ECM’s spot curing conductive adhesive DB-1590 designed for thin wafers

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Engineered Conductive Materials (ECM) has introduced a fast curing conductive adhesive, DB-1590 for use as a solder replacement in next-generation crystalline silicon solar modules using thinned silicon and/or plated bus bars. This material formulation has been optimized to provide improved conductivity and stability on various substrates when cured at 200°C.

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Thinner wafers are more susceptible to high-temperature processes that could possible cause excess bending, warping or cracking. Faster curing times and low temperatures could also improve process throughput and lower production costs as well as support the migration to thinner, sub-180 micron wafers. 

Solution

DB-1590 is designed to gel in five seconds or less at 200°C, developing sufficient strength to withstand the applied stresses induced by the manufacturing process until the adhesive cure is completed during the encapsulant lamination process. DB-1590 has optimized rheology for dispensing, improved damp heat resistance and conductivity stability on tin, tin-silver and silver-plated ribbons. DB-1590 also is stable on OSP treated copper and nickel bus bars.

Applications

The DB-1590 features a rubber-like flexibility that is designed for flexible photovoltaic applications.

Platform

DB-1590 is the latest addition to Engineered Conductive Materials’ full line of conductive stringer attach adhesives, conductive adhesives for back contact crystalline silicon, thin-film and via fill applications, as well as conductive grid inks for photovoltaic applications.

Availability

April 2012 onwards.

Read Next

Premium
September 11, 2026
The financial difficulties of one of Europe’s best-known downstream solar companies highlight the faultlines running through the continent’s PV and energy storage business.
September 11, 2026
Plans for the US’ “first end-to-end” solar PV critical materials recovery and recycling facility have been announced.
September 11, 2026
This week's PV Chart of the Week profiles the technology breakdown of projected US solar module production capacity.
Premium
September 11, 2026
PV Talk: PERC has the potential to be a “workhorse” in the US cell manufacturing space, Suniva's Matt Card tells PV Tech Premium.
September 11, 2026
Italian power utility Enel has bought two solar PV projects in the US with a combined 625MW of generation capacity.
September 11, 2026
Georgia Power has secured Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) approval for seven solar PPAs totalling 1,137MW under its CARES programmes.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
February 2, 2027
London, UK