New solder paste printer from ASMPT delivers more flexibility

With an alignment accuracy of ±12.5 microns @ 2 Cmk and wet printing accuracy of ±17.0 microns @ 2 Cpk, the machines of the DEK TQ platform are some of the most precise paste printers on the market. The new DEK TQ L was also designed in accordance with ASMPT’s motto of “Maximum performance and flexibility in the smallest footprint”. As a special highlight, users can place two machines back-to-back to double their line's productivity without increasing its length.

What's new about the DEK TQ L

The DEK TQ L offers electronics manufacturers new degrees of freedom for printing larger boards with dimensions of up to 600 x 510 millimeters – 90 percent more than the DEK TQ. The printable area, which measures 560 by 510 millimeters, is 78 percent larger. With a three-stage conveyor, the DEK TQ L can process boards that are up to 300 millimeters long (DEK TQ: 250 millimeters).

Despite the increase in board size, the core cycle time maximum is only 6.5 seconds in three-stage operation (DEK TQ: 5 seconds). The machine achieves these values with features such as high-precision linear drives, a new off-belt printing process, innovative clamping systems, an advanced print head, and the unique ASMPT NuMotion controller with fiber-optic cabling. In addition, the efficient high-speed understencil cleaning system (USC) with its own linear drives cleans up to 50 percent faster than traditional systems. Due to the up to more than 90 percent larger PCB surfaces, the USC can be equipped with three different and easily exchangeable fabric roll sizes.

With a length of 1.3 meters and a width of 1.5 meters for a footprint of 1.95 square meters, the new printer is only slightly larger than the DEK TQ. Outstanding floorspace performance is therefore guaranteed.

Zero-line-stop philosophy

The printers of the DEK TQ platform are designed to run for more than eight hours without a user assist, depending on the cleaning requirements. This is made possible, among other things, by their optimized understencil cleaning system with its 22-meter fabric roll and seven-liter cleaning fluid tank. The machines also accommodate 11-meter fabric rolls as well as easily interchangeable vacuum inserts of different widths. To minimize manual assists during the printing process, the DEK TQ printers optionally feature an efficient paste management system with an Automatic Paste Dispenser and integrated Paste Height Control with individually configurable warning and stop thresholds. Another convenience is the optional Dual Access Cover (DAC), which makes it possible to replace paste cartridges without having to stop the printer.

Automation step-by-step

The DEK TQ platform follows ASMPT's Open Automation concept for the step-by-step automation of SMT production, which lets users decide how quickly and extensively they want to automate their lines. The machines’ various expansion options are based on the same principle.

For example, the system can determine on its own where to position support pins that prevent boards from bending during the printing process. It places the pins with diameters of 4-mm or 12-mm automatically and verifies them regarding their position and – as the only machine in the industry – their height. On the DEK TQ L, the magazine for the optional Smart Pin Placement holds up to 60 pins due to the large board sizes, which is twice as many as on the DEK TQ. DEK’s All Purpose Clamping also delivers more flexibility. With its software-driven linear drives, the universal and by far most flexible clamping system from ASMPT automatically adapts to the thickness and shape of each board. As a result, DEK TQ machine can even print in areas very close to the edge reliably and with excellent quality.

If DEK TQ printers are employed in combination with the Process Lens SPI system and the AI-driven WORKS Process Expert software, the entire printing process can be automatically controlled and optimized.

Easy integration via open interfaces

For the best possible horizontal and vertical integration into the user’s line, material or production management system, various open and flexible interfaces and protocols are available. They include IPC-HERMES-9852 for board-related communication within the line as well as IPC-CFX for the transfer of process data. Also available are ASMPT workflow solutions such as offline programming with WORKS Printer Programming as part of the WORKS shop floor management suite, which also offers factory-wide asset and maintenance management along with seamless M2H communication. Also supported is the communication with third-party systems and IT systems such as MES or WMS solutions, along with extensive remote support solutions, and a whole lot more.

More floorspace, more flexibility

“With the DEK TQ L, we offer users even more flexibility for opening up new business areas and expanding their production with the precision, performance and quality they are used to, and all of this with an unprecedented level of floorspace performance,” explains Jens Katschke, Senior Process Solutions Manager at ASMPT. “With their various modules for custom-tailored automation, the new-generation DEK TQ printers are the ideal machines for SMT manufacturers who prefer open, non-proprietary solutions for building their Integrated Smart Factories.”