manz - passion for efficiency

In this area, Manz offers both high-output printing systems as individual modules, as well as a complete back-end line. With a throughput rate of 2,400 cells per hour in a single production line, these tools have the following integrated processes in addition to the actual printing process:

• Automation/loading with integrated micro-crack inspection
• Front-side printing with integrated printing inspection
• Back-side printing with integrated printing inspection
• Drying furnace
• Firing furnace
• Laser edge isolation
• Cell tester and sorter with
  • I/V measurement (sun simulator)
  • Electroluminescence measurement (automated detection of micro-cracks, process control)
  • Inspection of front-side printing
  • Inspection of back-side printing
  • Color measurement

Manz also has the right solutions for new, advanced processes (selective emitters, for example). Using a high-accuracy printer with a special image-processing system and precision automation, preprocessed structures are recognized and printed with a positional accuracy of +/- 10 µm. The high-accuracy printers can also be integrated into Manz’s back-end line for double printing processes.

A further development by Manz is an aerosol printer, which uses an aerosol deposition procedure that allows metallic front contacts to be applied without ever coming into contact with the cell. In this procedure, a seed layer is applied using a spray nozzle. In the next step, this layer is covered with a layer of pure silver. This reduces the series resistance of the cell and increases the cell’s efficiency by approx. 0.5% in absolute terms. Eliminating the use of the printing screen has additional benefits: besides cutting costs (manufacturing, cleaning, and preproduction costs), it is a contact-free procedure, which leads to a significant reduction in breakage rates.