Veeco Instruments Inc. (NASDAQ: VECO) announced today that it sold its first Predictive Analytics solution to a major data storage customer. Incorporating Rudolph Technologies, Inc.’s (NYSE: RTEC) proven fault detection and predictive maintenance software, the new platform delivers increased Veeco system productivity for maximum efficiency resulting in reduced maintenance costs.
The combination of Veeco’s advanced sensor technology that tracks a wider number of tool parameters with Rudolph’s best-in-class fault detection software platform creates a unique maintenance solution that enables customers to reduce unscheduled system downtime, proactively manage system maintenance and detect early failure problems before they occur.
Based on customer feedback and extensive field data on Veeco NEXUS® ion beam etch tools, Veeco’s Predictive Analytics solution achieved over 15% lower maintenance costs from a reduction in wafer scrap, unscheduled tool downtime and material costs.
“We have demonstrated the ability to change the service structure from scheduled to predictive maintenance, which will have a favorable impact on our customers’ operational efficiency when fully implemented,” said Guy Shechter, Vice President of Veeco Service Products and Marketing. “Being able to predict mechanical failures, maintenance scheduling and critical component degradation directly translates to improved tool performance, increased uptime and most importantly a reduction in overall cost of ownership.”
Veeco formed its partnership with Rudolph to develop technology-specific solutions that work in unison with Veeco’s existing system software to enhance etch and deposition tool performance, as well as provide upgrades for Veeco’s global install base. The Veeco Predictive Analytics product is based on Rudolph’s recently introduced Equipment Sentinel™ software platform, which features a new smart dashboard platform that allows customers to seamlessly turn equipment data into actionable operational intelligence.
“As a global leader in process control and data analysis systems and software for semiconductor and advanced packaging manufacturers, we are excited about partnering with Veeco to provide a revolutionary software platform,” said Thomas Sonderman, Vice President and General Manager of Rudolph’s Software Business Unit. “Together, we created a solution that is fully integrated to Veeco’s systems and has achieved superior early failure detection capabilities compared to previous platforms.”
About Veeco
Veeco’s
process equipment solutions enable the manufacture of LEDs, displays,
power electronics, compound semiconductors, hard disk drives,
semiconductors, MEMS and wireless chips. We are the leader in MOCVD,
MBE, Ion Beam, Wet Etch single wafer processing and other advanced thin
film process technologies. Our high performance systems drive innovation
in energy efficiency, consumer electronics and network storage and allow
our customers to maximize productivity and achieve lower cost of
ownership. For information on our company, products and worldwide
service and support, please visit www.veeco.com.
About Rudolph Technologies
Rudolph Technologies,
Inc. is a leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of
defect inspection, lithography, process control metrology, and
process control software used by semiconductor and advanced packaging
device manufacturers worldwide. Rudolph delivers comprehensive solutions
throughout the fab with its families of proprietary products that
provide critical yield-enhancing information, enabling microelectronic
device manufacturers to drive down costs and time to market of their
devices. Headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Rudolph supports
its customers with a worldwide sales and service
organization. Additional information can be found on the Company’s
website at www.rudolphtech.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This
press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”) related
to the protection of its intellectual property as well as other matters
that are not purely historical data. Rudolph wishes to take advantage of
the “safe harbor” provided for by the Act and cautions that actual
results may differ materially from those projected as a result of
various factors, including risks and uncertainties, many of which are
beyond Rudolph’s control. Such factors include, but are not limited to,
results of future litigation and the challenges presented related to the
enforcement of its patents. Additional information and considerations
regarding the risks faced by Rudolph are available in Rudolph’s Form
10-K report for the year ended December 31, 2015 and other filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. As the forward-looking
statements are based on Rudolph’s current expectations, the company
cannot guarantee any related future results, levels of activity,
performance or achievements. Rudolph does not assume any obligation to
update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160323005351/en/
Contacts:
Jeffrey Pina,
516-677-0200 x1222
jpina@veeco.com
or
Rudolph
Media Contact:
Amy Shay, 952-259-1794
amy.shay@rudolphtech.com
or
Rudolph
Investor Contacts:
Steven R. Roth, 973-448-4302
steven.roth@rudolphtech.com
or
Guerrant
Associates
Laura Guerrant-Oiye, 808-882-1467
Principal
lguerrant@guerrantir.com