FlexTech Releases 4D Technology Project Conclusion
July 14, 2015 | PRNewswireEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
FlexTech Alliance today announced the successful conclusion to its Large-Area Roll-to-Roll In-Line Surface Metrology Program with 4D Technology Corporation of Tucson, Arizona. The product, the FlexCamTM Defect and Roughness Metrology Module, was launched to substantial interest in February at 2015FLEX in Monterey and will be featured in several upcoming events. This project was started in 2012 with the intent of developing high-speed inspection and measurement — two important measures of success in roll-to-roll manufacturing of electronics.
The project started with a request from FlexTech members for an inspection system which could provide insight into the characteristics of a web in motion. 4D Technology proposed, and was accepted to complete, the project. Important characteristics included: freedom from vibration of the rest of the system, detection of surface roughness in the 1 nanometer range, web speeds up to 1 meter per minute, and a field of view of 4 millimeters. The company's final product has exceeded several of the original technical targets and has demonstrated the expectation for further improvement. Originally intended for barrier film manufacturers, the FlexCam is also gaining interest for characterizing substrates and intermediate layers. Interest has also been seen in other market areas, including non-roll-to-roll applications, precision optics manufacturing, and in place measurement of roughness on polished metal parts in precision machining centers.
"The quick entrance to the industry and commercial interest in this unit is indicative of a successful FlexTech project," states Malcolm Thompson, chief technology officer at FlexTech Alliance. "4D Technology is delivering an advanced and easily-customizable tool to an industry that is re-writing the way electronics are built. It is supply chain advancements like this one that will enable a fully-realized Internet-of-Everything."
Dr. Erik Novak, Director of Business Development for 4D Technology, notes, "The product has been well received by the flexible electronics industry and we are actively negotiating with many companies for purchase of modules for in-line inspection. We are very pleased and express our appreciation to FlexTech, the Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing (CAMM), Vitriflex, and DuPont Teijin for their support in funding, testing and materials. FlexTech's Technical Council, and the broad range of expertise on the Council, was extremely helpful in creating useful specifications and interim feedback."
For more details on the 4D Technology FlexCam, visit www.4DTechnology.com.
About FlexTech Alliance
FlexTech Alliance is a leading industry association focused on growth, profitability, and success throughout the manufacturing and distribution chain of flexible, printed electronics and displays. By facilitating collaboration between and among industry, government and academia, FlexTech Alliance develops solutions for advancing these technologies from R&D to commercialization. For more information on FlexTech Alliance, visit www.flextech.org.
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
04/19/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineFor my must-read picks of the week, I’m highlighting Parker Capers, a young professional seeking employment, solid counsel from Dan Beaulieu on what your post-show plan should look like, more information and insight on “chiplets” and the need for secure data transfer standards from columnist Preeya Kuray, as well as Matt Stevenson’s design for reality wisdom. It’s a reminder to download one of our newest books (there are several) you don't want to miss if you are an assembler.
Absolute EMS Champions Collaboration Between Humans and Robots in Modern Manufacturing
04/19/2024 | Absolute EMS, Inc.Absolute EMS, Inc., an award-winning EMS provider of turnkey contract manufacturing services, offers a perfect factory environment that seamlessly blends robotic automation with human expertise.
ZESTRON Welcomes Whitlock Associates as New Addition to their Existing Rep Team in Florida
04/19/2024 | ZESTRONZESTRON, the leading global provider of high-precision cleaning products, services, and training solutions in the electronics manufacturing and semiconductor industries, is thrilled to announce the addition of Whitlock Associates to its esteemed network of sales representatives.
SEMI Applauds U.S. Chips Act Award for Samsung Electronics Facilities to Strengthen Domestic Semiconductor Supply Chain
04/17/2024 | SEMISEMI, the industry association serving the global electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, applauded the United States Department of Commerce’s announcement of a Preliminary Memorandum of Terms for an award under the CHIPS and Science Act to support the expansion of Samsung Electronics’ presence in Texas and the company’s development and production of leading-edge chips.
Ark Electronics Expands Global Manufacturing Factory Network in North America and Europe
04/17/2024 | PRNewswireElectronic Manufacturing Company Ark Electronics recently announced the expansion of its Global Factory Network with the addition of Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) capabilities in Mexico and Europe.