Abstract: A screen printing machine prints solder on circuit boards at predetermined printing positions. The screen printing machine includes a plurality of lanes arranged in a Y direction and each having a printing position, and a housing surrounding the printing positions and having replacement access ports which open in an X direction. The X direction is a direction in which the circuit boards are transferred, the Y direction is a generally horizontal direction which is generally perpendicular to the X direction, and a Z direction is a generally vertical direction which is generally perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction. A replacement part disposed in the plurality of lanes is replaceable from the replacement access ports during a tooling change.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silk-screen printing machine (2) comprising a frame (4), a plate (6) for transporting the objects (18, 20), which plate (6) is mobile relative to the frame, a first (10) and a second (12) printing station, means (7) for displacing the plate (6) in order to bring the objects (18, 20) into alignment with the printing stations, and an object support (22) capable of carrying a first (18) and a second (20) object. The first printing station (10) is capable of printing solely the first object (18). The second printing station (12) is capable of printing solely the second object (20). The displacement means (7) are suitable for displacing the object support (22) between the first (10) and the second (12) printing station after the first object (18) has been printed at the first printing station (10) and the second object (20) has been printed at the second printing station (12).

Abstract: There is provided a screen printer capable of concurrently, efficiently subjecting a plurality of substrates, including different types of substrates, to printing operation. In a screen printer 2 that makes up an electronic component mounting line 1 and that prints electronic component bonding paste on a substrate, a substrate conveyance section 8 that conveys a substrate 5 forwardly or backwardly in a direction of conveyance of a substrate is disposed at an intermediate position between a first screen printing section 7A and a second screen printing section 7B arranged symmetrically with respect to a center line CL. It thereby becomes possible to adopt a variety of substrate conveyance forms, as required, such as return conveyance for returning the substrate 5 from a downstream machine to an upstream side of the screen printer 2 and bypass conveyance for letting the substrate sent from an upstream side pass through the screen printer, to thus be conveyed to a downstream machine.

Abstract: In a screen printing apparatus, a first printing table and a second printing table are alternately driven to move horizontally between a workpiece introducing section and a workpiece printing section by a table driving unit. The table driving unit is constituted so that the first printing table is vertically moved from a first level to a second level during the horizontal movement of the first printing table, and so that the second printing table is maintained at the first level during the horizontal movement of the second printing table, whereby the first printing table can pass by the second printing table without interference therebetween when these tables meet each other. In either of the workpiece introducing section and the workpiece printing section, each of the first and second printing tables is always located at the same first level, and thus an unprocessed workpiece (W) loaded onto each of the first and second tables can be subjected to a screen printing process in the same control manner.

Abstract: A printer has a mask sheet 25, a movable print stage 3, a camera head 40 provided with a mask recognition camera 41 and a board recognition camera 42, and a controller that controls the foregoing members. The controller drives the camera head 40 under its control so that mark recognition on a board W is executed using the board recognition camera 42 and mark recognition on the mask sheet 25 is executed periodically a plurality of times using the mask recognition camera 41 while the same mask sheet is used. Also, in order to superimpose the board W on the mask sheet 25, the controller finds a correction amount corresponding to a displacement between the mask sheet 25 and the board W according to latest mask position information acquired through mark recognition on the mask sheet 25 and board position information of the board and drives the print stage 3 according to the correction amount under its control.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for depositing viscous material on an electronic substrate. The apparatus comprises a frame, an assembly material applicator coupled to the frame and configured to apply assembly material to the electronic substrate, a substrate support assembly, coupled to the frame, configured to support and secure the electronic substrate in a print position, and a transport system, coupled to the frame, to shuttle electronic substrates to and from the substrate support assembly, the transport system including a first track and a second track, the first track being mounted on a first displacement mechanism and the second track being mounted on a second displacement mechanism configured to laterally move the second track relative to the first track, the second displacement mechanism configured to raise the first track relative to the second track.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modular printing system for printing viscous material on electronic substrates. The modular printing system comprises a first stencil printer including a substrate support assembly including a support configured to support and secure the electronic substrate in a print position, and a first system configured to shuttle electronic substrates to and from the first support of the first substrate support assembly, the first system including an upper track and a lower track disposed below the upper track, and at least one second stencil printer including a second substrate support assembly including a support configured to support and secure the electronic substrate in a print position, and a system configured to shuttle electronic substrates to and from the support of the second substrate support assembly, the system including a at least one upper track and a lower track disposed below the upper track.

Abstract: A moving-out and adjustment device for screens is revealed. The moving-out and adjustment device is applied to screen printing machines and having a frame, two sliding member and an adjustment mechanism. The frame consists of an upper frame and a lower frame. The two sliding members are disposed on two sides of the upper frame symmetrically and a screen is mounted between the two sliding members. Thus the screen is moved from a printing position of a screen printing machine horizontally by the sliding members. The bending and deformation of the screen can be avoided. The adjustment mechanism is arranged at the frame and having a first moving unit and a second moving unit. By operating the first moving unit and the second moving unit, the upper frame is moved in both the X direction and the Y direction in the X-Y plane in relation to the lower frame.

Abstract: An improved screen printing machine is provided. The main body portion and the support table portion of the printer main body are constructed independently of each other, and the main body portion is supported by the support table portion so as to be movable forward. A feed screw is axially immovably and rotatably held by the main body portion so as to be parallel to the front and rear direction, and the feed screw is engaged with the nut provided on the support table portion. An operator rotates the handle attached to the feed screw to move the main body portion forward with respect to the support table portion so that the main body portion is drawn from the support table portion.

Abstract: A screen printer capable of concurrently, efficiently subjecting a plurality of different types of substrates, to a printing operation. The screen printer makes up an electronic component mounting line and prints electronic component bonding paste on a substrate. A substrate conveyance section that conveys a substrate forwardly or backwardly in a direction of conveyance of a substrate is disposed at an intermediate position between a first screen printing section and a second screen printing section arranged symmetrically with respect to a center line CL. It thereby becomes possible to adopt a variety of substrate conveyance forms, as required, such as return conveyance for returning the substrate from a downstream machine to an upstream side of the screen printer and bypass conveyance for letting the substrate sent from an upstream side pass through the screen printer, to thus be conveyed to a downstream machine.

Abstract: A digital printer is provided with an automated printing sheet transport system, operating in an intermittent manner of feeding a printing sheet to the digital printer, halting the transport to allow printing onto the printing sheet while the printing sheet is maintained in a fixed position, and removing the printed sheet from the digital printer after printing. The digital printer may be combined with a screen print station, both operating on top of a single printing sheet transport system, to form an integrated multifunctional and hybrid printing press.

Abstract: A hat pallet for use in a printer which prints an image onto a hat of the type having a cap and a bill attached thereto includes a bottom plate and a top plate mountable in a closed position over the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a printing plate and a bill support fixedly mounted thereon. The top plate has an opening exposing at least a portion of the printing plate when the top plate is in the closed position. The bill support is positioned relative to the printing plate such that when the hat is mounted in the pallet with the top plate in the closed position, a portion of the cap on which the image is to be printed is supported on the printing plate and exposed through the opening of the top plate and the underside of the bill of the hat is supported by the bill support.

Abstract: A screen printing device is disclosed. The screen printing device includes a screen printer workstation having a work path. The work path has an input end, an output end, and a conveyor for transporting a workpiece between the input end and the output end. A stencil assembly is adapted to engage the workpiece as the workpiece is transported between the input end and the output end. The stencil assembly includes a stencil having an endless loop. A method of applying a substance to a workpiece using an endless loop stencil is also disclosed.

Abstract: Roll-to-roll printing apparatuses are disclosed. The roll-to-roll printing apparatus includes a printing device with a squeegee moving along a first direction transferring a pattern of a stencil to a roll of working pieces. A sending roller and a receiving roller are disposed on both sides of the printing device. The roll of working pieces is rolled along a second direction to a printing stage of the printing device. An alignment device is disposed corresponding to a position of the stencil and the roll of working pieces. A drying device is disposed on one side of the printing device and may be on the same side with the receiving roller, wherein the drying device cures the patterns on the roll of working pieces.

Abstract: A screen printer capable of concurrently, efficiently subjecting a plurality of different types of substrates, to a printing operation. The screen printer makes up an electronic component mounting line and prints electronic component bonding paste on a substrate. A substrate conveyance section that conveys a substrate forwardly or backwardly in a direction of conveyance of a substrate is disposed at an intermediate position between a first screen printing section and a second screen printing section arranged symmetrically with respect to a center line CL. It thereby becomes possible to adopt a variety of substrate conveyance forms, as required, such as return conveyance for returning the substrate from a downstream machine to an upstream side of the screen printer and bypass conveyance for letting the substrate sent from an upstream side pass through the screen printer, to thus be conveyed to a downstream machine.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus in which two printing units are provided in a production line which transports boards from a single board exit position set on a downstream side in a conveyance direction. One printing unit being disposed is available for set-up tasks while the other printing unit is working. Since set-up tasks can be conducted in one printing unit while the other printing unit is working, then it is possible to improve through-put dramatically even in cases where small-volume diverse-component production is carried out in a single lane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stencil printing frame comprising a border member (5) and a foil sheet (65) attached thereto, wherein the border member (5) is formed as a single piece having sides and corners that define the frame, the single piece having two ends interlocked to form a joint on one corner or side, and wherein at least one corner comprises abutting faces arranged to prevent relative movement of the faces. The invention further provides a method for forming the frame and for uses of the frame once formed.

Abstract: Platens for digital garment printing are provided. The platens include cutouts or depressions configured to conform to areas of increased height on garments. The garments may then be placed onto the platens such that the garments have a substantially uniform horizontal printing surface, thus providing high quality printing on the garments.

Abstract: A method for the production and control of plates for electronics comprising a first step in which a plate is positioned, by means of positioning means, in a loading station; a second step in which the plate is disposed in a deposition station associated with a unit for depositing metal, or other material, in which the metal is deposited on the plate, in order to generate on the plates metal tracks, according to a pre-determined and desired topological disposition; a third step in which the plate is disposed in an exit station and a detection means is activated so as to detect the presence of defects in the plate; and a fourth step in which the plate is discharged from the exit station. In the first step the detection means is activated to identify defects in the plate disposed in the loading station. In the second step the deposition unit is activated in order to deposit the metal on the plate when in the first step the detection means has not detected any defect in the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for screen printing a surface of a substrate includes a screen printing net, a print extremity element, and a supporting structure supporting the print extremity element. The supporting structure includes a slider coupled to the print extremity element and adapted to guide the movement of the print extremity element in a first direction, a support frame having a housing that is associated with a portion of the slider so as to allow movement of the slider relative to the support frame, and an actuation member coupled to the slider. The print extremity element urges a print material through the screen printing net onto the surface of the substrate. The actuation member positions the print extremity element relative to the screen printing net in the first direction, and includes magnets disposed within the housing of the support frame, and an electric coil disposed proximate to the magnets.

Abstract: A stencil printer for printing viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a stencil, and a print head to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. A substrate support supports a substrate in a print position. A substrate support movement assembly includes a first movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a first direction, a second movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a second direction, the second direction being generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a third movement mechanism, spaced from a first movement mechanism, configured to move the substrate in the first direction. The stencil printer further includes a controller coupled to the substrate support movement assembly to move the substrate support by the first, second and third movement mechanisms in an x-direction, a y-direction and a rotational direction to align the substrate.

Abstract: A combination stencil printer and dispenser includes a frame, a movable stencil coupled to the frame, a substrate support coupled to the frame to support a substrate in a print position, and a print head coupled to the frame to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. The combination stencil printer and dispenser further includes a dispenser mounted on the movable stencil to dispense viscous material on the substrate when the substrate is in the print position. In other embodiments, the dispenser can be mounted on a stencil wiper or on an independent gantry provided within the combination stencil printer and dispenser.

Abstract: When a printed circuit board is inspected and determined to have an insufficient amount of printing of a print pattern, the printed board is returned to a screen-printing apparatus so that a new print pattern is formed so as to overlap a previous print pattern. In the re-printing, a raising speed of the printed board at a final stage of the board raising operation is rendered lower than in the previous screen printing so that the printed board is brought into contact with the underside of the screen mask more slowly.

Abstract: In supply of feedback data to improve a positional deviation quantity and a deviation state of a soldering paste printed on individual substrates held on the carrier, a plurality of average values of individual positional deviation for each of the individual substrates are obtained, and then, if the deviation value ?M indicating a difference between the maximum value Mmax and the minimum value Mmin of the plurality of average values M of individual positional deviation is less than or equal to the tolerance value ?(t), an intermediate value of the maximum value Mmax and the minimum value Mmin is obtained, and the positioning parameters of the mask plate and the carrier are corrected based on the intermediate value (Mmax+Mmin)/2.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus including two screen printers, each including a substrate introduction portion by which a substrate is introduced from an upstream side of a component mounting line, a printing portion which performs a screen printing to the introduced substrate, a substrate discharge portion by which the substrate is discharged to a downstream side, and a substrate moving stage which receives the substrate to position the substrate with respect to the printing portion and to move the substrate to the substrate discharge portion. The two substrate introduction portions, the two printing portions, and the two substrate discharge portions are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a perpendicular symmetrical plane extending in a transportation direction of the substrate in the component mounting line, respectively. Each printing portion is provided at a position further from the perpendicular symmetrical plane than the substrate discharge portion.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus including two screen printers, each including a substrate introduction portion by which a substrate is introduced from an upstream side of a component mounting line, a printing portion which performs a screen printing to the introduced substrate, a substrate discharge portion by which the substrate is discharged to a downstream side, and a substrate moving stage which receives the substrate to position the substrate with respect to the printing portion and to move the substrate to the substrate discharge portion. The two substrate introduction portions, the two printing portions, and the two substrate discharge portions are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a perpendicular symmetrical plane extending in a transportation direction of the substrate in the component mounting line, respectively. Each printing portion is provided at a position further from the perpendicular symmetrical plane than the substrate discharge portion.

Abstract: To provide a screen printer and a screen printing method that can assure a required degree of accuracy of print position when a type of work requiring a high degree of positional accuracy is taken as a target. In relation to screen printing of a plurality of single-piece substrates 11 held on a carrier 10, a cavity portion 15 having print patterns assigned to the respective single-piece substrates 11 are provided on a mask plate 14, and a camera head unit 23 captures an image of the mask plate 14 and the single-piece substrates 11, to thus recognize the position of the mask plate and the positions of the respective single-piece substrates. The single-piece substrates 11 held by the carrier 10 are individually positioned to the cavity portion 15 and sequentially printed according to a result of recognition.

Abstract: An electric circuit is applied to an object having a curved surface. The curved surface of the object is divided into sections, and the circuit is applied one section at a time. The circuit is formed between layers of dielectric material. The dielectric is applied by a computer-controlled device, which controls the position of a spray head and the rotation of the object, such that the spray head is held substantially perpendicular to the surface of the object at all times, and such that a controlled thickness of dielectric material can be deposited. The fine-featured circuits formed by the invention are rugged, and can be used on objects intended to be exposed to harsh environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screen printing apparatus and screen printing method which, in screen printing that is to be performed on the upper surface of a circuit board, and the bottom surfaces of recess openings in the upper surface, can efficiently perform a printing work while ensuring an excellent printing quality. In a screen printing apparatus which prints a paste for bonding an electronic component on an upper surface and a bottom-surface of a recess, a printing apparatus 2(1) and a printing apparatus 2(2) which sequentially print the paste in two steps on the circuit board are placed in series. The printing apparatus 2(1) on the upstream side includes a bottom-surface printing mask which is provided in correspondence with the bottom surface of the recess, and a closed squeegee mechanism 36A which butts against and slides over an upper surface of the bottom-surface printing mask to pressurize and supply the paste.

Abstract: An imaging system for and a method of imaging at least one workpiece alignment feature on an upper surface of a supported workpiece, the system comprising: a workpiece support which includes a support surface for supporting a workpiece; and at least one imaging unit which is disposed below the support surface of the workpiece support for imaging at least one workpiece alignment feature on the upper surface of the workpiece, wherein the at least one imaging unit comprises an infra-red illuminator which is operative to illuminate a region of a lower surface of the workpiece and a detector which is operative to capture an image of the region of the workpiece which includes at least one workpiece alignment feature on the upper surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A sliding T-shirts printing pallet comprises a main body, two sliding arm plates, and two stretching bump portions. Each of two sliding arm plates is connected to a shoulder blade side of the main body and to slide along the shoulder blade side. The two stretching bump portions are for flattening an armpit portion of the T-shirts. The front surfaces of the two sliding arm plates are aligned with the front surfaces of the parallelogram top portion and the rectangular bottom portion of the main body so as to form a single plane. Each of the two sliding arm plates defines first and second latch position when the sliding arm plate is slid upward or downward respectively. The sleeve side is roughly aligned with the flank sides of the rectangular bottom portion of the main body when the sliding arm plates are at the first latch position.

Abstract: Method for producing a base material (25) for screen printing, which comprises a protective film (10), a screen (5) and an intermediate resist layer (13) comprising photosensitive material, the method comprising the steps of applying a first resist layer (15) to one side of the protective film (10), drying the first resist layer (15), applying an additional resist layer (17) to the first resist layer (15), and then applying a screen (5) to the additional resist layer (17) under pressure, with that side of the additional resist layer (17) to which the screen (5) is applied being wet. The invention also describes a base material (25) for screen printing, which comprises a protective film (10), an electroformed screen (5) and an intermediate resist layer (13) comprising photosensitive material.

Abstract: A digital printer includes a digital printing unit for digital printing an image onto a printing substrate during relative movement between a print head and the printing substrate, and a printing table for holding the printing substrate during the digital printing. The printing table is firmly fixed to the digital printing unit during the digital printing of the image onto the printing substrate and is released from the digital printing unit prior to and after the digital printing of the image onto the printing substrate. The printing table may be moved between a printing position, in which it is firmly fixed to the digital printing unit, and a printing substrate feeding position, in which it supports feeding and removing of the printing substrate from the printing table.

Abstract: In a screen printer, printing frame for the screen printer and a preparation method therefor, the screen printer comprises a screen mesh, which is provided on a predetermined frame body so as to be stretched at a predetermined tensile strength, and a plate-making screen master, which is arranged on one of faces of the screen mesh, wherein the tensile strength at time of stretching the screen mesh is higher than that at time of arranging the screen master in the screen mesh.

Abstract: A printing screen unit including a printing screen having two pairs of opposite edges and a frame including interface members bonded to opposite edges of the printing screen and coupled together at corners of the frame, wherein the frame holds the printing screen in an untensioned state when no tension is applied thereto by external tensioning mechanisms separate to the frame, and the frame is substantially rigid when in the untensioned state, but allows for relative movement of the respective pairs of interface members by a tension applied by external tensioning mechanisms separate to the frame to tension the printing screen.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an electronic component mounting system and an electronic component mounting method which can execute component mounting work on a plurality of boards simultaneously, concurrently and efficiently so that high productivity and responsiveness to production of many items can be achieved consistently.

Abstract: A printing machine for cylindrical objects, comprising a carousel for moving for locating the cylindrical objects in a successive number of work stations, among which at least a printing station and a drying station; at least a device for inking for printing on the lateral surface of a cylindrical object located in the printing station; and at least a drying device for generating a beam of rays which strike a cylindrical object located in the drying station; the drying device including an obturator for intercepting the beam of rays when the means for moving transfer the objects from one station to another.

Abstract: A stencil printer includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, a substrate support coupled to the frame to support a substrate in a print position, and a print head, coupled to the frame, to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. The print head may include a squeegee blade configured to engage the stencil, a squeegee blade mount configured to house the squeegee blade, a squeegee blade movement mechanism configured to move the squeegee blade mount in a z-axis direction from a raised position in which the squeegee blade is spaced from stencil and a lowered position in which the squeegee blade engages and applies a force on the stencil, and a connector configured to pivotally connect the squeegee blade mount to the squeegee blade movement mechanism. The connector may include a load cell configured to measure force of the squeegee blade against the stencil. Other embodiments and related methods are further disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a component surface (side section 1a), in particular a vehicle surface, with a three-dimensional surface texture. This invention further relates to a method for the creation of a component surface (side section 1a), in particular a vehicle surface, with a three-dimensional surface texture. To keep the effort and expense required for the achievement of a three-dimensional surface texture low, the invention teaches that a film is glued to the component surface (side section 1a), which film has been provided prior to the gluing with a plurality of coats of paint, each using the screen printing process, which in their totality form a three-dimensional surface texture.

Abstract: A hat pallet for use in a printer which prints an image onto a hat of the type having a cap and a bill attached thereto includes a bottom plate and a top plate mountable in a closed position over the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a printing plate and a bill support fixedly mounted thereon. The top plate has an opening exposing at least a portion of the printing plate when the top plate is in the closed position. The bill support is positioned relative to the printing plate such that when the hat is mounted in the pallet with the top plate in the closed position, a portion of the cap on which the image is to be printed is supported on the printing plate and exposed through the opening of the top plate and the underside of the bill of the hat is supported by the bill support.

Abstract: When a printed circuit board is inspected and determined to have an insufficient amount of printing of a print pattern, the printed board is returned to a screen-printing apparatus so that a new print pattern is formed so as to overlap a previous print pattern. In the re-printing, a raising speed of the printed board at a final stage of the board raising operation is rendered lower than in the previous screen printing so that the printed board is brought into contact with the underside of the screen mask more slowly.

Abstract: A stencil printer for printing viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a stencil, and a print head to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. A substrate support supports a substrate in a print position. A substrate support movement assembly includes a first movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a first direction, a second movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a second direction, the second direction being generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a third movement mechanism, spaced from a first movement mechanism, configured to move the substrate in the first direction. The stencil printer further includes a controller coupled to the substrate support movement assembly to move the substrate support by the first, second and third movement mechanisms in an x-direction, a y-direction and a rotational direction to align the substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a stencil, which has on its upper side a relief with a multiplicity of openings, the contours of which correspond to a desired pattern, and to a stencil of this type. In order to permit greater relief heights, and consequently increased freedom of design of patterns to be applied, the stencil is provided with a body having at least one non-perforated non-metal relief layer. The material of the relief layer is removed according to the pattern by laser or plasma radiation to form the multiplicity of openings of the relief. Through-openings which extend to a rear side opposite from the upper side are provided at least in the bottom region of the openings of the relief. A stencil with a stencil body (10) may be obtained, which has at least one non-metal relief layer, formed in the upper side of which is a relief with a multiplicity of openings, the contours of which correspond to a desired pattern.

Abstract: A printing stage includes a stage surface having a plurality of suction holes, and fixes an object to be printed on the stage surface by vacuum contact. A printing mask is employed for forming a predetermined electrode pattern on the object to be printed fixed to the printing stage. A squeegee applies a predetermined amount of pressure to a metal paste spread on the printing mask, to print the electrode pattern on the object to be printed. A porous body is provided between the object to be printed and the printing stage.

Abstract: A plurality of through holes having an equal size are formed in an underlay substrate. Positions of the plurality of through holes are suitably set according to the shape of a substrate sheet. Specifically, an equal number of through holes are formed in each of end blank corresponding regions that, when the substrate sheet and the underlay substrate are overlapped with each other, overlap with end blank regions of the substrate sheet, of the underlay substrate. In addition, the through holes are formed at equal spacing in portions excluding the end blank corresponding regions in a blank corresponding region, which overlaps with a blank region of the substrate sheet, of the underlay substrate.

Abstract: The clearance ‘d’ between a substrate 3 and a mask 2 can be reduced at the time of the position recognition by horizontally offsetting two recognition devices 53,54 for recognizing the substrate 3 and the mask 2. Therefore, since the ascending stroke of the substrate 3 can be shortened at the time of the position alignment to contact the rear face of the substrate 3 with the rear face of the mask 2, the position misalignment of the substrate in the horizontal direction caused by the raising is suppressed. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the reduction of the position alignment accuracy with the mask 2.

Abstract: Movable claws 13 are formed in clampers 10 holding a substrate 3 so that the movable claws can be selectively moved to a position where they have projected above the substrate 3, and to a position where they have retreated from above the substrate 3. Thereby, the safety of operation is ensured by causing the movable claws 13 to retreat during maintenance. Moreover, printing with high precision can be performed in a state where the surface of the substrate 3 and the rear face of the mask 2 are brought into surface contact with each other without any clearance by causing the movable claws 13 to retreat.

Abstract: An automatic registration device applied to screen printing machines includes a base disposed under the printing table and is arranged with at least three sets of CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a printing table and an automatic registration member. The two sets of CCD are arranged on one side of the base while the other one set of CCD is disposed on the other side. The printing table is for loading and positioning the articles to be printed and is disposed with through holes corresponding to the image capture devices respectively as well as light sources for emitting light upward and the light passing through the insertion hole. The automatic registration member with a screen is arranged over the printing table. The CCD takes images of the article to be printed and the screen at the same time by the through hole. Through the computer, the automatic registration member and the screen move synchronously for accurate positioning to the article to be printed.

Abstract: A stencil printer for printing viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a stencil, and a print head to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. A substrate support supports a substrate in a print position. A substrate support movement assembly includes a first movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a first direction, a second movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a second direction, the second direction being generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a third movement mechanism, spaced from a first movement mechanism, configured to move the substrate in the first direction. The stencil printer further includes a controller coupled to the substrate support movement assembly to move the substrate support by the first, second and third movement mechanisms in an x-direction, a y-direction and a rotational direction to align the substrate.

Abstract: A combination for creating artwork such as a sports logo on a lawn includes a lawn stencil having one or more openings configured to facilitate creation of a portion of the artwork. The combination further includes a container of spray paint and elongate members each having an elongate shaft with proximal and distal portions. The distal portion of each elongate shaft is pointed and includes a shape for accommodating insertion of the distal portion into the lawn. A container holds the lawn stencil, the container of paint, and the plurality of elongate members. The lawn stencil further comprises a connecting member that extends across a said opening of the lawn stencil for maintaining structural integrity of the lawn stencil and for distributing tension in the lawn stencil when the lawn stencil is laid upon the ground with the plurality of elongate members extending through the lawn stencil into the lawn.