Transition Automation (TA) Launches Articulating Paste Retainer Design for Squeegee Holder System

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Transition Automation, Inc. announces the launch of a fourth generation paste retainer design, one that incorporates new features and functions for SMT printing users. These paste retainers are an important part of the SMT squeegee that serves to keep the solder paste within the printing area of the stencil. This new design gives users full adjustability, both up-down positions and left-right positions, and also enables users to quickly loosen and remove the paste retainer to allow easier cleaning during product changeover. 

This new patent-pending design features a parallel leaf spring configuration that provides a gentle degree of freedom, with a soft spring load in the Z direction that allows the paste retainer to ride close to the stencil, or in contact with the stencil without causing damage to or coining of the foil. The leaf spring design holds the paste retainer in a rigid vertical orientation which provides maximum damming function to keep the solder paste in the print area. This helps users minimize process interruption to reposition solder paste into the print area and also improves the solder paste quality by minimizing leakage of idle solder paste from the print area and consequently drying while idle.

These paste retainers are available and are being shipped immediately with all holder orders and may be installed on any prior Transition Automation holder system which has the T-slot configuration. For back retrofit, the part number is: PLX-PR-DT and the price is: $95 USD ea. For future holder orders they are included at no charge.

Transition Automation Permalex squeegee blades and holder systems are designed for high performance longevity for mission critical electronics production. These products are used worldwide for aerospace, automotive, communications, industrial control, government and satellite systems. Transition Automation, Inc. enhances electronics manufacturing production yield and efficiency by reducing machine interruption while maintaining high performance output for lengthy production cycles. The company strives for production consistency between orders, and across various machine platforms and squeegee styles.