UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                      The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

        Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 2, 2004

                                ADE CORPORATION
                                ---------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

       Massachusetts             0-26714                  04-2441829
       -------------             -------                  ----------
(State or other jurisdiction   (Commission              (IRS Employer
     of incorporation)         File Number)            Identification No.)

                                 80 Wilson Way
                         Westwood, Massachusetts 02090
                    --------------------------------------
          (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)



                                 (781) 467-3500
                    --------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)










Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

         On March 2, 2004, ADE Corporation issued a press release reporting its
financial results for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2004. The
press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by
reference.










                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                          ADE CORPORATION





                                          By:  /s/ Brian C. James
                                          ----------------------------
                                          Brian C. James
                                          Executive Vice President, Treasurer
                                          and Chief Financial Officer


Date:   March 2, 2004