The main event was the presentation of the results of DEK's extensive lead-free trials by Clive Ashmore, Global Applied PROCESS Manager. The key conclusion was that having a stencil which is well-designed and specified for its application has the greatest IMPACT on PROCESS performance, whether the application is lead-free or leaded. MATERIALs composition was shown to be a secondary element. Electroformed nickel was the top performing stencil MATERIAL in tests, closely followed by laser-cut nickel, and DEK's ProFlow? SYSTEM performed better than squeegees in consistency of volume deposition.
This was followed by a look at lead-free requirements from a pastes point of view, presented by Richard Boyle of Henkel Multicore, which focused on areas where the differences between leaded and unleaded may IMPACT the industry most.
The afternoon was dedicated to workshops and discussions on the theme 'Print failures: cause and effect'. These gave participants the opportunity to share experiences and ideas, and gain hands-on practice of leading-edge technologies including lead-free PROCESSes and Proflow; adhesive printing and PumpPrint; additive/step-etched stencil technology and ball placement.
"The event was a great success," said DEK's George Ritchie, who organised the day. "We undoubtedly achieved our objectives of communicating our position regarding printing solutions for leading-edge technologies - both SMT and semiconductor, demonstrating the diversity of application solutions we offer, and giving our customers the chance to learn the very latest screen printing methods.
"We also always enjoy the opportunity to get to know our customers better. This fits in with our 'Combined Strengths' policy, which is all about dovetailing our knowledge and technologies with the insights of our customers and other industry partners."
Feedback from the 32 customers who attended DEK's Stencils Technology Day has been extremely positive. Many commented on the high STANDARD of presentations and workshops, and the excellent technical content.
