company history

Milestones of corporate history after 1991

1993

Electron beam-based batchtype systems for metal strip coating. For the first time, the planar dual magnetron is used for architectural glass coating in an upgrade project. 

1994

Electron beam-based in-line system (air-to-air principles) for reflection-enhancing metal surfaces 

1995

Electron beam gun with VarioCathode^© for beam power control at constant acceleraton voltage. This key component substantiated the company's top position in the world in the field of high-power electron beam technology. 

1996

First horizontal in-line sputter coater for architectural glass in jumbo format 6.00 m x 3.21 m;

First in-line sputter system for CIS-technology (back contact and TCO). With this coater, VON ARDENNE for the first time actively enters the business field photovoltaics and henceforward specializes in - though not exclusively - in thin-film technologies. 

1997

First web coater for optical lowE layer stacks, main application: radiation protection for PC and TV-monitors

1998

Electron beam-based ceramic coater (batchtype system) for gas turbine blades

1999

The world's first in-line ceramic coater for gas turbine blades

2000

Vertical in-line sputter coater for display technology (TCO)

2002

VON ARDENNE purchases the know-how for the dual magnetron with rotatable targets. With the acquisition of an American competitor, VON ARDENNE enters the Chinese architectural glass coating market.

2004

First in-line sputter system for CdTe technology (back contact and active layer) for an American customer who settled just 200 km from Dresden. Once more, VON ARDENNE had succeeded in establishing a job-creating investor from its clientele in its vicinity. 

2006

VON ARDENNE Vacuum Equipment Co. Ltd., Shanghai, is founded for maintenance, repair and service.

2007

Complete coating equipment for another large CdTe project

2008

VON ARDENNE Malaysia Sdn Bhd., Kulim, is established for maintenance, repair and service.

2009

VON ARDENNE gains market leadership in the field of architectural glass coating.

VON ARDENNE Vacuum Equipment moves into the new workshop and office building in Shanghai.

2010

The 120 m long - and thus longest in the world - in-line coater for flat glass (TCO) is put into operation.