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

March 11, 2026
EU member states awarded a record 25.2GW of new solar PV capacity through auctions in 2025, according to SolarPower Europe.
March 11, 2026
The California Court of Appeals has upheld the state's ongoing net energy metering programme, NEM3.0, dealing a setback to rooftop solar.
March 11, 2026
VDE Americas has updated its hail risk model with new wind data, claiming it will improve the accuracy of hail-damage predictions for PV projects.
March 11, 2026
The selling price of several solar PV module technology types in Europe has increased between January and February of this year.
March 11, 2026
Speciality insurer Beazley has reached an agreement to acquire US-based climate insurance provider kWh Analytics.
March 11, 2026
As TOPCon manufacturing expands globally, producers are facing different cost, safety and supply-chain realities – creating an opportunity to rethink technology platforms and prepare for next-generation tandem architectures.

Upcoming Events

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
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain