Semi-automatic screen/stencil printer

13 May 2009 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

Essemtec’s new SP150 is a semi-automatic system with integrated stencil cleaning, controlled printing process and digital vision system, targeted at the long-term demands of many small and medium size enterprises.

The vision system of the SP150 is easy to use and cost-effective: two digital cameras look through a stencil opening onto the substrate. The printer automatically recognises if the substrate is misaligned. Using integrated position encoders, the software can instruct the operator exactly how to correct the alignment. The system continuously controls the result and the print cycle is released only if the alignment is perfect.

The printer also controls all other parameters such as squeegee pressure, printing speed, print stroke and the parallel separation of the stencil from the substrate. The pneumatic printing head holds two squeegees that automatically spread the print pressure over the squeegee length, to ensure even results all over. Both rubber and metal squeegees can be used.

A clean stencil is a prerequisite for reproducible printing results. Therefore, a stencil underside cleaning system is integrated into the SP150. The cleaning device is mounted directly on the front drawer. Each time the drawer is pulled out for PCB loading, the stencil is automatically cleaned.

The Windows-based software supports the operator with an easy-to-use graphical interface. The software controls the printing process and the vision system makes the results independent of the operator and allows reproducible manufacturing of even large series.

The SP150 is also well suited for small series. At product changeover, the correct settings can be found very quickly and the magnetic PCB holder can be aligned without any tools.

For PCB loading, a front drawer is installed, which is ergonomic and saves production floor space. This makes the SP150 a good fit for small and medium size enterprises with limited space. With the short setup and changeover time and the semi-automatic print process, this printer can be used for production of all batch sizes from small to large.

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