Abstract: Clamping of edges of flexible workpieces to a support surface is improved by creating a region of reduced pressure proximate the edges, by shaping air conduits so that they narrow in the edge regions.

Abstract: Tooling for engaging with a workpiece has a body and a spring section formed as a monolithic structure from a resilient material. At least three deformable arms connect a movable shuttle to the body, the arms being configured to enable constrained movement of the shuttle relative to the body.

Abstract: A clamping system for clamping a printing screen frame within a printing machine that uses at least one inflatable bladder to effect clamping. The system may be modular, so that bladders and/or extending inserts may be exchanged, replaced or incorporated as required.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing workpieces comprises a rotary table supporting first and second platens rotatable between a loading position located in-line between input and output lines. The transfer apparatus is operable to cyclically perform first and second movement operations, in which the rotary table rotates to move the first platen from a loading position to a printing position and vice versa. The platens may be rotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: A workpiece referencing system and method, the system having a workpiece support assembly for supporting a plurality of workpieces, wherein the support assembly includes a support platform and a plurality of support members which are disposed to the support platform, each support member being configured to support an individual workpiece; and a workpiece referencing assembly for referencing the workpieces, as supported by the support assembly, to predetermined positions; wherein the support members each includes a body which includes a support surface which supports a workpiece and a resilient coupling which resiliently couples at least an upper part of the body relative to the support platform, such that the at least part of the body is displaceable relative to the support platform from a first, unbiased position to a second, biased reference position by operation of the referencing assembly, and, when released, the at least part of the body returns to the first, unbiased position.

Abstract: A printing machine includes an isolated chamber for the print medium cartridge, which chamber can be opened and accessed without interrupting the print process. In order to enable such a configuration, the cartridge and its cradle are also separated from the print carriage and carried on a shuttle movably mounted on a static rail. The shuttle includes a wall section which acts to isolate the chamber when the shuttle is located in a home position within the chamber.

Abstract: A workpiece processing system and method, the workpiece processing system comprising at least one workpiece processing module (3), each workpiece processing module comprising: a workpiece processing unit (11) for processing workpieces (W); and a feed unit (37) which is operable to transfer workpieces to and from the workpiece processing unit, wherein the feed unit comprises input and output feed assemblies (38, 39) which are operable to transfer workpieces to and from the workpiece processing unit and a processing zone feed assembly (40) which interconnects the input and output feed assemblies and is operable to transfer workpieces from the input feed assembly (38) to the workpiece processing unit and from the workpiece processing unit to the output feed assembly (39).

Abstract: A stencil for printing a pattern of deposits on a substrate, wherein the stencil comprises an electroformed metal sheet which has a first layer which includes an apertured region through which a printing medium is applied in a printing operation, and a second layer which overlies a substrate to be printed and includes a plurality of apertures, wherein the apertures of the second layer extend across and beyond the apertured region in the first layer, whereby the second layer includes a plurality of through apertures in registration with the apertured region of the first layer, each having a pattern corresponding to that to be printed on the substrate, and a plurality of blind apertures disposed adjacent and outwardly of the apertured region in the first layer.

Abstract: A printing screen for printing deposits of a print medium onto workpieces, the printing screen comprising a sheet in which a pattern of printing apertures are formed to allow for printing of a pattern of deposits onto a workpiece, and a waveguide which can be driven to induce an ultrasonic vibration in the sheet, wherein the waveguide comprises an elongate body at a surface of the sheet which at least partially surrounds the pattern of printing apertures.

Abstract: A screen printing head for and method of printing deposits of a print medium onto a workpiece through apertures in a printing screen, the printing head comprising a vibration unit for vibrating a printing blade to condition print medium forward of the printing blade, wherein the printing blade is vibrated at at least one frequency in the range of from about 20 kHz to about 200 kHz and with a displacement of at least about 0.4 ?m.

Abstract: A screen printer 100 for paste material printing is disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the screen printer 100 comprises a printing chamber 104; and a plurality of support members in the form of lifting tables 114, 116 arranged adjacent to one another along a single conveying path for individually supporting a respective PCB 202, 240 in the printing chamber 104. The screen printer 100 further includes a stencil 120 having a plurality of print patterns 124, 126 with each print pattern 124, 126 arranged adjacent to another print pattern to correspond to the positions of the lifting tables 114, 116 with each print pattern 124, 126 corresponding to a desired paste pattern to be printed onto the PCBs. The screen printer 100 also includes a paste printer arranged to print paste material on the at least one substrate using at least one of the print patterns. A screen printing method is also disclosed.