'Thin films & coatings' Roadmap - Nano Mahidol

Specific issues highlighted by the experts are the lack of available equipment for
preparing test samples with specific properties and/or structure as well as to perform
final tests for research validation. In some cases, available facilities are the boundary
conditions that define what type of research is undertaken and not the other way
around.
Linked to the accessibility to the required equipment/instrumentation, most of the
experts agree that cost increases every year or remains fairly stable. This
percentage is even higher according to industrial experts.
According to some experts, the fact that equipment complexity rises and
requirements tighten leads to sustained increase in R&D costs. In most cases, there
is not the need to completely change the equipment used but to upgrade it with new
modules. On the contrary, some experts think that the number of equipment
suppliers (also from other sectors such as inkjet or CVD technology) is increasing
and maintain the cost fairly stable.
When asked about the convenience of having pilot production plants close to the
research labs to facilitate technology transfer to industries, most of the experts agree
that that would be beneficial. The fact that this type of centre could be used for
providing skills to co-workers is very much appreciated.
37 Roadmap report on
Thin films and coatings