Essemtec’s new stencil printer SP003-ML-V is a highly reliable system aimed at small and medium production volumes. Control of print quality and correction of print position is made easy and fast using the integrated vision system.

Precise paste print on every PCB with high consistency is key for the successful manufacture of high-quality, reliable electronic products. Essemtec’s new semi-automated stencil and screen printer SP003-ML-V offers control over the squeegee and speed attributes and can reproduce them securely. These are two of the most important print parameters.

Molten lead-free solders have reduced SMD realignment capability as, in contrast, eutectic SnPb paste has. A perfect alignment of the stencil in regard to the PCB therefore is mandatory (also perfect SMD placement) in order to ensure high-quality solder joints. The vision system of the SP003-ML-V consists of two quick-fix cameras that can look directly through the stencil apertures down to the PCB. These images are simultaneously displayed on two 8" monitors in order to check the precise alignment at one glance. If needed, accurate correction of X, Y and theta axes is possible using backlash-free precision adjusting screws.

The stencil will be carefully separated from the PCB after the print stroke is complete so that the fragile paste volumes will not be shifted. For system loading and unloading, the upper part of the printer must be lifted; however, this movement is supported by a pneumatic servomotor and requires little force by the operator.

The very solid system comes standard with a universal PCB fixture mechanism. The magnetic table can be adjusted to different PCB formats without any tools, and can accept single- and double-sided substrates as well. The print area measures up to 360 x 400 mm; the screens and stencils can be mounted in frames with up to 23 x 23" in size.

The new motorized screen and stencil printer SP003-ML-V can be used in small to mid-size production environments. All relevant print parameters can be controlled and, therefore, are reproducible. The vision system supports the precise print of the finest geometries using ultra-fine-pitch paste formulations.