WKK Technology’s X-Pose SM120 Exposure System Wins a 2010 NPI Award

HONG KONG - WKK Distribution Ltd., the leading supplier of industrial machinery and materials in Asia, announces that it has been awarded an NPI Award in the category of Exposure Equipment for its X-Pose SM120 Exposure System. The award was presented to the company during a Tuesday, April 6, 2010 ceremony that took place in the Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center in Las Vegas during APEX 2010.

Covered by four patents, the machine was designed to provide a fully functional, automatic alignment exposure system for all types of solder mask materials, including liquid and dry film types. The system is capable of exposing panels ranging in size from 14 x 14" (55 x 55 cm) to a maximum of 24 x 30" (610 x 765 cm), and thicknesses ranging from 0.010 to 0.250" (0.25 to 6 mm).

Transportation through the active areas from the machine is accomplished using unique air bearing systems, ensuring that the resist surface is not scratched or damaged. The same system is then used to hold the panel in place while exposure is accomplished by rapidly changing the air flow from positive to negative.

A new HEPA air pump is used for both vacuum and air float, providing filtered air throughout the active zones. Additionally, four custom-designed CCD cameras that can “see” through most SM materials provide for rapid alignment using the machines’ X, Y, and Theta drives to register the artwork to the substrate.

WKK also has developed a new type of exposure light engine. Panels are exposed from the topside, and materials with exposure energy requirements in the range of 450 mj. per sq. cm are exposed in approximately five seconds. The lamps used are extremely stable and provide 2,000 plus hours of operation before they need replacing. Finally, an integral shim system is incorporated in the machine. This prevents warping of the glass envelope during exposure, regardless of the size of panel being used.

The machine was designed with ease of maintenance as a key factor. All areas of the machines can be accessed in less than five minutes. Glass replacement also is accomplished in less than five minutes and a complete lamp replacement takes less than 30 minutes. Under normal conditions and for most types of substrates, the machine can process in the range of 120 panels per hour.

Premiering in 2008, the NPI Awards program is an annual celebration of product excellence in electronics surface mount assembly. Premier products based on the finest examples of creative advancement in technology are chosen by a distinguished panel of industry experts.

About WKK Distribution Ltd.

WKK was established in 1975 as a trading and distribution company supplying capital equipment, materials and services to the printed circuit board (PCB) industry throughout Asia. The company was a natural extension of the business founded by Mr. Wong Wha San, who in 1962, set up a PCB factory. When the business of the factory grew rapidly in 1975, WKK was created as the trading and distribution arm.

As the Group’s activities continued to grow, so did its involvement and expertise in dealing with all parts of the world. WKK has been one of the foremost pioneers in supplying capital equipment, materials and services for the electronics industry in China for over 30 years.