About Us

RKD Systems has its roots in 1996, when Kirk Martin and Richard Cabral, both with Medusa Associates, working with KAS Machine Products, developed the first positive displacement diaphragm pump that could reliably dispense fuming nitric acid. These first-generation pumps were manufactured for use in the B&G Enterprises Model 300 nitric acid decapsulator. Few of these first-generation pumps were built, but several survived over seven years of hard service, dispensing one of the most corrosive acids known. In 1998, the same group developed a second-generation pump that combined three source selection valves and the pump components into a single, monolithic, pump body. This pump was incorporated into the Nisene Technology Group Model 250F dual acid decapsulator and resulted in the acquisition of Medusa Associated, by Nisene Technology Group. 

In 2002, Kirk Martin left Nisene to start a small consulting business. Later that year, he started work on a fourth-generation dispensing pump design. This generation was much faster, stronger, and more reliable than the previous generations and allowed for greater flexibility in combining multiple flow paths and even multiple pumps into a single, monolithic, body. Working with Cabral and KAS Machine Products, the design was perfected and extensively tested, both for operational parameters and lifetime. 

RKD Engineering was formed in January of 2006 in Scotts Valley California, a small town halfway between Silicon Valley and the Pacific Ocean. The original principles have been involved in the designing of every U.S. made plastic package decapsulator since 1988, and are the inventors of all acid dispensing technology used in U.S. made decapsulators. This dispensing technology has allowed the development of their extensive fluid handling solutions, and the development of the fastest and most repeatable dual acid decapsulator in the industry. During that time, Kirk Martin also developed the very first backside die-thinning system that, during the thinning process, could accurately follow the curvature of highly warped die without breakage.

In March of 2017, RKD Systems was formed by Kirk Martin and Mike Maffei to better serve the sample preparation industry. In partnership with Kirk’s extensive expertise, innovative developments, and ongoing accomplishments in the company’s history and success, Mike has incorporated his established career expertise in sales, marketing, and business to further enhance the company’s position and value in serving the failure analysis industry with cutting-edge technology and personalized service. Expanding on his original role in research and development with RKD Systems, Mike has successfully developed customized solutions for customers utilizing RKD Systems products, and he leads the company’s global training, service, and support programs.

RKD Systems continues to develop products that make sample preparation easier, faster, more accurate, and relevant to current and future industry requirements, backed by value-driven support services. Our engineering expertise is available for custom tooling and process equipment, as well.