Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving a screen printing process by applying vibrational energy to assist in the print release, cleaning, and drying processes. The vibrational energy or acoustic pressure waves may be created by a transducer where the waves are transferred to the stencil or printable material through air or a vibrational interface medium. The vibrational energy in turn assists with separating the printable material from the side walls of the apertures of the stencil. The vibrational energy can further assist in the process of cleaning the stencil. The acoustic pressure can also be used in the drying process by having the waves impinge on the water droplets to atomize the droplets on the surface of the stencil. The technology can be used for the assembly of Printed Circuit Assemblies, Ball Grid Array IC Packages, Flip Chip, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving a screen printing process by applying vibrational energy to assist in the print release, cleaning, and drying processes. The vibrational energy or acoustic pressure waves may be created by a transducer where the waves are transferred to the stencil or printable material through air or a vibrational interface medium. The vibrational energy in turn assists with separating the printable material from the side walls of the apertures of the stencil. The vibrational energy can further assist in the process of cleaning the stencil. The acoustic pressure can also be used in the drying process by having the waves impinge on the water droplets to atomize the droplets on the surface of the stencil. The technology can be used for the assembly of Printed Circuit Assemblies, Ball Grid Array IC Packages, Flip Chip, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving drying of a module, tooling, and solder stencils via the introduction of acoustic pressure waves and/or vibrational energy to the module, tooling, or solder stencils. The acoustic pressure waves may be created by a transducer where the waves are transferred to the module through air or a vibrational interface medium. The acoustic pressure waves impinge on the water droplets to atomize the droplets on the surface of the module and in the cracks, crevices and hard to reach areas of connectors and other components, without undesirable heat. The acoustic energy may further be used to assist in cleaning solder stencils within an automated screen printer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving the release of molten solder from a module via the introduction of acoustic pressure waves to the module and/or molten solder wave. The acoustic pressure waves may be created by a transducer where the waves are transferred to the module and/or solder wave through the air or reduced oxygen atmosphere. The acoustic pressure waves impinge on the molten solder and the module to reduce solder skips, bridges and icicles. The acoustic pressure waves are directed at the module/molten solder boundary to apply pressure to the boundary causing a shearing action. The shearing action causes the excess molten solder to fall, with the aid of gravity, into the molten solder bath.

Abstract: Solder Paste, adhesives and other materials are screen printed onto Printed Circuit Boards (PCB's) during the assembly process for electronic circuit assemblies. Pressure forces may be applied to the material to aid in separating the material from the apertures within the stencil. The pressure forces are created from sound pressure waves generated from a vibrational energy source located some distance from the stencil. Examples of non-contacting vibrational energy sources include Ultrasonic transducers, horns, speakers, and tuning forks. Additional assistance to separate the material from the apertures may be applied by a vibrational source by contacting to the stencil. Examples of the contacting vibrational energy sources may be off-balanced motors, piezo-electric transducers, and mass-resonant vibrators.