BTU International Advanced Thermal Processing Equipment

BTU is committed to lowering cost per watt for solar energy. For more than 50 years and with over 10,000 units shipped, BTU has led the way with its dedication to quality and innovation and the unmatched reliability of its products. The company’s in-line thermal processing systems are designed with a focus on reducing overall cost of ownership through superior process yields, reduced breakage, increased efficiency and lower capital costs. These continuous, atmospheric systems are known worldwide for superior thermal uniformity and astounding atmosphere control.

From its operations in Billerica, US and Shanghai, China, and with sales and service presence in over 30 countries, it provides a world-class global network of customer service and support that responds to customer needs around the clock, anywhere in the world. 

Thermal processing equipment for alternative energy and electronics assembly markets

BTU International is a leading global supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment and processes to the alternative energy and electronics assembly markets. BTU equipment and know-how are used in solar cell, nuclear fuel and fuel cell manufacturing as well as in the production of printed circuit board assemblies and semiconductor packaging.

BTU offers solar processing equipment for both silicon and thin film photovoltaics. For silicon photovoltaic applications BTU’s systems are used for metallization and in-line diffusion processes. In thin film photovoltaics, BTU’s equipment is used for the processing of flexible and rigid substrates.

Metallization firing system

The Tritan™ metallization firing system, features BTU’s exclusive TriSpeed™ technology. It has ramp rates of up to 200ºC per second while not compromising the drying and cooling sections of the profile. The three-belt, three-speed system gives revolutionary control of profile development. In trials, Tritan has consistently shown an improvement in fill factor resulting in increased efficiency.

Existing batch processes cannot keep pace with the cost pressure facing PV manufacturers today.  BTU’s solution is the Meridian™ in-line diffusion system. The system can be configured to process up to 1,500 wafers per hour providing uniform and repeatable emitters. The Meridian in-line system offers reduced wafer handling and very low breakage rates.

Thin film solar process equipment

In thin film photovoltaics, BTU’s in-line systems are known for their superior thermal uniformity. These atmospheric, continuous thermal process systems can maintain astoundingly low oxygen and moisture content through the use of patented gas barriers. In addition, as your operations grow, BTU has the scale to keep pace and can accommodate the largest high-volume furnaces.