CCMP CMC Materials Inc

QED Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cabot Microelectronics Corporation (NASDAQ: CCMP), has been named as a recipient of the R&D 100 Award for 2008. This prestigious award is granted by R&D Magazine for the 100 most technologically significant products introduced into the marketplace in the past year. The winning new product, �Subaperture Stitching Interferometer for Aspheres (SSI-A�)�, cites QED Technologies� SSI-A� technology as a turnkey precision measurement tool uniquely capable of measuring complex surfaces. With the SSI-A�, QED has introduced a break-through metrology product that will help to redefine optics manufacturing capabilities. For the first time, optics manufacturers can obtain measurements of a wide variety of spheres, flats and aspheres with one turnkey system. The SSI-A� has been adopted widely across Asia, Europe and North America for its unique ability to automatically take full-aperture, highly accurate measurements without the use of dedicated null lenses. This is the second consecutive year that QED Technologies has been honored with the R&D 100 Award. Last year, QED Technologies, in conjunction with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Zygo Corporation, was recognized for its magnetorheological finishing (MRF�) application in producing precision optics for laser fusion. MRF� and SSI-A� technologies are highly complementary modification and measurement technologies, enabling users to achieve breakthrough precision in the manufacture of optical components. �We are honored by this recognition�, says Marc Tricard, Director of Business Development for QED. �There is an adage in the optics industry that says, �If you can�t measure it, you can�t make it�. With the SSI-A, optics manufacturers can now measure their products�spheres, flats and aspheres�with confidence. This one tool enables optics manufacturers to expand their product line while streamlining the production process. In turn, optics systems designers can be much more creative knowing that the optics components can be measured with accuracy.� ABOUT QED TECHNOLOGIES Since it was founded in 1996, QED Technologies, based in Rochester, NY, has built a reputation for producing high quality products based on revolutionary, patented technology, advanced computer numerical control machines and world-class software to provide shop-ready solutions for nearly any precision optics manufacturing need. QED offers state-of-the-art finishing and metrology solutions that are designed to meet the needs of advanced optics manufacturers by increasing production speed and yield while decreasing costs. QED is dedicated to providing revolutionary technical solutions that enable or significantly enhance its customers� capabilities and positively impact their bottom line. QED Technologies is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cabot Microelectronics Corporation (NASDAQ:CCMP). For more information about QED Technologies, visit www.qedmrf.com or contact Robin Townell, Marketing Manager, at (585) 256-6540 ext. 241. ABOUT CABOT MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATION Cabot Microelectronics Corporation, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, is the world's leading supplier of CMP slurries used in semiconductor and data storage manufacturing. The company's products play a critical role in the production of the most advanced semiconductor devices, enabling the manufacture of smaller, faster and more complex devices by its customers. Since becoming an independent public company in 2000, the company has grown to approximately 800 employees on a global basis. The company's vision is to become the world leader in shaping, enabling and enhancing the performance of surfaces, so the company is leveraging its expertise in CMP slurry formulation, materials and polishing techniques developed for the semiconductor industry and applying it to demanding surface modification applications in other industries where shaping, enabling and enhancing the performance of surfaces is critical to success. For more information about Cabot Microelectronics Corporation, visit www.cabotcmp.com or contact Amy Ford, Director of Investor Relations at (630) 499-2600. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT This news release may include statements that constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities regulations. These forward-looking statements include statements related to: future sales and operating results; company and industry growth or trends; growth of the markets in which the company participates; international events; product performance; the generation, protection and acquisition of intellectual property, and litigation related to such intellectual property; new product introductions; development of new products, technologies and markets; the acquisition of or investment in other entities; uses and investment of the company�s cash balance; and the construction of facilities by Cabot Microelectronics Corporation. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including those described from time to time in Cabot Microelectronics' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described by these forward-looking statements. In particular, see "Risk Factors" in the company�s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 and in the company�s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, both filed with the SEC. Cabot Microelectronics assumes no obligation to update this forward-looking information.