Transition Automation Launches Large-Area Table-top High-Precision Printer

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Transition Automation Inc., the creator of Permalex metal squeegee blades and PrinTEK series benchtop SMT printing machines, has launched the revolutionary PrinTEK AP-3624-V advanced benchtop large-area stencil printer.

The new PrinTEK AP-3624-V boasts a 32” x 24”print area (813mm x 610mm), a load-unload-reload repeatability of better than ±1mil (0.001”), and can be equipped with a with a Vision option for very high precision setup. The printer itself weighs less than 500lbs (226kg) due to the smart use of lightweight composite materials in its design.

"Like previous PrinTEK systems, the new AP-3624-V gives users full control of the printing process for solder paste and other electronic materials, with the full capability to produce cutting edge electronic assemblies," states Mark J. Curtin, president. "The most notable feature of this new printer is the utilization of composite materials and unique framework to minimize weight and maximize stiffness. Both characteristics give the machine precision motions that exhibit nearly zero backlash and maximum printing quality with ease of use and operation. The design enables users to ramp up volumes of high-mix large assemblies while maintaining tight printing precision. This is an enabling product which expands capability for any electronics professional facing the challenges of large board production."

Features of the PrinTEK AP-3624-V include the following:

• Precision and independent X, Y, and Theta adjustments for board-to-stencil alignment;
• Coarse, and fine board thickness adjustments;
• Easy stencil loading/unloading/cleaning area;
• Easy switch from “space-saver” frames to traditional frames;
• The tooling plate is innovative by giving customers limitless adjustment of tooling pin positions via an R-Theta pin coordinate locking system.

"The PrinTEK AP-3624-V is designed to be easily operated by non-engineering staff by way of clearly marked and accessible controls," Mark adds. "For example, setting of the stroke length for the squeegee head is done by sliding two large ergonomic trigger pucks which are visible cues and easy to handle. Also, the open design lends itself to fast and accurate setups, and the design offers a 'docking' area for the squeegee head, which presents the head to the operator at a convenient height and position for cleaning solder paste and for removing squeegees and preparing or switching between job sizes."

The PrinTEK AP-3624-V is supplied in a conveniently nested size of 48” x 40”, and when the table is extended, 96” x 40”. A second 48” table is supplied for added storage surface for tools and supplies related to printing. Additionally, there is an optional dual vision system that gives users an easy dual flat screen display of board-to-stencil alignment using state-of the art cameras, framework and cabling. A complete SMT setup can be accomplished in under 5 minutes, and large boards can easily be cycled one-per-minute.

Transition Automation will have a live demonstration of printing with the PrinTEK AP-3624-V at IPC/APEX 2018 from February 27 to March 1, 2018 at the San Diego Convention Center, in Booth #3603.

About Transition Automation

For more than 25 years, Transition Automation has been a bold innovator in the design of simple, reliable, high-precision SMT printing equipment. Recognized worldwide as an outside-the-box thinker, Transition Automation pioneered Permalex metal squeegee blades and PrinTEK series long-lasting tabletop printing machines that excel in fine-pitch and fine-feature SMT PCB printing. For more information, click here.