Automatic stencil cleaning system simplifies operations

21 February 2007 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

PBT’s Swash is a computer-controlled spray system designed to clean stencils and misprints for electronics manufacturing operations.

The cleanliness of the stencil is a deciding parameter for a good quality print. Partially-clogged apertures lead to fatal print errors, which decrease the quality of the assembly process. Growing demands on print quality, namely for BGA, QFP, CSP and other packages, require a very safe and precision cleaning process. Cleaning by hand is expensive (material and manpower costs are high), it does not comply with hygienic standards and it is dependent on the operator's skill and reliability.

The Swash system is designed to clean solder cream, SMD glue and remaining fluxes off: stencils; screens; pump-prints and Varidot stencils; misprints; and soldering pallets etc. It uses non-flammable cleaning agents, and is especially suited for Micro-phase cleaners (MPC), which can be efficiently regenerated inside of the machine. The consumption of such chemicals is much lower in comparison with solvents and alkali cleaners. Micro-phase cleaning is very efficient for pastes and glues, and at the same time does not affect sealed joints between stencil and tensioned screen and frame.

The system has four stages in the cleaning process - wash, tap water rinse, DI water rinse, and dry. It comes into the basic configuration with a complete DI water plant. DI water final rinse is important to maintain quality. The operator does not come into contact with the cleaning process and controlling and programming is done via a touch-pad.

The maximum dimensions of a cleaned object are 750 x 750 x 40 mm. The unit measures 1200 x 1050 x 2200 mm (L x W x H) and weighs 390 kg.

For more information contact EIS, +27 (0)11 726 6758.

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