Dr. Paul Coudray, PresidentMicrofabrication equipment has historically been expensive, complex and inaccessible to smaller labs and emerging industries. The global manufacturer and supplier offers a full range of photolithography machines engineered to deliver exceptional quality at a lower cost.
From direct laser writers and exposure-masking systems to mask aligners and high-resolution 3D printers, the product line is designed with distinct specificities. Semiconductor, micromechanics, photonics, microfluidics, and more industries benefit from these compact, plug-andplay products, which make microtechnology accessible to a broader community.
“We have consistently based our designs on bold and forward-thinking choices, enabling the development of versatile products while maintaining high-end performance,” says Dr. Paul Coudray, president.
Trusted by global researchers and organisations, including NASA, Kloe’s advanced solutions are installed in over 50 countries across five continents. They are supported by a network of specialised distributors with local expertise to solve the evolving needs of their customers.
Elevating Research with Advanced Photolithography
Coudray’s journey to democratising high-resolution photolithography began with the development of Dilase 750, a versatile direct laser writer. Over the years, he expanded the Dilase range, offering a comprehensive suite of maskless solutions.
We have consistently based our designs on bold and forward-thinking choices, enabling the development versatile products while maintaining high-end performance
But, direct laser writing proved too complex for microfluidics, an emerging field with growing research demands. Kloe introduced the UV-KUB 2, the first UV LED-based masking technology, marking a significant advancement in the field. The compact and cost-effective solution provides precise UV exposure without the drawbacks of traditional mercury lamps. UV-KUB 2 positioned Kloe at the forefront of mercury-free lithography long before environmental regulations steered the industry in that direction.
As microfluidics research advanced, the demand for multilevel patterning grew. Researchers sought an alignment function to enable more complex structures. Kloe developed UV-KUB 3, the first UV LED based mask aligner, combining submicronic resolution patterning (without vaccum contact) and high precision alignment and LED technology. It sets a new standard in mask aligners with a touchscreen interface, an embedded computer and advanced collimation technology.
User safety remained a priority as Kloe innovated with the UV-KUB series. Its products are fully enclosed with automated safety mechanisms that turn off the light when the chamber opens. The design ensures safety, unlike other UV LED-based systems that expose users to high-intensity UV radiation.
The UV-KUB 3 mask aligner is trusted by some of the world’s most demanding institutions, including NASA, which has qualified and adopted it for its applications. Meeting NASA’s stringent requirements marks a significant milestone and cements its position as a leader in next-generation photolithography solutions.
Why Advanced Mask Aligners Lead the Way
Kloe fine-tunes its mask aligners to deliver unmatched collimation and resolution.
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We are always attentive and available to make adaptations of our equipment to meet specific needs of clients
Advanced collimation technology also enhances aspect ratios for intricate designs. Kloe’s solutions achieve an aspect ratio of 10, even with a 100 -micrometre-thick resist layer—a level of precision previously considered unattainable.
Combining stand-out features, Kloe provides a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to traditional mask aligners. The compact form benefits the semiconductor community, where cleanroom space is at a premium. Its 48 cm³ cube design allows laboratories to operate in a laminar flow environment without incurring the high costs of cleanroom facilities.
Energy efficiency is a hallmark feature. Traditional mask aligners consume over 2,000 watts and require continuous operation due to mandatory warm-up and cool-down periods. This becomes a significant concern due to rising energy costs. With instant on/off functionality, Kloe’s UV-LED technology operates at less than 200 watts, eliminating unnecessary energy use.
Long-term reliability is a non-negotiable parameter. Mercury lamps have a limited lifespan of 200–2,000 hours, necessitating frequent replacements. Kloe’s UV-LED light source has demonstrated exceptional longevity, with no recorded replacement needs across hundreds of deployed units since 2007. This eliminates the recurring costs and downtime associated with consumable light sources.
Prioritising Client Success
Kloe prioritises a hassle-free and transparent buying experience. Instead of relying on claimed performance metrics in commercial brochures, clients can evaluate the equipment firsthand through demonstrations held at their locations or on Kloe’s premises.
The opportunity to custom design throughout the ordering and assembly process ensures each system fits seamlessly into the user’s workflow. The collaborative style enhances ergonomics, manufacturing efficiency and practicality.
“We are always attentive and available to make adaptations of our equipment to meet specific needs of clients,” says Coudray.
Kloe offers on-the-go modifications as research and production needs evolve, maintaining the relevance of its systems. A prime example is the Dilase 3D system. It was developed in response to researchers’ need for a 3D printing solution that met the specific needs of their scientific applications. It strikes a perfect balance between ultra-high resolution, large-volume production capability and efficient production times.
Once a client purchases a system, Kloe ensures a smooth transition by providing all necessary information upfront to facilitate easy installation and integration. Comprehensive training is offered, on-site or remote, tailored to the specific equipment and client preferences.
Customer engagement extends to offering expert advice on manufacturing processes. With nearly 30 years of experience, it provides invaluable guidance to help clients achieve the best outcomes for their applications, particularly those launching new projects, working with new materials or exploring innovative designs.
After-sales support is a point of pride, earning strong recognition from clients over the years. Its commitment is reflected in quick on-site assistance or remote support. In rare instances, the Kloe team even transports the equipment back to its premises, handling all necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless experience for clients.
Breaking New Ground
Strict regulatory compliance strengthens Kloe’s position as a reliable, global player. From the initial design phase, its development team ensures all equipment adheres to key international regulations, including CE standards. Ongoing research and regular monitoring ensure the products align with evolving global standards. A network of international commercial partners provides valuable feedback, helping Kloe stay in tune with local and international compliance demands.
Direct client feedback plays a crucial role in shaping technical updates, which are integrated into specifications, production procedures and industrial documentation. This keeps the entire product range consistent and fully compliant with evolving quality, health, safety and environmental standards.
Kloe is expanding its reach into semiconductor manufacturing with a clear roadmap for product development and market entry. A major milestone in this journey is the launch of an 8-inch wafer mask aligner, scheduled for late 2025. This new model will retain the UV LED source, compact design and enclosed safety features while introducing advanced automation, including automatic pre-alignment, dual-side alignment, and pressure control in hard contact mode. Despite these enhancements, Kloe plans to offer the equipment at a significantly lower price than existing options in the market.
An increase in annual production capacity will support Kloe’s expansion, allowing It to meet growing demand in the semiconductor industry and provide on-site support across all international markets it serves.
To bolster its global reach, Kloe is actively training its international commercial partners on sales and technical aspects, ensuring they can offer first-level assistance to clients worldwide. Internally, the company is making strategic hires in technical and commercial sectors to ensure the successful rollout of these new products and services.
Pushing the boundaries of UV-LED photolithography, Kloe is set to redefine accessibility and performance, ushering in a new era for manufacturers and researchers.
