Abstract: A screen printer is provided with a printing table for setting an object to be printed, a screen, and a squeegee. The squeegee is arranged on the object to be printed, which is set on the printing table through the screen, and depending on the patterns set on the screen, ink patterns are formed on the object to be printed by allowing the squeegee to travel in a state that it is in contact with ink. This screen printer includes a mechanism for applying an external force which is movably arranged with respect to the screen, and is capable of applying an external force in the direction of offsetting the adhesive strength of ink between the screen and the object to be printed.

Abstract: A rotational system to be utilized in conjunction with a vertical screening apparatus, wherein a print head assembly and ink reservoir rotate about a pivot away from the coating chamber in order to allow ready access to the screen chase.

Abstract: A squeegee (K1-K3) for screen printing, comprising: a squeegee body (1) which is formed by a metal sheet and has a squeegeeing face (1a) and a convexly curved pressing edge (3) on the squeegeeing face (1a); wherein when the squeegee (K1-K3) is set for squeegeeing such that the squeegeeing face (1a) is oriented in a travelling direction (X) of the squeegee (K1-K3), a center (O) of curvature of the convexly curved pressing edge (3) extends substantially horizontally.

Abstract: A squeegee for interacting with ink and a printing screen. The squeegee has a mounting head. The mounting head has an attachment portion and a blade mounting portion. A contact blade is received by the blade mounting portion of the mounting head and adapted for interacting with the screen and the ink.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus prints on a substrate with successive strokes, which may be of different lengths. An electrically programmable controller controls the operation of a servo motor for causing relative movement between the squeegee and the print head during a printing stroke. A programming apparatus is provided at the print head for programming the programmable controller to establish the starting point, and the end points of the printing stroke as well as the velocity of movement of the print stroke travel between the starting and ending points. The programming apparatus preferably includes a data entry device and a display for allowing the adjusting of the print stroke to absolute units of speed, e.g., inches per minute, to allow the printing inks to be sheared and spread in an optimal manner.

Abstract: A roller squeegee apparatus for screen printing includes a resilient receptacle receiving a supply of printing material at one open side thereof. The resilient receptacle is connected at another open side thereof to a printing squeegee. One or more driven rollers are provided for squeezing the elastic receptacle for providing consistent and stable printing operations. Such arrangement of the roller squeegee apparatus provides relatively high printing precision even over long periods of continuous use.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus for printing solder, conductive ink, etc. on an insulating substrate. The screen printing apparatus including synchronized extruding, agitating and squeegee mechanisms for consistent, accurate and rapid printing.

Abstract: A cartridge squeegee head for solder paste machines. A squeegee blade is fixed to a coupling block. The coupling block is characterized by a coupling slot formed therein. The coupling block pivots and puts the squeegee blade into a print stroke position. The squeegee blade is then driven across the stencil foil surface.

Abstract: A screen printer prints ink on a plurality of substrates being carried by traveling pallets passing successively through printing stations. A manually operable controller is located at each printing head to operate position-controllable motors, such as stepping motors, to raise or lower a screen printing frame assembly to change an off-contact distance between it and an underlying substrate. A display at each printing head shows the relative distance being raised or lowered with operation of the manually-operable controller. Preferably, the stepper motors are positioned at the four corners of the screen printing frame. A common controller has a display for showing an operative or inoperative status of a screen printing head at each station and circuits to render the printing heads operative or inoperative. The controllers preferably are operably by a touch pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing materials, particularly textile materials, ceramics, paper or the like, has a housing and a drive apparatus, with several printing units, which are respectively associated with a pallet arranged on a pallet carrier and with a rotary drive which receives the pallets and which transfers the pallets into a succeeding processing station, and with a plate which carries the printing units and which can be moved up and down with a lifting apparatus, wherein the rotary drive is constructed as an indexing table with a rotary plate and can be indexed electromechanically.

Abstract: A squeegee (K1-K3) for screen printing, comprising: a squeegee body (1) which is formed by a metal sheet and has a squeegeeing face (1a) and a convexly curved pressing edge (3) on the squeegeeing face (1a); wherein when the squeegee (K1-K3) is set for squeegeeing such that the squeegeeing face (1a) is oriented in a travelling direction (X) of the squeegee (K1-K3), a center (O) of curvature of the convexly curved pressing edge (3) extends substantially horizontally.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming a conductive line between a conductor and a spacer formed on a substrate of a field emission display. In one embodiment, the process performs the steps of disposing a screen between the substrate and a distributing member, the screen having an opening which permits the extrusion a conductive material, and moving the distributing member relative to the screen to extrude the conductive material through the opening and form a conductive line connecting the conductor and the spacer, wherein the snap off distance is varied according as the distributing member moves along the substrate.

Abstract: A screen printing machine comprising a backing plate with holes conforming to components attached to the surface of a flexible circuit board. The machine includes a screen which patterns solder paste on the surface of the circuit board while the circuit board is on the backing plate. Also included is a spring loaded element disposed adjacent to the backing plate which applies a predetermined continuous force to the four corners of the circuit board. This force is applied in a diagonal direction to the corners to stretch the circuit board so that the circuit board is parallel to the backing plate during screening.

Abstract: A multi-blade screen printing arrangement provides a control mechanism for positoning of squeegees for effecting variable width screen printing with interchangeable squeegee blades. Further, a comprehensive printing material processing portion includes various arrangements for carrying out agitation of a printing material within a cylindrical chamber which may be readily mounted within the control mechanism. Further, the movable squeegee control and the suspended housing of the control mechanism allow for continuous adjustment of printing pressure, resetting of printing operations and flow control according to a desired printing thickness.

Abstract: A novel electroformed squeegee blade for the uniform deposition of printing material such as solder paste and the like onto printed wiring boards is disclosed. A method of fabricating the electroformed squeegee blade is also disclosed. The method of fabrication, which produces an electroformed squeegee blade having smooth, planar, and flat surfaces, involves electroforming at least one uniform layer of metal onto a conductive substrate and removing the substrate. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method that employ the electroformed squeegee blade to uniformly deposit printing material on printed wiring boards.

Abstract: This invention provides for methods and apparatus for increasing the speed of material deposition by a blade element traversing across an apertured mask. The invention involves varying the velocity of the blade element as it sweeps across different sections of the apertured mask. Varying the sweep velocity of the blade element allows for increases in the average speed of material deposition while retaining precision in the application of material deposited through the apertured mask.

Abstract: A blade mounting assembly for squeegee or flood bar blades of screen printing machines is provided which includes a clamping mechanism connected to a mounting bar that releasably secures the blade assembly to the bar and over a printing screen mounted in the machine. When released, the clamping mechanism herein stays attached to the mounting bar and allows for quick and easy blade assembly replacement operations. In addition, the clamping mechanism is readily adapted to be used with mounting bars provided in screen printing machines and with blade holders that are currently clamped to the mounting bars with U-clamps. Preferably, the clamping mechanism is a spring plate which can be toggled between clamped and unclamped positions by the printer with one hand. Other forms of clamping mechanisms can include screw and air clamps for releasably securing the blade assemblies to the mounting bar of the screen printing machine.

Abstract: A flexible metal squeegee blade (500) includes a plurality of grooved portions (502) etched on a rectangular metal blade plane (504) to provide for greater flexibility at the grooved portions (502) of the blade.

Abstract: A multiple print head, automated screen printing machine is described with improvements for inspecting and cleaning a print screen. The print screen and its frame are locked securely in position within a print screen holder, which in turn is locked into a precise spacial relationship beneath a permanently installed print head frame. The rear edge of the print screen holder is hinged so that an operator can hand lift the holder upwards, or activate an air cylinder which causes the holder to pivot upwards at its front edge. Provisions are also made for moving the print carriage with associated squeegee(s) and flood bar(s) entirely away from the area occupied by the print screen holder. Print screen inspection and cleaning is accomplished without moving the print head frame, providing additional safety for operators during these maintenance procedures.

Abstract: A system and method for imprinting an object including both irregularly shaped or non-round objects and regularly shaped round and/or rectangular objects and combinations thereof in which a plurality of positioning vectors are computed to control operation of the apparatus to effect imprinting of the object. The positioning vectors are generated by an electronic control unit and are used to control the position of at least one of a print screen of the printing apparatus, a squeegee of the printing apparatus, and an object to be imprinted. Servo-motors, or other suitable mechanical actuators, are connected to the electronic control unit and position the appropriate components of the printing apparatus to effect printing of the object in response to commands received therefrom.

Abstract: Squeegee assembly in particular intended for coating substantially cylindrical objects with a liquid or pasty material, at least comprising an annular squeegee with an outer mounting edge and an inner levelling edge, the latter comprising a ring member and/or ridges substantially extending in the intended direction of movement of the squeegee, the ridges defining grooves, which grooves are designed to form channels with the surface of the object to be coated.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus for printing a printing material to the front surface of a work that has a protrusion portion, comprising a stage for mounting the work, a screen frame formed on the upper surface of the stage, a screen mask secured to the screen frame, the screen mask having an opening portion at a particular printing position and a protrusion portion that covers the protrusion portion of the work, and a squeegee member moving in a particular direction for squeezing the printing material on the screen mask to the opening portion of the screen mask. In addition, the side surfaces of the protrusion portion of the screen mask are inclined to the main front surface for 90 degree or less. The portion that contacts the protrusion portion and the portion that does not contact the protrusion portion are separated by a slit.

Abstract: An improved squeegee for a screen printing system. A squeegee with two substantially rectangular shaped elements adjacent each other and each having a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes are not aligned and instead intersect at an angle unequal to zero. Alternatively, the improved squeegee for a screen printing system may include a center section with outward projections, a first substantially rectangular shaped element adjacent the center section and having a first longitudinal axis and a second substantially rectangular shaped element adjacent to the center section and having a second longitudinal axis, the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis intersecting at an angle unequal to zero.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus is provided with an improved registration system to ensure that a printing screen frame descends to a specific, predetermined, precise position relative to a screen printing platen each time it is lowered. The screen frame and the platen are provided with pairs of laterally separated registration elements. The platen may be provided with a pair of laterally separated, registration pins that project upwardly to corresponding registration openings defined in an angle bar that is attached to the distal end of the screen printing frame. Each time the screen printing frame is lowered down into a horizontal disposition directly above the platen, the registration pins enter the openings and ensure accurate, precise, consistent registration of the screen relative to the platen. In a multicolor screen printing machine a plurality of screens are carried by mounting arms that are hinged about horizontal axes to a turntable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a PC board printing machine with cantilever-supported printing head and stencil holders and bi-directionalty movable printing table, and more particularly to a PC board printing machine which includes a cantilever mechanism, a motor dual-rail transmission mechanism, a exchangeable printing head and stencil cleaning lift-up mechanism, a simple stencil frame holder and dual-oil-cylinder stencil lifting mechanism, and an automatically bi-directionally movable printing table mechanism to produce high printing quality.

Abstract: An apparatus spreads and positions ink into orifices of a screen fabric for printing. The apparatus has a flooding portion having an ink interaction surface spaced and overlying the screen. The ink interaction surface is adapted for interacting with the ink to force the ink into the orifices of the screen fabric. Several of the embodiments of the apparatus have a bottom surface generally parallel to the screen, wherein the bottom surface has sufficient width for forcing the ink into the orifices of the screen fabric. In addition, the ink interaction surface in several of the embodiments has at least one concave curved portion adapted for rotating the ink. In some embodiments, the ink interaction surface has a pair of concave curved portions wherein one of the concave curved portions has a larger radius than the other concave curved portion.

Abstract: A screen printing device for screen printing a thick film ink through a screen so as to form a highly-defined thick film on a surface of a microelectronics circuit. The screen printing device achieves the above by bypassing excess ink that would otherwise accumulate ahead of the squeegee device, thereby limiting the pressure lead length ahead of the device during the screen printing process. As such, the screen is able to form an adequate seal with the surface of the substrate to prevent ink from bleeding out under the screen, i.e., between the screen and substrate. The result is a well-defined thick film on the substrate, and avoids the necessity of stopping the printing operation in order to remove ink from the lower surface of the screen. The screen printing device enables a method by which well-defined films can be readily deposited at high throughput levels, without necessitating additional procedures, equipment and techniques that might otherwise further complicate the printing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading and depositing a viscous liquid or paste-like material on a substrate includes a housing removably insertable into a diamond- or square-shaped squeegee blade holder, the blade holder itself mounted to a squeegee head assembly of a screen or stencil printer. The squeegee head assembly is driven in a linear direction over and above the substrate, dragging the blade over the substrate and forcing deposition of the material onto the substrate. The housing includes a pair of oppositely-disposed locking clamps that attach to both ends of the housing. A shaft having a blade secured thereto is disposed through the channels of the clamps and within a groove of the housing, and the shaft is rotatable within the housing and the locking clamps so that the angle of attack between the blade and substrate can be selectively adjusted and, once the appropriate angle of application is selected, the blade is fixed in position by tightening the clamps against the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on individual articles has at least two rotatably disposed holders, each of which carries an article. Each of the holders which can comprise first and second holder portions is provided with separate drives for transporting the respective holder and for producing rotational movement thereof so that an article carried by one of the holders can be moved and rotated independently of articles carried by other holders. When printing on articles whose region to be printed upon differs from the shape of a circle or a circular arc, it is also possible for the printing mechanism consisting of a screen printing stencil and a squeegee to be raised or lowered in the printing operation, in dependence on the cross-sectional shape of the region to be printed upon, so that there is no need to alter the position in respect of height of the article during a printing operation.

Abstract: Peel control for an off-contact printing press. The peel control includes a clutch and a linkage assembly synchronized in its peeling action in a printing stroke with a conventional carriage assembly mounting the squeegee and flood bar. In the printing stroke, the clutch is engaged to effect pivot of the master frame relative to the horizontal printing bed of the press and synchronized with the carriage assembly movement to effect peeling of the print screen in such a print stroke. Upon completion of the print stroke, the clutch is disengaged to permit return of the master frame to its horizontal position relative to the print bed. Thereafter, the flood bar is moved in its flood stroke across the print screen, which will be in a horizontal position relative to the print bed also, to the initial position for the succeeding print stroke.

Abstract: A device for recovering accumulated ink from a screen in a printing press, the screen having interstices corresponding to printed indicia, the device comprising means for applying the screen with ink while travelling along the length of the screen in a first direction, first means for generating a signal when said ink applying means has reached a desired point of travel after printing, means for stopping travel of said ink applying means in response to said signal from said first signal generating means, second means for generating a signal when recovery of ink is desired, and means for permitting further travel of said ink applying means in response to said signal generated by said second signal generating means, and lowering said ink applying means.

Abstract: A holding device for a chamber doctor blade utilizes spaced holders which support the base body of the chamber doctor blade for sliding movement toward or away from a screen roller. This sliding movement is accomplished by spring forces exerted through a spring loaded pressure element and a pressure cam which oppose each other. The pressure cam can be shifted by an adjusting device through a spring biased tappet.

Abstract: A printer system for printing a given pattern on a base board includes a screen plate to be positioned above the base board. The screen plate has a perforated print pattern defined thereby. A printer proper is employed which includes an ink container chamber and an ink squeezing device. The ink squeezing device runs on the screen plate pressing the same against the base board while squeezing a given amount of viscous ink onto an upper surface of the screen plate. A cleaning device is employed for cleaning residual of ink left on a lower surface of the screen plate and an ink supplier is employed for feeding the ink container chamber of the printer proper with a fresh viscous ink when needed. An ink supplier is employed for feeding the printer device with a fresh viscous conductive ink when needed.

Abstract: A screen printing machine has a bearing supporting a first arm structure for rotation about a vertical axis, the first arm structure comprising first arms equiangularly distributed about the vertical axis and extending radially outwardly of the vertical axis. The first arms each carry, at a free outer end thereof, a printing screen support platen. A second arm structure has second arms equiangularly distributed about the vertical axis and extending radially outwardly of the vertical axis, the second arms each carrying, at a free outer end thereof, a squeegee mechanism and a printing screen support for holding printing screen below the squeegee mechanism.

Abstract: A print head for silk-screen printing apparatus is provided. The silk-screen frame and squeegee of the print head are fixedly connected together to provide that the two move together in rotational manner. Thus, the squeegee can be made to always print across the square-shaped mesh of the woven screen rather than across diamond-shaped mesh whereby to eliminate or at least minimize or localize moire. The silk-screen frame and squeegee can be rotated together to a predetermined angle or degree, in advance of the printing of a particular color in the silk-screen printing of halftones.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing a viscous material onto a surface of a board through the medium of a screen having openings therein. The apparatus includes a viscous material dispenser of the type having a box-like housing in which a chamber for containing the material and a slit-like bottom aperture communicating therewith are provided. A pair of blades depend from the housing on opposite sides of the bottom aperture. A rear wall of the housing includes a fixed upper wall section and a height-adjustable lower wall section height-adjustably connected thereto. The lower wall section is connected to manually operable height-adjustable device mounted on the housing and for adjusting the height of the lower wall section having the squeegee blade so that by adjusting the height-adjustable device, the contacting pressure of the lower end of the squeegee blade to be applied against the upper surface of the screen can be adjusted as desired.

Abstract: A printer system prints a given pattern of viscous conductive ink on a base board with the aid of a screen plate. The system has a printer device which moves horizontally when carrying out printing. The printer device includes two spaced side walls. Two stationary parallel rails extend horizontally to respectively support, through the screen plate, the side walls of the printer device during the horizontal movement of the printer device. The screen plate is tightly placed on the rails. A supporting device is employed for stationarily supporting the base board under the screen plate.

Abstract: A printer system for printing a given pattern on a base board is described which comprises a screen plate to be positioned above the base board. The screen plate has a perforated print pattern defined thereby. A printer proper is employed which includes an ink container chamber and an ink squeezing device. The ink squeezing device runs on the screen plate pressing the same against the base board while squeezing a given amount of viscous ink onto an upper surface of the screen plate. A cleaning device is employed for cleaning residual of ink left on an lower surface of the screen plate and an ink supplier is employed for feeding the ink container chamber of the printer proper with a fresh viscous ink when needed.

Abstract: The method includes loading a printed circuit board (PCB) to a printing machine; aligning a stencil to the PCB when the PCB has been loaded to the printing machine; setting a snap-off distance; dispensing a volume of solder paste onto the stencil, the volume of solder paste being dispensed onto the stencil regardless of whether the PCB has been loaded to the printing machine; placing a squeegee in contact with the stencil at a predetermined pressure; moving the squeegee across the stencil at a predetermined speed; waiting a constant period of time; and repeating.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus transfers an image onto a substrate. A feed mechanism is provided for moving the substrate along a fixed linear path. Vacuum is provided through the feed mechanism for holding the substrate in at least one position along the fixed linear path. A printing head transfers the image onto the substrate while the substrate is held in a first position by the vacuum. A curing station is provided for fixing the image transferred to the substrate while it is passing through the curing station, or while it is being held in a second position by the vacuum applied through the feed mechanism.

Abstract: A method for printing viscous material, such as solder paste, onto a surface of a board, such as a printed circuit board, through a screen having openings therein.

Abstract: An automated printing machine has a plurality of printing pallets having elevated printing surfaces connected to an endless chain drive by an elongated bodies. The printing machine includes a positive indexing system for smoothly indexing items to be printed while supported on the elevated printing surfaces, first through a printing station having at least one printing head movable in a plurality of directions, and then to an integrated dryer station, after the printing station, having at least one pivotable dryer therein for selectively drying the printed items held on the elevated printing surfaces, as they pass through the drying station.

Abstract: Squeegee assembly, in particular intended for coating an substantially cylindrical object, such as metal, seamless screen printing cylinders, with a liquid or pasty material, at least comprising two substantially annular squeegees arranged at a distance from each other, between which squeegees material metering means open out for metering a material to be applied to the object to be coated; which squeegees can form part of a wall which is resilient, at least in places, of an annular squeegee pressure chamber, which is provided with pressure fluid supply means, while an annular material-supply chamber may be present in the squeegee pressure chamber which is provided with openings which open out between the squeegees, and also comprises a material supply which can be connected to a material source.

Abstract: This invention improves a machine that has a squeegee-like blade that wipes across an apertured mask to apply to a printed circuit board solder paste or other conductive mounting material. The apparatus and method of the invention involve reciprocating the blade back and forth transverse to the direction of blade sweep across the mask, during the material-applying sweep of the blade across the mask. The reciprocating movement of the blade, combined with the sweep movement, deposits material onto the printed circuit board with high fidelity and with minimal voids.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flood bar and squeegee for printing apparatus. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the flood bar or squeegee comprises an elongated member having an ink engaging face. A plurality of spaced apart fins are arranged across the face. The fins are generally parallel to one another and each end of the member is bent inwardly so as to inhibit the flow of ink to the sides of the screen.

Abstract: The apparatus for screen printing from one edge to the other of an object of a rigid material, beside the conventional components for screen printing, includes a scraper, acting on the lower face of the printing frame, for removing ink from the portion of design that exceeds the perimetric dimensions of the object to be printed. Through the apparatus it is possible to perform a method for screen printing from one edge to the other of an object made of a rigid material, which method consists of printing the design on the object, exceeding the printing on at least one of the edges of the object; spacing the printing frame from the printed object and scraping, from the lower face of the printing frame facing the object, ink which has not been deposited on the object because of the lesser dimensions of the object with respect of the design.

Abstract: A sensor system (56) for measuring various parameters of a stench printer (10) includes a test fixture (58) having a plurality of sensors (64--64 and 68--68) arranged therein. The test fixture (58) is adapted for substitution with a conventional PWB (16) so as to underlie a stencil (26) of the printer to measure the forces on, and the proximity to, the stencil. The force and proximity information from the sensors (64--64 and 68--68) is coupled by an interface unit (70) to a control processor that processes the sensor information to indicate what stench printer parameters, if any, may need adjustment.

Abstract: A printer system for printing a given pattern on a base board is described which includes a screen plate to be positioned above the base board. The screen plate has a perforated print pattern defined thereby. A printer proper is employed which includes an ink container chamber and an ink squeegeeing device. The ink squeegeeing device runs on the screen plate pressing the same against the baseboard while squeegeeing a given amount of viscous ink onto an upper surface of the screen plate. A cleaning device is employed for cleaning residual of ink left on an lower surface of the screen plate and an ink supplier is employed for feeding the ink container chamber of the printer proper with a fresh viscous ink when needed.

Abstract: A screen printing machine in which a squeegee is driven to form a film of solder on a board through a screen, includes an automatic squeegeeing angle setter which includes a squeegeeing angle adjuster for adjusting a squeegeeing angle of the squeegee and a squeegeeing angle detector for detecting the angle thereof to set the squeegeeing angle of the squeegee by the squeegeeing angle adjuster based on a detection of the squeegeeing angle detector, an automatic pressing amount setter which includes a squeegee pressing amount adjuster for adjusting a squeegee pressing amount caused by the squeegee and a squeegee pressing force detector for detecting a squeegee pressing force to set the pressing amount in consideration of a change in height resulting from a change of the angle of the squeegee by the squeegee pressing amount adjuster based on a detection of the squeegee pressing force detector, and an automatic balancing amount setter which includes a pressing amount balance adjuster for adjusting a balance of the

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screen printing apparatus comprising a support mechanism for supporting the material to undergo printing; a printing plate in which an ink penetrating portion is formed possessing the shape of the print; a printing plate housing for housing the printing plate at a position in contact with the material to undergo printing; a slider which is capable of bi-directional horizontal movement with respect to the printing plate; a slider driving mechanism for driving the slider bi-directionally; a first squeegee and a second squeegee for spreading over the printing plate ink supplied to the printing plate; and a squeegee switch mechanism installed in the slider for supporting the first squeegee and the second squeegee, and for selecting one of these first squeegee and second squeegee, and placing the selected squeegee in contact with the printing plate.