automatic stencil printers

We are looking to automate the paste printing portion of our SMT process. We are looking at used equipment from DEK and MPM from 1994 onward.(DEK 260 & 265 MPM AP20 & AP27) Does anyone have some feedback or concerns with any of these machines? Does the DEK 260 have a truly automatic vision system or is it just for setup. All responses appreciated. Bill Bannister Andover Controls

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| We are looking to automate the paste printing portion of our SMT process. We are looking at used equipment from DEK and MPM from 1994 onward.(DEK 260 & 265 MPM AP20 & AP27) Does anyone have some feedback or concerns with any of these machines? Does the DEK 260 have a truly automatic vision system or is it just for setup. | All responses appreciated. | Bill Bannister | Andover Controls | | Bill,

I've used MPM's and I've used Deks, admitidly not the 260 only the 265. My preference is alway's MPM, dont get me wrong the Dek is a great machine and will do a good job for you but the software and repeatibility of the MPM I think are better plus the vision system's are generally better.

JohnW

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| We are looking to automate the paste printing portion of our SMT process. We are looking at used equipment from DEK and MPM from 1994 onward.(DEK 260 & 265 MPM AP20 & AP27) Does anyone have some feedback or concerns with any of these machines? Does the DEK 260 have a truly automatic vision system or is it just for setup. | All responses appreciated. | Bill Bannister | Andover Controls | | Bill,

I am partial to the MPM equipment in the 2000 and 3000 series. However, for the past two or three years, I've been using the 265 LT and GSX models. I've gotten kind of used to the British iron with a few exceptions.

Concerning vision, the 265 series (and all MPM types) machines utilize vision both for programming and production. Critical attention must be paid to other requirements as board and stencil fids. Also, when buying a DEK, be sure to get the "green" camera as it is high resolution and requires running the latest software version (2.12). Additionally watch out for the "high speed modification (consists of the latest software running on a 486 mother board/processor though only a DOS 6.22 format (no GUI). It's RAM also is upgradeable where the old 386 stuff is not.

Be careful when purchasing a 265 with fine pitch autoflex tooling (it must be modified with a low pressure "kit" to prevent pin breakage). I can't go into all of it here but for recommending either MPM or DEK as great machines - once you get to know them.

They're both winners.

Note: We've had great success buying reconditioned machines from the Milpitas, CA outfit down the street from DEK's West Coast facility. Damn, can't remember their name though someone on the fourm will.

Earl Moon

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| We are looking to automate the paste printing portion of our SMT process. We are looking at used equipment from DEK and MPM from 1994 onward.(DEK 260 & 265 MPM AP20 & AP27) Does anyone have some feedback or concerns with any of these machines? Does the DEK 260 have a truly automatic vision system or is it just for setup. | All responses appreciated. | Bill Bannister | Andover Controls |

Bill, The 260's only have a vision assist. A frozen image is aligned to a live overlay image by the operator using micrometer screws. They are ok as far as they go.

The 265 LT's or GSX's are much better and can certainly get the job done. We use them at 20 mil pitch and have done some work at 16 mil pitch.

Good shopping, Boca |

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