Essemtec Introduces Semiautomatic Printer with Vision and Stencil Cleaning

The new SP150 screen/stencil printer from Essemtec fulfils the long-term demands of many small and medium size enterprises: A semiautomatic system with integrated stencil cleaning, controlled printing process and digital vision system. This affordable machine can reproducibly print the finest structures even in larger series. Because of the space saving front drawer, the SP150 fits into every production.

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 recognizes if the substrate is misaligned. By integrated position encoders the software can instruct the operator exactly how to correct the alignment. The SP150 continuously controls the result. 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. This ensures 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 also is 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 set-up and changeover time and the semiautomatic print process, this printer can be used for production of all batch sizes from small to large.

Swiss machine supplier Essemtec is a leader in the area of flexible production systems for the electronics industry. The company designs, builds and sells equipment for every step in the board assembly arena since 1991. For example, these are paste printers, dispensers, placement machines and soldering equipment. Manual, semi-automated and fully automated machines are available. The product portfolio also includes transport and storage systems, as well as software solutions for planning, simulation, optimization and documentation of the production processes.

Together with the machine delivery the customers get full access to the company's remote maintenance system and to the customer portal MyEssemtec.com. Essemtec also offers attractive solutions for financing of capital investments and service contracts.

All Essemtec equipment is optimized for maximum flexibility. The user has the capability to ASAP change over from one product to the other on the shop floor and at the same time can use the manufacturing capacity to its maximum. Essemtec � be more flexible.