New Assembly Process for LFS Crystal Arrays Expands Manufacturing Capabilities

September 09, 2015
Zecotek Announces Expansion in Manufacture and Proprietary Process for LFS Crystal Array Assembly

Singapore, September 9, 2015 - Zecotek Photonics Inc. (TSX-V: ZMS; Frankfurt: W1I; OTCPK: ZMSPF), a developer of leading-edge photonics technologies for industrial, healthcare and scientific markets, today announced a breakthrough manufacturing process that uses robotics for assembling LFS crystal arrays.  The new process results in faster production of the crystal arrays with exceptional accuracy and uniformity.

“By introducing robotic automation into manufacturing process we are now able to produce LFS crystal arrays much faster and cheaper than before while still maintaining our remarkable quality,” said Dr. A.F. Zerrouk, Chairman, President, and CEO of Zecotek Photonics Inc.  “The importance of accuracy and precision of LFS crystal arrays cannot be overstated.  A key element to having an effective detector module is to ensure proper matching of the crystal array to a photo detector array.  Issues, such as trying to maintain pitch, associated with array construction are not a concern when using our new robotic technique. Due to our industry leading robotic innovations we are able to increase output, improve financial margins while maintaining specific dimensions with strict tolerance.”

Zecotek’s patented LFS scintillation crystals are grown by the Beijing Opto-Electronics Technology Company (BOET), using the Czochralski method with Zecotek modifications.  This proprietary growing method produces very large-diameter boules with uniform properties and without cracking (a problem with many competing scintillation materials).  This highly efficient method produces a large number of high quality elements from each boule.

Cutting, polishing and array assembly are conducted at Zecotek`s laboratory in Singapore. By eliminating manual steps of the array assembly process, the Company has significantly reduced labour costs and has reduced the margins for error and waste.  The automated nature has translated into faster and more accurate execution of repetitive tasks involved in the manufacturing of arrays. The assembly of arrays used to take days but now can be complete in a matter of hours, thus significantly reducing the time of the fulfillment process.

Many PET scanner OEM’s, development groups and high energy physics organizations are using scintillation crystal array assemblies.  In preparation of growing demand BOET is expanding its operation by adding additional crystal growing ovens.  As more and more customers begin to recognize the value and quality of the LFS crystal arrays, Zecotek and BOET are prepared for greater output at high speed and reduced cost. 

About Zecotek
Zecotek Photonics Inc (TSX-V: ZMS; Frankfurt: W1I) is a photonics technology company developing high-performance scintillation crystals, photo detectors, positron emission tomography scanning technologies, 3D auto-stereoscopic displays, and lasers for applications in medical, high-tech and industrial sectors.  Founded in 2004, Zecotek operates three divisions: Imaging Systems, Optronics Systems and 3D Display Systems with labs located in Canada, Korea, Russia, Singapore and U.S.A. The management team is focused on building shareholder value by commercializing over 50 patented and patent pending novel photonic technologies directly and through strategic alliances and joint ventures with leading industry partners including Hamamatsu Photonics (Japan), the European Organization for Nuclear Research (Switzerland), Beijing Opto-Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. (China), NuCare Medical Systems (South Korea), the University of Washington (United States), and National NanoFab Center (South Korea).  For more information visit www.zecotek.comfollow @zecotek on Twitter.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what may have been stated.

For Additional Information Please Contact:
Zecotek Photonics Inc.
Michael Minder
T: (604) 783-8291
[email protected]                                           

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