
Impress Public Relations
+408.310.2168 |
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