Meyer Burger’s diamond wire saw enables ultrathin wafer production

June 30, 2014
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Meyer Burger is offering the DW 288+ as the first diamond wire saw system designed specifically for monocrystalline solar wafer applications. The DW 288 platform enables the slicing of silicon bricks into ultrathin wafers.

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

Diamond wire cutting technology is now replacing slurry-based wafer processing. The first generations of machines for this purpose are currently being introduced into the market, but there is still potential for improvement in the diamond wire cutting process. On the basis of production experience and data analysis, diamond wire has proved to be by far the largest cost driver in the wafering process. A better understanding of the factors that influence the lifetime and performance of diamond wire is therefore necessary.

Solution

The DW 288+ is unique because it includes a brand-new technology for diamond wire management during the cutting process. This innovative and patented wire management system significantly increases the diamond wire performance and therefore helps to substantially reduce wafering costs, according to the company.

Applications

The DW 288 platform can be used to slice silicon, sapphire and other brittle materials.

Platform

Additional features of the wire saw, such as the wire-web monitoring system or the one-touch carrier system, allow integration in to the Meyer Burger ‘WaferLine’ for integrated production systems (IPS). Meyer Burger’s in-depth knowledge about the entire photovoltaic module production process enables the company to design products and product interfaces with optimised material flows and yields.

Availability

Currently available.

Read Next

December 18, 2025
The latest edition of our print journal, PV Tech Power, is out today and available to download, where we deep dive into PV quality assurance.
Premium
December 18, 2025
PV Talk: Paul Gebhardt of Fraunhofer ISE discusses reliability issues facing advanced PV modules, an issue which isn't going anywhere.
December 18, 2025
French renewables company Voltalia has started site preparation works on a 43MW/135MWh solar-plus-storage project in French Guiana, a French overseas territory in South America.
December 18, 2025
Pivot Energy has completed three financing agreements, totalling US$225 million, while CleanCapital has raised US$185 million.
December 18, 2025
UAE-based renewables developer AMEA Power has commissioned a 120MW solar PV plant in the central Tunisian governorate of Kairouan, the country’s largest operational PV project.
Sponsored
December 18, 2025
If we imagine the development of PV industry in terms of scale and quality on a single curve, its trajectory has clearly been moving upward.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland