Precision Mechatronics has acquired US-based Surfx Technologies, a specialist company offering high-speed atmospheric plasma technology for treating microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS), microfluidics, semiconductors, solar cells, medical devices, sensors, plastics and composites.
An agreement to this effect was signed in October 2011. Surfx Technologies will become a part of Precision Mechatronics and represents a significant step towards international growth.
Precision Mechatronics expects the acquisition of California-based Surfx to open new market opportunities not only in the US but also in SE Asia.
“The acquisition will provide us with a competitive edge in clean atmospheric plasma technology,” Precision Mechatronics CEO Jason Thelander comments.
“While we will push sales of the Atomflo Plasma Unit, a portable device treating parts with a powerful gas beam in seconds, we will also offer substantial backup for system integration and process engineering.”
Surfx Technologies has over 25 years of experience in plasma and surface chemistry and is headed by Professor Robert Hicks of UCLA (University of California, LA), who will also be a leader within the new team.
The company has made a name for itself in universities and research facilities, and according to Thelander, Precision Mechatronics is now looking to target manufacturing companies, government agencies and end-users.
Pictured alongside: Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and microfluidics require advanced plasma processing during their manufacture. Atomflo plasma systems may be used to: Clean interior surfaces, remove organic contamination and activate surfaces for direct bonding or film adhesion. Other areas of application include medical devices, plastics and composites or semiconductors.
“The acquisition is part of our efforts to add industry-specific engineering solutions to our product portfolio,” says Thelander.
“Precision Mechatronics provides custom-designed and built automation solutions for many industries including mining, medical devices, semiconductor packaging or telecommunications.
"Our engineers are experts in their disciplines ranging from mechanical, control and software engineering to product design.
"Our expertise combined with Surfx’ leading plasma technology will enable us to not only sell a product, but offer complete turn-key solutions including process engineering and automation solutions to manufacturers.”
Pictured alongside: Atomflo 400D System. The Atomflo plasma systems provide a beam of plasma for materials processing at atmospheric pressure and low temperature. The clean reactive gas flows over and through micro-structured materials uniformly treating surfaces without any damage.
Existing customers for Atomflo plasma systems include renowned companies within the aerospace industry, who apply the technology for composite material surface treatments. Together with Precision Mechatronics’ capabilities, those companies will in future receive fully automated solutions and support.
“One of the best features of this technology is that it is applicable to many different industries, including food, packaging, medical devices or semiconductors,” Thelander explains.
“Moreover, it is a very safe technology. The plasma units provide a beam of plasma for materials processing at atmospheric pressure and low temperatures.
"The clean reactive gas flows over and through micro-structured materials, uniformly treating surfaces without any damage.”
High-speed atmospheric plasma can be applied for cleaning, etching, deposition, surface activation, bonding and surface modulation.
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