Screen Printing Apparatus Parallel Imaging Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen printing apparatuses face inefficiencies in throughput due to the need for separate processes for substrate imaging and transfer, which prolong cycle times and hinder productivity in printed circuit board manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A screen printing apparatus design where the substrate is transferred and held at a position closer to the loading side before being moved to the print executing position, allowing for simultaneous imaging and printing, eliminating the need for an independent imaging process and enabling parallel transfer and imaging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the substrate is moved between the lower position of the mask and the side position of the mask for imaging, then the substrate can be imaged by the camera, but the cycle time increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the substrate imaging function with the substrate transfer path. The camera is positioned to image the substrate during its transfer from the loading position to the print executing position, eliminating the need for a separate imaging step. This merging of imaging and transfer operations resolves the contradiction by achieving both accurate substrate imaging and maintained high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is imaged during its transfer to the print executing position, before the actual printing operation begins. This preliminary imaging action allows the positioning and alignment to be completed in advance, so that when printing starts, all preparatory work is already done, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring accurate measurement.
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate imaging process is implemented before printing, then substrate positioning accuracy is improved, but the cycle time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is merged with the substrate transfer process. The camera captures the substrate image during its movement from the loading position to the print executing position, combining two operations into one continuous flow. This eliminates the need for a separate imaging step, maintaining positioning accuracy while preventing cycle time extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate transfer and imaging operations are performed continuously without interruption. The substrate moves along its transfer path while being imaged, and this continuous action ensures that no time is lost to separate imaging steps, thus maintaining short cycle times while achieving accurate substrate positioning.
3Ease of manufacture
If the camera is positioned at the side position of the mask, then the camera can be installed, but the substrate must be moved an additional distance for imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is positioned in the Y-axis direction (side position) rather than requiring the substrate to move to a separate imaging position. This dimensional arrangement allows the camera to capture the substrate during its X-axis transfer, eliminating additional substrate movement while maintaining ease of camera installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A screen printing apparatus provided with a print executing part, a substrate loading part, a substrate unloading part and a transferring and holding device. The transferring and holding device includes a clamp unit. The transferring and holding device is configured to transfer the substrate to a print executing position upon holding the substrate with the clamp unit so that the print executing part enables performing printing at a substrate standby position. A substrate recognition camera enables imaging in the course of the transfer of the substrate.