Xaar Plc

Date: 17/06/04

New joint development agreements for printed circuit board markets

Xaar plc, the inkjet printing technology group headquartered in Cambridge, announces two new joint development agreements for applying Xaar's inkjet printing technologies to the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs) for the electronics industry.

Xaar and Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials LLC (RHEM), based in Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA have signed a Joint Development Agreement to produce digital inkjet printing systems for the application of etch masks and other key materials and processes used in the fabrication of printed circuit boards.

Both companies are world leaders in their respective fields and share a common belief that digital inkjet is set to play an increasing role in the future of the PCB industry.

Xaar and Xennia Technology Ltd, based in Royston, UK have signed an agreement to jointly develop and market matched combinations of printheads and inks. In particular, the two companies will be focussing on applications for Xaar's new OmniDot range of printheads in combination with Xennia's innovative and unique range of metal inks which will allow inkjet printing of conductive tracks on a wide range of substrate materials as well as offering decorative opportunities.

Recent developments by Xennia have resulted in a range of metal inks which can be used in both functional and decorative applications and will allow production of their own range of specialised printer products incorporating Xaar's technology. These new inks, particularly when matched with Xaar's 3 pico litre Omnidot printhead, have the potential to open up a significant range of new markets for inkjet technology.

Nigel Berry, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director, said:
'The printed circuit board market is one which Xaar has identified as offering excellent potential for its digital inkjet printing technologies, particularly for prototyping and short-run applications.

'The agreements signed with Rohm & Haas Electronic Materials and Xennia mark an important step forward for Xaar, covering potential applications in both the preparation of PCBs for manufacture and the direct printing of conductive circuits. They reflect the need for close cooperation between development of the functional fluids, printhead and printing system in order to meet the requirements of the market.

'These joint development programmes are aimed at addressing the fundamental problems of applying inkjet printing to this new field and are not expected to produce significant revenues for Xaar in the immediate future. However, they represent an appropriate starting point on the road to general exploitation of inkjet printing in the field of electronics.'

About Xaar

Xaar plc is a market-leading inkjet technology company. It targets the world's industrial, commercial and office printing markets. The industrial and commercial printing markets are targeted by Xaar's own range of inkjet products in conjunction with partners and other key players in those markets; the office printing market is approached through Xaar's strong list of licensees. Vivid Print Innovations Inc., the applications division of Xaar, provides Xaar's in-house specialist integration service. Additional information about Xaar is available as www.xaar.co.uk.

About Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials

Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials develops and delivers innovative material solutions and processes to the electronic and optoelectronic industries. Focused on the circuit board, semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging industries, its products and technologies are integral elements in electronic devices around the world. Additional information is available at http://electronicmaterials.rohmhaas.com.

Rohm and Haas (NYSE: ROH) is a Philadelphia-based specialty materials company, which makes products for the personal care, grocery, home and construction markets, and the electronics industry. The company has annual sales of approximately $6.4 billion (US) and operations in more than 27 countries. Additional information about Rohm and Haas may be found at www.rohmhaas.com.

About Xennia

Xennia is a leading independent provider of integrated industrial inkjet solutions. Xennia combines innovative inkjet chemistries and proprietary printer platforms to create customised solutions for a wide range of printing, micro-dispensing, decorating, coating and processing applications. Conductive Inkjet Technology Ltd, a joint venture between Xennia and Carclo plc, is developing and commercialising breakthrough technology for direct inkjet printing of conductive metals. www.xennia.com

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CONTACTS

Xaar plc: 01223-423663
Ian Dinwoodie, Chief Executive
Nigel Berry, Group Finance Director & Deputy Chief Executive

Bankside Consultants:
Steve Liebmann 020-7444-4163 / 07802-888159

See also:
Organisation: Xaar Plc

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