Volume Pattern Generator" systems, VPG for short, from Heidelberg Instruments are mainly used in industrial mass production. They use UV lasers to generate photomasks with high precision and speed, which serve as templates for the production of microchips, sensors, LEDs and MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems). Other possible applications for VPG systems include the direct writing of microstructures on wafers.
In addition to extremely high precision, 24/7 operation and very short cycle times every second are part of the requirement profile of the drives in the systems. Michael Kappel, Head of Electrical Design: "That's why we develop many core components, including air-bearing XY tables, in-house." As the exposure process takes place under clean room conditions, the drive components must be selected accordingly. This applies in particular to the energy, signal and media supply lines to the XY table. Even the smallest dust particles impair the quality of the exposure. Another requirement is at least as important. Kappel: "Even the slightest disturbance in the course of the energy supply must be avoided, as it reduces the precision of the exposure."