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With the new option for automated setup changeover, ASMPT is adding an automated solution for stencil and squeegee changeovers to its DEK TQ printer platform. Instead of changing stencils and squeegees one after the other, operators merely need to insert a prepared setup and let the printer handle all further steps automatically. This reduces operator time at the printer during a changeover from roughly four minutes to about 30 seconds.
“Solder paste printing is one of the processes that require lots of operator involvement on an SMT line. With a new, innovative solution for automated setup changeover, we reduce the need for manual assists considerably while also lowering the risk of operator errors,” explains Martin Moggeridge, Senior Product Manager at ASMPT SMT Solutions.
The new solution is based on a prepared setup in which the consumable cartridge containing the squeegees are combined with the stencil. All that’s left for the operator to do is to insert the new setup into the printer. The print head localizes the squeegees and the consumable cartridge, picks them up and prepares the printing process. While the machine prints, the consumables unit stays in the printer and carries out the automatic paste transfer during the next stencil change by transferring the paste roll to the new stencil, which the printer’s integrated camera can automatically identify and verify using the Camera Barcode Reader option. Alternatively, the barcode can be scanned in the setup area to verify the prepared setup in advance.
Faster changeovers with less operator time at the printer
With traditional product changeovers, operators must remain at the printer during the entire procedure. They remove the squeegees and the stencil, check the arrangement of the support pins for PCB support, insert the new stencil and verify it before manually mounting the new stencils. This typically takes around four minutes. With the automated setup changeover, the manual part is limited to opening the printer, removing the stencil and the squeegees placed on the stencil by the print head, inserting the prepared setup, and closing the hood. The rest of the changeover process runs automatically, which reduces the operator intervention time at the printer during a changeover to roughly 30 seconds.
For manually placed support pins, the new solution also makes it significantly easier and faster to verify their correct position, while DEK Smart Pin Placement handles positioning automatically.
The new solution also improves the overall process reliability. By following the poka-yoke principle, the adapter’s construction prevents faulty adapter assemblies. In addition, the automatic pickup of the squeegees reduces the risk of operator errors and ensures a reproducible changeover process.
The automated setup changeover consists of a new print head, new squeegees, the consumable cartridge, the adapter, and the necessary software. The option is available for new DEK TQ printers as well as for retrofitting existing systems.
