The award went to the copper electrolyte SLOTOCOUP SF 50, which is used in the production of electronic components such as printed circuit boards. It is designed for filling and metallizing structures with different geometries (conductor tracks, blind holes, through holes). This is possible on inner, body and outer layers of PCBs as well as on IC substrates. It can also be used for various manufacturing processes, such as mobile phone or automotive applications. In addition, it can now be used to manufacture IC substrates, something that Schlötter's previous processes were not able to do.
One of Schlötter's corporate goals is to use new processes to reduce the use of resources and the total amount of chemicals used. This is achieved with the new process, as it helps to significantly reduce process times and stages overall. Several processes can be carried out simultaneously in one process stage and with one electrolyte system. The Innovation and Entrepreneur Award is not the first award for Schlötter: In 2018, the company received the Rudolf Eberle Award from the state of Baden-Württemberg, which honors innovative products, processes or services.