SMT printer supports frequent product changeovers

8th December 2014

Reprint

Barney Scott

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The easy-to-use MANTIS SMT stencil printer, available for Windows 7, is designed for production environments requiring frequent product changeovers during the day. Compact, yet capable of using 29" stencils and handling board sizes up to 650x580mm, the Mantis offers best in class results with respect to footprint as well as functionality.

The printer features auto-setup, including automatic stencil loading, automatic conveyor width adjustment, assisted manual support pin placement and fast product set-up. The support pin placement feature allows for the automatic storing of support pin locations with the board files. Operators who then load an existing programme get the correct positions indicated by a laser pointer, thus eliminating incorrectly located support pins. Additionally, many types of tooling options such as VacuNest and Grid-Lok are supported by the machine and can be fitted directly without requiring expensive external control boxes.

With the SMEMA inline conveyor system providing fast board transfers and providing heavy board handling capability as standard, the printer cycle time of less than 11s makes the Mantis suitable for the majority of production requirements.

The integrated vision system with programmable RGB illumination allows alignment of even the most challenging board surfaces. At the same time the vision system can be programmed for full automatic inspection of printed pads as well as inspecting stencil apertures for blockage. On detecting blocked apertures, the system can be configured to trigger an automatic stencil clean cycle. The integrated cleaning system features programmable dry and wet modes, and includes vacuum assistance if required.

A double squeegee gantry with programmable, independently controlled motorised squeegees give the exact print force, guaranteeing perfect printing results, according to Reprint. Changeover of squeegees is quick and easy. A dedicated area within the printer provides storage space for all squeegee lengths and gives protection against damage when not in use.

The printer’s simple to use, versatile stencil positioning and automatic pneumatic clamping system means the Mantis can be used with a wide variety of stencils and stencil frame systems available from Reprint and other suppliers. An optional adjustable frame adapter allows the use of a customer’s existing frames.