SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., May 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Strasbaugh (OTC Bulletin Board: STRB) announced today the release of the semiconductor equipment industry's first optical endpoint detection upgrade for IPEC 372 and 472 CMP systems. The new product, nVision II, significantly improves the performance and capability of these systems.

"For the first time ever, IPEC 372 and 472 users can upgrade their systems with the industry's most advanced optical endpoint detection technology," said Chuck Schillings, Strasbaugh CEO. "This enables them to extend the useful life of their tools by increasing yields, lowering consumable costs, and facilitating the manufacture of more sophisticated chips. It can be installed in one day and has a very short payback period."

nVision II monitors optical, motor current, and pad temperature signals to determine a precise endpoint for both metal and thin film CMP applications in the Semiconductor, Data Storage, and MEMS manufacturing markets.

Optical endpoint technology is critical to many current CMP processes because it improves process control and provides more consistent process results wafer-to-wafer. Before now, there has been no viable alternative optical endpoint product available for IPEC 372 or 472 CMP systems. IPEC users have been forced to contend with outdated and unsupported Luxtron motor current endpoint systems and the problems that occur when these systems fail.

nVision II offers several key advantages over older Luxtron systems, including optical endpoint capability; intuitive up-to-date software with full color GUI; easy endpoint recipe creation and implementation; signal filtering flexibility; and customer support. In addition, nVision II shortens setup times and reduces consumables usage.

About Strasbaugh

Strasbaugh has 60 years of leadership in design and manufacturing of advanced surfacing technology for the global semiconductor, silicon, data storage, MEMS, LED, telecommunications and optics industries. Through close alliances with premier manufacturers in these high-technology markets, Strasbaugh has developed pioneering technology that has become the standard in polishing and grinding today. With high-quality grinding tools, state-of-the-art prime wafer polishing and chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) systems, as well as advanced wafer carriers and leading edge process technology, Strasbaugh has enabled its customers to realize their performance targets and has built a reputation as a world class manufacturer of innovative, reliable, high-yield surfacing solutions.

Headquartered in San Luis Obispo, CA, Strasbaugh supplies equipment worldwide through direct and representative sales and service offices located in the U.S., China, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, The Philippines, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

SafeHarbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this press release, including without limitation, statements regarding the ability of IPEC users to improve productivity, increase wafer yield, extend the useful life of the their CMP equipment and the ability to experience savings by using Strasbaugh's nVision CMP endpoint technology and the advantages of Strasbaugh's nVision system over Luxtron systems, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The actual future results of Strasbaugh could differ from those statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the ability of Strasbaugh's nVision system to provide the benefits described in this press release, changes in technology and governmental regulations and policies, competitive products and services, unforeseen technical issues and those factors contained in the "Risk Factors" Section of Strasbaugh's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and other Strasbaugh filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    CONTACT:
    Sarah Okada
    Strasbaugh
    805.782.5416
    sokada@strasbaugh.com

SOURCE Strasbaugh