Currently, most advanced electronics components are produced on silicon or quartz wafers, or on plates of specialized glass in a “batch” process that has been the backbone of the IC and FPD industries. A R2R process means, in theory, that components can be produced more efficiently at higher yields and at a lower cost than is common practice today, because material handling is reduced and throughput rate is increased with a continuous web process. The expected R2R result is conformable, rugged, lightweight electronic components and products for commercial, consumer, and military markets.
(January 25, 2005) Saratoga, Calif. — The contracting IC industry may face another setback later this year, according to Advanced Forecasting’s quantitative forecasting model. The model is predicting a downward turning point in the second half for underlying demand for ICs, but the slowdown currently being experienced in the industry reduces the impact, according to the firm’s founder, Moshe Handelsman.