Precision Mechatronics acquires Surfx Technologies

Australian-based Precision Mechatronics Pty Ltd has acquired US-based Surfx Technologies, a specialist company offering high-speed atmospheric plasma technology for treating microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), microfluidics, semiconductors, solar cells, medical devices, sensors, plastics and composites.

The agreement, signed in October 2011, represents a significant step towards international growth for Precision Mechatronics which expects the acquisition to open new market opportunities not only in the US but also in SE Asia.

“The acquisition will provide us with a competitive edge in clean atmospheric plasma technology,” said Precision Mechatronics CEO Jason Thelander. “While we will push sales of the Atomflo Plasma Unit, a portable device treating parts with a powerful gas beam in seconds, we will also offer substantial backup for system integration and process engineering.”

Surfx Technologies has over 25 years of experience in plasma and surface chemistry and is headed by Professor Robert Hicks of UCLA (University of California, LA), who will also be a leader within the new team. The company has made a name for itself in universities and research facilities, and the acquisition offers Precision Mechatronics opportunities to target manufacturing companies, government agencies and end users.

“The acquisition is part of our efforts to add industry-specific engineering solutions to our product portfolio,” said Thelander. “Precision Mechatronics provides custom-designed and -built automation solutions for many industries including mining, medical devices, semiconductor packaging or telecommunications. Our engineers are experts in their disciplines ranging from mechanical, control and software engineering to product design. Our expertise combined with Surfx’s leading plasma technology will enable us to not only sell a product, but offer complete turnkey solutions including process engineering and automation solutions to manufacturers.”

Existing customers for Atomflo plasma systems include renowned companies within the aerospace industry who apply the technology for composite material surface treatments. Together with Precision Mechatronics’ capabilities, these companies will, in future, receive fully automated solutions and support.

“One of the best features of this technology is that it is applicable to many different industries, including food, packaging, medical devices or semiconductors,” said Thelander.

“Moreover, it is a very safe technology. The plasma units provide a beam of plasma for materials processing at atmospheric pressure and low temperatures. The clean reactive gas flows over and through microstructured materials, uniformly treating surfaces without any damage.”

High-speed atmospheric plasma can be applied for cleaning, etching, deposition, surface activation, bonding and surface modulation.