Stencil cleaner reduces SMD reject rates

Kerry Ultrasonics has produced a stencil cleaner that significantly reduces SMD (Surface Mount Device) manufacturers' reject rates.

Kerry Ultrasonics has produced a stencil cleaner that significantly reduces SMD (Surface Mount Device) manufacturers' reject rates.

The Microclean SC1000 accepts stencil dimensions up to 1000mm x 1000mm and, when equipped with additional fixtures, will also handle reworked or misprinted PCBs.

The cleaner has been designed for use with aqueous-based cleaning solutions which, aside from their inherent non-toxicity and minimal environmental impact, may be used at low concentration to produce considerable cost savings.

Thanks to a catchment tray and an air purge at the end of the initial cleaning cycle, cleaning fluid is returned to a reservoir, thereby maximising cleaning solution life and lowering material costs.

Another major cost saving stems from the gentle cleaning method employed by Kerry's machine which ensures that stencils are protected from the excessive wear associated with manual cleaning and so require less frequent replacement.

Further labour-saving features include the SC1000's fully automatic operation.

Having placed the screen inside the cleaning chamber, the operator is then free concentrate on other duties until the cleaning cycle has finished.

Additionally, once they have gone through the rinsing process (in heated deionised water), stencils are dried by a second air purge followed by fan- assisted warm air and emerge from the SC1000 ready for use, with no other finishing required.

The cleaner measures 1450mm x 1180mm x 1400mm, features PLC (programmable logic controller)-based controls and has a cycle time of approximately 15 minutes.

An LCD display shows current process, with set and elapsed times for that stage, as well as fault diagnosis.

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