SCHMID offers low-cost pre-treatment for texturing diamond-wire-cut multi c-Si wafers

February 2, 2017
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
DW PreTex is available in two versions: as a separate single unit that roughens the surface of the wafers and then uses the available texture capacity, or as a combined line for complete texturing. Image: SCHMID Group

SCHMID has launched a cost-effective process for the texturing of diamond-wire cut multi-c-Si wafers that can be easily integrated into existing production lines. DW PreTex is being made available in two versions: as a separate single unit that roughens the surface of the wafers and then uses the available texture capacity, or as a combined line for complete texturing. Based on an in-line wet process, the process is suitable for both wafer and cell manufacturers.

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

So far multicrystalline wafers have mostly been separated from the ingot with slurry saws. Diamond wire sawing is significantly cheaper since it is faster and wastes less silicon. However, the diamond wire leaves a smooth surface that cannot be textured with the standard acid texture process. Processes that have been presented so far were either too expensive, environmentally harmful or failed to meet quality requirements.

Solution

DW PreTex requires only one process step that roughens the relatively smooth surface of the wafers to allow the processing of diamond-wire cut multi-c-Si wafers with the proven standard texture HF/HNO3. The diamond-wire cut wafers have more uniform surfaces than slurry-cut wafers, enabling further increases in cell efficiency. The new solution relies on materials that are commonly used in the PV industry. DW PreTex can be integrated into the existing production as a modular wet process system without additional facility requirements. The process achieves uniform surfaces with a reflection value of R < 23 %. This is supported by operating costs of less than €0.01 per wafer (with diamond wire saws, wafers produced at between €0.06 – €0.08), according to the company

Applications

In-line wet process, suitable for both wafer and cell manufacturers for the texturing of diamond-wire cut multi-c-Si wafers.

Platform

DW PreTex is available in two versions: as a separate single unit that roughens the surface of the wafers and then uses the available texture capacity, or as a combined line for complete texturing. Due to the modular design, the in-line process can be designed for serial production of up to 4,500 wafers per hour.

Availability

First orders for industrial mass production with 500MW have already been placed and an additional 5GW of orders is expected by the middle of 2017.

DW PreTex from SCHMID produces wafers with an extremely uniform surface for increased cell efficiency. Image: SCHMID Group
10 March 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
The conference will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

October 20, 2025
Details of tariffs on US imports of polysilicon products may be announced as early as the end of this month, according to a note from investment bank Roth Capital.
Premium
October 14, 2025
OCI Holdings’ decision this week to buy a Vietnamese solar wafer facility to supply the US solar cell manufacturing industry makes clear the biggest vulnerability facing the sector today.
October 13, 2025
Korean chemical production firm OCI Holdings has acquired a 65% stake in a Vietnamese solar wafer production plant, intending to export solar wafers to the US.
October 13, 2025
US solar manufacturer T1 Energy has acquired a minority stake in fellow US-based solar cell producer Talon PV.
October 10, 2025
US solar recycling firm OnePlanet has achieved the R2v3 certification from electronics sustainability non-profit SERI, which represents the “highest standards of traceability”.
October 9, 2025
The retroactive collection of duties on historical solar imports to the US has been temporarily paused pending the outcome of an appeal.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK