Mask aligners are proximity printing tools where mask and wafer are separated by an exposure gap in the range between 20 and 100 microns. Compared to steppers, where multiple shots may be necessary to expose a full wafer, the mask aligner is able to expose the wafer in one shot, which results in a significant throughput advantage. Proximity aligners offer a low cost lithography solution for high volume production. The SUSS MA200Compact combines proven mask aligner technology with innovative features such as the patent pending DirectAlign® option. With a guaranteed alignment accuracy of 0.5 microns at 3 sigma DirectAlign increases the mask aligner process window for a variety of new thick resist applications.
“The spirit of creativity and challenge is at the heart of Epson’s corporate ethos”, comments Akira Makabe, General Manager of Advanced Technology Development Center at Epson. ”To keep up with the creation of unique technologies and skills we are constantly seeking for innovative equipment solutions. We chose SUSS MicroTec’s MA200Compact, because it combines proven mask aligner technology with highest resolution, submicron overlay accuracy and an excellent wafer yield. The SUSS MA200Compact was able to meet even our most demanding performance criteria.”
Rolf Wolf, managing director of SUSS MicroTec’ lithography division, noted, " We are pleased that one of the world’s most innovative companies in the digital image sector has selected the SUSS MA200Compact to support its Wafer Level Chip Scale Packaging production. SUSS is excited to be participating in the remarkable progress that is currently being made in Wafer Level Packaging manufacturing. This order further solidifies SUSS’ position as the leading supplier of production mask aligner systems.”
About SUSS MicroTec
SUSS MicroTec is a leading supplier of production, process and test technology for the semiconductor industry. SUSS maintains its leadership position with over 7,000 systems installed worldwide. SUSS products include coating developing systems, 1X full-field lithography (1XFFL) systems, substrate bonders, flip-chip bonders and probe systems. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, SUSS has 5 international manufacturing sites and provides support from sales and service centers in North America, Europe, Asia and Japan. For more information, please visit http://www.suss.com
About Epson
Epson is a global leader in imaging products including printers, 3LCD projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs. With an innovative and creative culture, Epson is dedicated to exceeding the vision and expectations of customers worldwide with products known for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.
Epson is a network of 102,025 employees in 120 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., the Group had consolidated sales of 1549.5 billion yen in fiscal 2005. URL: http://www.epson.co.jp/e
All statements in this release other than historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believe", "expect", "intend", "anticipate", "estimate", "should", "may", "will", "plan" and similar words and terms used in relation to the enterprise are meant to indicate forward-looking statements of this kind. The company accepts no obligation toward the general public to update or correct forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, as a result of which actual events may diverge numerically from expectations. The forward-looking statements reflect the view at the time they were made.


