SALD aims at doubling its turnover in 2022
SALD BV (Eindhoven, The Netherlands), specialist for the surface technology "Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition" (SALD), expects to double its turnover again in 2022. The technology company had already doubled its turnover in 2021. CEO Frank Verhage explains: "Our multi-patented process for applying coatings as thin as a single atom on an industrial scale has the potential to revolutionise entire industries. This transition of technology from the lab to manufacturing is giving us brisk demand from industry." While the company does not publicly disclose exact financial figures, it says it is "open to investors" for the expansion "from lab to fab".
As CEO Frank Verhage points out, SALD has fully developed the machines for research and development in the field of "Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition". These are needed to adapt the technology to industrial requirements. Four of these machines are already in use worldwide, and three more are to be delivered by the middle of the year. On this basis, industrial partners are working with the Dutch company to develop SALD machines for mass production. More than 45 industrial companies around the globe are reportedly engaged in integrating SALD technology into their manufacturing processes. This process is supported by three EU projects in which SALD is involved; it is expected to be included in two more EU projects before the end of the year. In addition, SALD is involved in development projects of the Dutch government technology fund "NXTGEN Groeifonds", which are expected to start in 2023. "The leap from the laboratory to mass production is taking place in many ways," says Frank Verhage, adding: "And in all cases, our patented SALD technology plays a key role."
SALD BV has its sights set on three markets in particular: efficient solar cells, long-lasting batteries and environmentally friendly packaging. In the solar industry, SALD coatings for the new generation of perovskite silicon tandem solar cells can achieve power conversion efficiencies far beyond the theoretical limit of pure silicon. For lithium-ion batteries, an SALD layer, which protects the electrodes from the electrolyte, increases stability and prevents the formation of harmful dendrites. For the production of next-generation, fast-charging, high-performance solid-state batteries, SALD coating is an obvious choice. In the packaging industry, SALD can be used to create airtight barrier layers that increase the shelf life of packaged goods and reduce the use of plastics or other packaging materials. In addition to these three areas of application, SALD technology can be used in numerous other fields, the company emphasises. Electrolysis, fuel cells and optical devices are cited as examples.
Caption: SALD wants to expand further – with another doubling of its turnover this year (photo: SALD)