iplas is the world leader in microwave plasma technology at higher pressure. As a result, iplas provides unique products and services that help our customers to improve productivity and to run more efficient applications. Our principle is to offer solutions that are easy to use and reliable in operation. iplas strives for close relations with business partners in order to promote plasma technology and to create joint value.
iplas gmbh was founded in 1997 near Cologne, Germany by Dr.-Ing. Dipl. Phys. Hildegard Sung-Spitzl and her husband Dr. rer. nat. Ralf Spitzl. Both have profound knowledge in fundamental and applied physical research, in plasma technology and in high tech-management as well.
Dr. Sung-Spitzl has been working in thin film technology since 1989. In addition to her experiences in applied engineering, Dr. Sung-Spitzl contributed broad consulting know-how to the successful development of iplas. Dr. Spitzl has been researching plasma physics since 1987. Furthermore he compiled broad knowledge in the area of public R&D funding. In 1996 Dr. Spitzl invented the CYRANNUS® plasma source. Realizing its commercial potential the CYRANNUS®-technology was first patented in 1998. Up to the present the company is 100% privately owned by the two founders.
milestones in the company´s history
1996: Invention of the CYRANNUS® plasma source.
1998: First patent granted.
1999: iplas introduces the linearly shaped CYRANNUS® II plasma source.
2000: The first international distributor is contracted in South Korea. Today, iplas cooperates with sales partners in 10 countries.
The first European and US-patents were granted in 2000, and 2001 respectively. Today, iplas holds more than 20 international patents.
2000: Dr. Sung-Spitzl is ranked Germany´s No. 1 in the "Idee Förderpreis", awarding her achievements as young female entrepreneur.
2002: iplas initiates the CYRANNUS®-Symposium as a platform for users of CYRANNUS® technology and medium pressure plasma.
2002: The company moves to its new location. On a total area of 1,500 m2 one now has the possibility to research, build and demonstrate the various applications of CYRANNUS® technology in a spacious environment.
2003: iplas presents the 16" CYRANNUS® I as the world´s largest commercial microwave plasma source running at atmospheric pressure.
2003: iplas and Argonne National Laboratory gain a "R&D 100 Award" for exceptional performance of the CYRANNUS® technology.
At iplas we see collaborations as a personal commitment. It is important that the partners agree on the expectations of the collaboration and its time scale.
Respect and trust are essential for successful cooperations. Mutual credit should be earned step by step.
We prefer a situation where contributions and risks of the partners are balanced equally.
Mutual benefit is vital: iplas and its partner have to be in a win-win situation at all times.
We appreciate agreements of confidentiality and tight legal contracts. During negotiations we dislike to postpone unpleasant or contentious issues until "later". Once we signed an agreement, we want to put it away.
At iplas we recognize that during the course of collaboration, circumstances and markets may change. This is why we appreciate mutual flexibility.
We celebrate achievements jointly with our partners.
Customers in industry (extract):
AISA, Vourvry, Switzerland
Ulvac, Susono, Japan
SIG combibloc, Linnich, Germany
Shell Global Solutions, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Centrotherm, Dresden, Germany
PETpower, Etten-Leur, Netherlands
Elopak, Zürich, Switzerland
Korean Gas Corporation, Seoul, Korea
Customers in R&D (extract):
Argonne National Lab (ANL), Chicago, USA
Institut für Niedertemperatur Plasmaphysik (INP), Greifswald, Germany
Eidgenössischen Materialprüfungsanstalt (EMPA), St. Gallen, Switzerland
Institut für Textilchemie (ITC), Denkendorf, Germany
Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Korea
Universität Linz, Austria
CNRS, Orlean, France
Universität von Zheng Zou, PR China
Inasmet, San Sebastian, Spain
University of Osaka, Japan