SNEC 2017: 3D-Micromac half-cell cutting tool orders top 1.5GW

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
REC Group switched production to half-cut solar cells several years ago. Image REC

PV manufacturing equipment specialist 3D-Micromac said it had booked over 1.5GW of orders related to its microCELL TLS (Thermal Laser Separation) high-throughput half-cell cutting tools since the beginning of the year. The company is exhibiting and showcasing its laser systems at SNEC 2017 in Shanghai, China. 

The company has also launched its second-generation microCELL OTF system, the high-performance production solution for Laser Contact Opening (LCO) of Passivated Emitter Rear Contact (PERC) solar cells, which is claimed a world-class throughput of 8,000 wafers per hour.

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

The TLS process is said to provide higher mechanical strength, better edge quality as well as lower power reduction compared to laser scribing and other cleaving approaches. 

The company claims module power gain of more than 1.0W has been achieved compared to conventional scribe and break methods, in addition to the 5-7W per module gain of half-cell module technology.

Read Next

November 3, 2026
Chinese cell manufacturer Solarspace is positioning itself as the prospective controlling shareholder of the veteran PV module producer, Eging PV.
November 2, 2026
T1 Energy signs offtake agreements for over 1.58GW of solar modules, including domestically produced cells from its G2_Austin facility.
October 27, 2026
Caelux has signed an agreement with Indian PV manufacturer INA Solar to produce 3GW of perovskite-silicon ‘hybrid tandem’ modules.
October 26, 2026
Aiko Solar has revealed a return to profitability in the third quarter of this year and released details of a major technology upgrade to its PERC production line.
October 21, 2026
China’s Ministry of Commerce is proposing to introduce export controls on key PV components, including polysilicon, wafers and cells.
October 7, 2026
India’s MNRE proposed standardised ALMM List-II solar PV cell nomenclature, introducing 14-character codes.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
February 2, 2027
London, UK
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye