STENCIL STORAGE SYSTEM SAVES 90% SPACE ON THE LINE

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STENCIL STORAGE SYSTEM SAVES 90% SPACE ON THE LINE
12 December 2002 - Tecan

To satisfy the increasing industry demand for re-mountable stencils, Weymouth based Tecan has developed a range of modular line-side storage systems offering space savings of 90% compared to traditional meshed or fixed-frame stencils to provide a clean and controlled holding environment.

The Tecan system enables stencils to be kept in the production environment ready for immediate use and without the risk of damage. The mobile cabinet's work surface provides a dedicated stencil changing area, on the production line adjacent to the printing machine. A comprehensive range of storage units caters for all stencil sizes and formats.

In practice, the system requires stencils to be cleaned and dried after use, before placement into protective storage wallets, with pockets manufactured from clear, inert polypropylene, which are strong enough to withstand normal handling conditions. The double-sided wallet is then hung on a suspension track within the storage unit and an identification tag ensures instant and easy retrieval of the correct stencil when it is next required. Each Storage System kit is supplied with 50 carrier tracks and 10 double-sided wallets. Additional wallets can be added as the stencil library grows.

Complementing the storage module, are the company's Tecfoil re-mountable frame and stencil systems, which are designed as a replacement for traditional framed stencils. As no adhesives or mesh are employed in the products, increased printing areas are possible and the stencils are not affected by either the cleaning method or users' preferred cleaning solution. Benefits include improved print quality, consistent results, more cost-effective stencils and a significant reduction in stencil storage area.

The unique Tecfoil patented system, available as Single Directional Tensioning, or 4 Directional Tensioning, stabilises the stencils when under tension. This eliminates image movement during the print stroke which is not desirable for fine or ultra-fine pitch printing. Optimum tensioning of the stencils is achieved every time without risk of over stretching.

Tecfoil stencils are fitted to the frames quickly and effectively without the need for complicated jigs or air connections thereby eliminating possible damage. Stencils are placed over the location pins on each side of the frame, clamp bars are slid into place to retain the stencil before the required tension is applied by simply closing the cam levers.

The stencils are manufactured using Photo Chemical Machining (PCM) Photo Electroforming and Laser cutting. They are cost-effectively customised for optimum performance in individual applications and are available to fit all current printing machines.

http://www.tecan.co.uk

About: Tecan
Tecan is a world-class, ISO 9001:2000 registered precision metal part and tool manufacturer, based in Weymouth, UK. Formed in 1970, Tecan offers the 'total' one-stop contract-manufacturing solution - from technology development through to rapid prototyping and volume production.

Tecan's team of experienced engineers work closely with the customer to develop manufacturing solutions to meet their exact cost and tolerance requirements. Years of process development have culminated in Tecan being able to cost-effectively manufacture metal parts with feature sizes down to 2-micron at sub-micron accuracy - and to put that into perspective, there are 1,000-microns to one millimetre.

Technological innovation and expertise form the basis of Tecan's success, and have provided the platform for the development of competences in several process technologies, including:

• Photo Chemical Machining (PCM)
• Photo ElectroForming (PEF)
• Precision photolithography
• Precision electroplating

Tecan works on a global basis with a diverse range of OEM customers, who are involved in a wide array of industries. The nature of Tecan's competences, combined with its commitment to R&D, allows it to stretch to meet the requirements of virtually any application.

More News:
  • For December 2002
  • From Tecan
  • For Photochemical Machining (PCM)