ASMPT Launches Active Stencil Storage for Smarter SMT Handling

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ASMPT’s new Active Stencil Storage offers an efficient and space-saving solution for storing up to 240 DEK VectorGuard™ stencils for the solder paste printing process. An integrated barcode scanner and an LED-based guidance system support operators in selecting stencils quickly and error-free, thus preventing incorrect setups.

“Conventional storage systems for stencils are often too small and cumbersome,” said Rick Goldsmith, Director of Product Management at ASMPT. “Finding the right stencil is too time-consuming and error-prone. With Active Stencil Storage, we were able to eliminate all these problems. The highly efficient system gives electronics manufacturers the flexibility they need today.”

Space-saving, ergonomic, intuitive

With a compact footprint measuring only 110.5 × 69.5 centimeters (43.5 × 27.4 inches), Active Stencil Storage offers the best floor space performance. Each stencil is identified via an integrated barcode scanner, and an intuitive touchscreen guides operators through all work steps without a long training period. An LED on each storage slot indicates where stencils are to be added or removed.

The slots are freely configurable and speed up new product introductions (NPIs) without the risk of faulty setups. And the open-source software is flexibly adaptable to existing IT infrastructures, networks and automation systems.

Developed for DEK VectorGuard™ – compatible and efficient

The Active Stencil Storage system is specially designed for the highly flexible DEK VectorGuard™ clamping frames from ASMPT (584 × 584 mm, or 23 × 23 inches), which are compatible with all popular stencil and printer types and allow for 45 to 65 percent more tension than conventional clamping frames. In addition, their functional design reduces the space requirements in the stencil storage system by up to 75 percent.

Storage and retrieval: Ten seconds instead of five minutes

The Active Stencil Storage system makes the ongoing production significantly more efficient. Thanks to the handheld scanner and LED-based guidance, a template can usually be added or removed in 10 seconds – something that may take up to five minutes with conventional systems. The prevention of faulty setups and related costs also contributes to the quick amortization of the investment.