Increased sputter efficiency

Bekaert has leveraged its position as an expert in rotatable magnetron technology and rotatable sputter targets to launch a new generation of rotatable Sn sputter targets. This new product combines the many advantages of thermal spray technology with high-density structures and provides customers with many advantages when executing large area coating processes. Advanced thermal spraying allows precise tuning of the grain structure & orientation and provides the possibility of producing structures with densities close to the theoretical density (>99%). Multiple tests show an improvement in the sputter behavior of rotatable High-Density Sn targets when defined in terms of arc rate, burn-in behavior, deposition rate and I-V characteristics. Continuous advanced developments makes Bekaert a strong partner for current and future needs in large area coating applications, as evidenced by the fact that Bekaert was the first to address customer needs for solutions beyond High-Density Sn and introduced targets made from Chrome (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo) and Pure Silicon (Si). Sputtering is a vacuum coating process and one of the core methods for depositing thin films on glass. The Bekaert technology allows customers to switch from planar to rotatable targets and offers lower cost of ownership through longer production runs, faster coating deposition and a more complete use of coating material. Bekaert has built its expertise in this field through its own sputter activity on plastic foil for window film and for industrial applications. Bekaert was the first to bring rotatable targets on the market and has developed the necessary sputter equipment to effectively use these targets on glass coating lines all over the world. Industrial customers who execute a coating process for applications such as architectural and automotive glass (such as Low-E and solar control films, and antireflective coatings), display glass and photovoltaic glass can capitalize on Bekaert’s technology. Customers can also rely on Bekaert’s world-class customer support and leading research and development. Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB) is a European based company, headquartered in Belgium with a presence in 120 countries. In 2004, Bekaert generated sales of € 3.1 billion, employing 18,400 people. Bekaert’s rotatable high-density Sn sputter target is 100% dense Sn sputter target made by thermal spraying. This figure illustrates a typical coarse grained Sn structure with equiaxial random oriented grains.