A method to improve printing quality and work efficiency in SMT production lines

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for improving the printing quality and work efficiency of an SMT production line. The method includes installing a set of air knives in the printer body, using compressed air to generate a high-pressure airflow through the air knives to clean the stencil at high speed. The air knives are moved to cover the normal working area of ​​the stencil. The printer body's operating interface is configured with settings for the frequency and method of wiping the stencil with lint-free paper and cleaning it with air knives. During production, the solder paste printer automatically performs stencil cleaning according to the settings, ensuring the normal operation of the production line. Compared to existing technologies, adding an air knife ensures unobstructed stencil mesh openings and guarantees solder paste printing quality. This invention supplements the quality-affecting aspects of the SMT process at the hardware level, ensuring the solder paste printing quality of SMT production, while reducing manual cleaning of stencil abnormalities during production, reducing downtime, and improving production efficiency. It has significant potential for widespread application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of solder paste printing technology, specifically to a method for improving the printing quality and work efficiency of SMT production lines. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, electronic products exhibit a high failure rate during both initial packaging inspection and subsequent use, the root cause of which lies in the SMT (Surface Mount Technology) automated soldering production process. In production, the quality of solder paste printing determines the overall production quality of the entire line. The stencil is a crucial component of SMT automated soldering. Regardless of the manufacturing process used, stencils inevitably contain burrs in their openings. Each time solder paste is printed, some inevitably adheres to the sidewalls of the stencil openings, failing to be fully transferred to the printed circuit board. This results in stencil opening blockage and solder paste deposition.

[0003] The electronics industry is developing rapidly, with materials becoming smaller and chip pins becoming increasingly dense. This is especially pronounced in the surface mount production of metric 1005 packages and components with a metric pitch of 0.65 or less, due to the relatively small openings in the stencil mesh.

[0004] During the production process, as the flux solvent in the solder paste evaporates, the residual solder powder may clump together, further affecting the quality of solder paste printing, or even resulting in no solder paste being printed onto the circuit board at all. Printed circuit board pads lacking solder or solder paste will inevitably lead to defects such as insufficient solder and open solder joints after surface mount assembly and reflow soldering, severely impacting soldering quality. If this flux-depleted solder paste falls onto the circuit board, the inactive solder may cause undetectable problems such as subsequent unsoldered solder joints.

[0005] Therefore, providing a method to improve the printing quality and work efficiency of SMT production lines has become an urgent problem to be solved in automated soldering production. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of the above-mentioned technologies and provide a method to improve the printing quality and work efficiency of SMT production lines.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a method for improving the printing quality and work efficiency of an SMT production line, comprising the following steps:

[0008] Step 1: Install a row of air knives in the printing press body. Use compressed air to generate a row of high-pressure airflow through the air knives to blow the steel sheet of the steel mesh at high speed to clean the steel mesh.

[0009] Step 2: By moving the steel mesh or the air knife, ensure that the working area of ​​the air knife covers the normal working area of ​​the steel mesh;

[0010] Step 3: Set the frequency and method of wiping with lint-free paper 4 and cleaning the stencil 3 with an air knife on the operation interface of the printing press body;

[0011] Step 4: During production, the printing press body automatically cleans the stencil according to the settings in Step 3 to ensure the normal operation of the production line.

[0012] Furthermore, in step 3, the cleaning process is carried out in combination with the air knife cleaning and the wiping with lint-free paper to complete the cleaning of the steel mesh.

[0013] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0014] 1. This invention adds a set of air knives to the bottom cleaning end of the solder paste printer. The cleaning time and frequency of the air knives can be set on the printer's settings interface. During production, after printing a certain quantity, the air knives automatically clean the stencil mesh, ensuring unobstructed stencil openings and guaranteeing solder paste printing quality. This eliminates the need for manual cleaning and significantly improves the utilization rate of the production line.

[0015] 2. This invention supplements the hardware aspects of the SMT process that affect quality, ensuring the quality of solder paste printing in SMT production. It also reduces manual cleaning of stencil abnormalities during production, minimizing downtime and improving production efficiency. This invention is rationally designed and has significant potential for widespread application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a method for improving printing quality and work efficiency in an SMT production line according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the dust-free paper and air knife components in a method for improving printing quality and work efficiency in an SMT production line according to the present invention.

[0018] As shown in the figure: 1. Printing machine body, 2. Doctor blade, 3. Steel mesh, 4. Dust-free paper, 5. Air knife, 6. Fixing frame, 7. Air knife bracket, 8. Nut. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the invention, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] In the description of the embodiments of the invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," or "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of the invention is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0021] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" does not imply that the component must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0022] In the description of the embodiments of the invention, "a plurality of" means at least two.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of the invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] Referring to the attached drawings, the bottom cleaning end of the printing machine body 1 is provided with a row of air knives 5, which are used to automatically clean the stencil 3 according to the settings of the solder paste printing machine's operation interface, ensuring that the stencil 3 is in good condition every time it is used.

[0026] The cleaning end at the bottom of the printing press body 1 includes a dust-free paper 4, combined with an attached... Figure 1 As shown, the doctor blade 2 in the printing machine body 1 is positioned above the steel mesh 3, the dust-free paper 4 is positioned below the steel mesh 3, and an additional set of air knives 5 is positioned below the steel mesh 3 and located on one side of the dust-free paper 4.

[0027] In actual use, the fixed frame 6 is equipped with an air knife bracket 7, wherein the fixed frame 6 is the existing structure on the printing machine body 1, which realizes the support of the dust-free paper 4. The air knives 5 are evenly arranged along the air knife bracket 7. In specific implementation, the number of air knives 5 is set according to the actual situation. Specifically, the air knives 5 are fixedly installed on the air knife bracket 7 by nuts 8. Several air knives 5 are connected to the compressed air section in the printing machine body 1 through pipelines, so that the air knives 5 use compressed air as a medium to remove residual solder paste and other impurities on the opening of the stencil 3.

[0028] Furthermore, in the specific implementation of the air knife 5, the nozzle of the air knife 5 is lower than the working surface height of the dust-free paper 4, so as to avoid affecting the wiping operation of the steel mesh 3 using the dust-free paper 4;

[0029] Optionally, the air knife 5 can be used in fully automatic solder paste printers and semi-automatic solder paste printers.

[0030] A method for improving printing quality and work efficiency in an SMT production line includes the following steps:

[0031] Step 1: Install a row of air knives 5 in the printing press body 1. Use compressed air to generate a row of high-pressure airflow through the air knives 5, which blows the steel sheet of the steel mesh 3 at high speed to clean the steel mesh.

[0032] Step 2: By moving the steel mesh 3, the working range of the air knife 5 is made to cover the normal working area of ​​the steel mesh;

[0033] Step 3: Set the frequency and method of wiping with lint-free paper 4 and cleaning the stencil 3 with air knife 5 on the operation interface of the printing press body 1;

[0034] Specifically, one of the following methods can be selected;

[0035] Method 1: Set up independent cleaning of the air knife 5 on the operation interface of the printing press body 1;

[0036] Method 2: Set the operation interface of the printing machine body 1 to first use the dust-free paper 4 for dry cleaning, and then use the air knife 5 for cleaning;

[0037] Method 3: Set the operation interface of the printing press body 1 to first use the lint-free paper 4 for wet cleaning, and then use the air knife 5 for cleaning;

[0038] Method 4: Set the operation interface of the printing press body 1 to first clean with the air knife 5 and then dry clean with the lint-free paper 4;

[0039] Method 5: Set the operation interface of the printing press body 1 to first clean with air knife 5 and then wet clean with lint-free paper 4;

[0040] Method 6: Set the operation interface of the printing machine body 1 to first use the lint-free paper 4 for dry cleaning, then use the air knife 5 for cleaning, and then use the lint-free paper 4 for dry cleaning.

[0041] Method 7: Set the operation interface of the printing machine body 1 to first use the lint-free paper 4 for dry cleaning, then use the air knife 5 for cleaning, and then use the lint-free paper 4 for wet cleaning.

[0042] Method 8: Set the operation interface of the printing machine body 1 to first use the lint-free paper 4 for wet cleaning, then use the air knife 5 for cleaning, and then use the lint-free paper 4 for dry cleaning.

[0043] Method 9: Set the operation interface of the printing press body 1 to first use the lint-free paper 4 for wet cleaning, then use the air knife 5 for cleaning, and then use the lint-free paper 4 for wet cleaning.

[0044] Furthermore, in the actual cleaning process, the operation interface of the printing machine body 1 can be set to use the air knife 5 for cleaning and to use the dust-free paper 4 for wiping, so as to complete the cleaning of the steel mesh 3 together.

[0045] Step 4: During production, the printing press body 1 automatically cleans the steel mesh 3 according to the settings in Step 3 to ensure the normal operation of the production line.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] Referring to the attached drawings, the bottom cleaning end of the printing machine body 1 is provided with a row of air knives 5, which are used to automatically clean the stencil 3 according to the settings of the solder paste printing machine's operation interface, ensuring that the stencil 3 is in good condition every time it is used.

[0048] The cleaning end at the bottom of the printing press body 1 includes a dust-free paper 4, combined with an attached... Figure 1 As shown, the doctor blade 2 in the printing machine body 1 is positioned above the steel mesh 3, the dust-free paper 4 is positioned below the steel mesh 3, and an additional set of air knives 5 is positioned below the steel mesh 3 and located on one side of the dust-free paper 4.

[0049] In actual use, the fixed frame 6 is equipped with an air knife bracket 7, wherein the fixed frame 6 is the existing structure on the printing machine body 1, which realizes the support of the dust-free paper 4. The air knives 5 are evenly arranged along the air knife bracket 7. In specific implementation, the number of air knives 5 is set according to the actual situation. Specifically, the air knives 5 are fixedly installed on the air knife bracket 7 by nuts 8. Several air knives 5 are connected to the compressed air section in the printing machine body 1 through pipelines, so that the air knives 5 use compressed air as a medium to remove residual solder paste and other impurities on the opening of the stencil 3.

[0050] Furthermore, in the specific implementation of the air knife 5, the nozzle of the air knife 5 is lower than the working surface height of the dust-free paper 4, so as to avoid affecting the wiping operation of the steel mesh 3 using the dust-free paper 4;

[0051] Optionally, the air knife 5 can be used in fully automatic solder paste printers and semi-automatic solder paste printers.

[0052] A method for improving printing quality and work efficiency in an SMT production line includes the following steps:

[0053] Step 1: Install a row of air knives 5 in the printing press body 1. Use compressed air to generate a row of high-pressure airflow through the air knives 5, which blows the steel sheet of the steel mesh 3 at high speed to clean the steel mesh.

[0054] Step 2: Move the air knife 5 to cover the normal working area of ​​the steel mesh.

[0055] Step 3: Set the frequency and method of wiping with lint-free paper 4 and cleaning the stencil 3 with air knife 5 on the operation interface of the printing press body 1;

[0056] Specifically, one of the following methods can be selected;

[0057] Method 1: Set up independent cleaning of the air knife 5 on the operation interface of the printing press body 1;

[0058] Method 2: Set the operation interface of the printing machine body 1 to first use the dust-free paper 4 for dry cleaning, and then use the air knife 5 for cleaning;

[0059] Method 3: Set the operation interface of the printing press body 1 to first use the lint-free paper 4 for wet cleaning, and then use the air knife 5 for cleaning;

[0060] Method 4: Set the operation interface of the printing press body 1 to first clean with the air knife 5 and then dry clean with the lint-free paper 4;

[0061] Method 5: Set the operation interface of the printing press body 1 to first clean with air knife 5 and then wet clean with lint-free paper 4;

[0062] Method 6: Set the operation interface of the printing machine body 1 to first use the lint-free paper 4 for dry cleaning, then use the air knife 5 for cleaning, and then use the lint-free paper 4 for dry cleaning.

[0063] Method 7: Set the operation interface of the printing machine body 1 to first use the lint-free paper 4 for dry cleaning, then use the air knife 5 for cleaning, and then use the lint-free paper 4 for wet cleaning.

[0064] Method 8: Set the operation interface of the printing machine body 1 to first use the lint-free paper 4 for wet cleaning, then use the air knife 5 for cleaning, and then use the lint-free paper 4 for dry cleaning.

[0065] Method 9: Set the operation interface of the printing press body 1 to first use the lint-free paper 4 for wet cleaning, then use the air knife 5 for cleaning, and then use the lint-free paper 4 for wet cleaning.

[0066] Furthermore, in the actual cleaning process, the operation interface of the printing machine body 1 can be set to use the air knife 5 for cleaning and to use the dust-free paper 4 for wiping, so as to complete the cleaning of the steel mesh 3 together.

[0067] Step 4: During production, the printing press body 1 automatically cleans the steel mesh 3 according to the settings in Step 3 to ensure the normal operation of the production line.

[0068] This invention adds a set of air knives to the bottom cleaning end of the solder paste printer. The time and frequency of air knife cleaning can be set in the setting and operation interface of the solder paste printer. After printing a certain number of times, the air knife is used to clean the blockage of the stencil mesh, thereby ensuring that the stencil mesh is unobstructed and ensuring the quality of solder paste printing. Moreover, there is no need to stop the machine for manual cleaning, which greatly improves the utilization rate of the production line machine.

[0069] This invention supplements the hardware aspects of the SMT process that affect quality, ensuring the quality of solder paste printing in SMT production. It also reduces manual cleaning of stencil abnormalities during production, minimizes downtime, and improves production efficiency. This invention is rationally designed and has great potential for widespread application.

[0070] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above. This description is not restrictive, and the accompanying drawings are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. In conclusion, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for improving printing quality and work efficiency in an SMT production line, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Install a row of air knives (5) in the printing press body (1), use compressed air to generate a row of high-pressure airflow through the air knives (5), and blow the steel sheet of the steel mesh (3) at high speed to clean the steel mesh (3); Step 2: By moving the steel mesh (3) or the air knife (5), the working range of the air knife (5) covers the normal working area of ​​the steel mesh (3); Step 3: Set the frequency and method of wiping with lint-free paper (4) and cleaning the stencil (3) with air knife (5) on the operation interface of the printing press body (1); Step 4: During production, the printing press body (1) automatically cleans the steel mesh (3) according to the settings in Step 3 to ensure the normal operation of the production line.

2. The method of using the device for improving solder paste printing quality and work efficiency in an SMT production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step 3, the cleaning with the air knife (5) and the wiping with the lint-free paper (4) are carried out in combination to complete the cleaning of the steel mesh (3).

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