Screen printer to fit needs

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I am part of a SMT cell that produces high mix, low volume c... - Dec 08, 2005 by B Wardner

If you are happy with DEK I would stick with that. I'd look ... - Dec 08, 2005 by Fastek

Hello As rick has said there is several printers that would... - Dec 08, 2005 by valuems

Harry- That's true but we weren't hear to discuss what's ... - Dec 08, 2005 by Fastek

Hi Rick Your right and I a agree with you. But I think the... - Dec 09, 2005 by valuems

Harry- Good point and well taken. The main reason I like ... - Dec 09, 2005 by Fastek

B Wardner

#38302

Screen printer to fit needs | 8 December, 2005

I am part of a SMT cell that produces high mix, low volume circuit cards, and I am looking for a new screen printer that is fully automated, has 2D inspection capabilities, is compatible with 20in X 20in stencils, and can screen print fine pitch pads as well as pads the ranging down to 0201. I am currently using an antiquated DEK 260 but want to step up with current technology. There are so many models how do I know which one will best suit my needs in SMT? We are looking at some used equipment, but some of it seems to be out-dated, while the other seems to be overkill. Can anyone offer some helpful advice? > >Thank you, > >Brant

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Fastek

#38310

Screen printer to fit needs | 8 December, 2005

If you are happy with DEK I would stick with that. I'd look at an ELA or a Horizon model 03...which is their stripped down Horizon version. You can buy a new one of those in the $60K range...used obviously less.

The only other vendor I would look at is MPM. A great work horse model that I really like is the UP-2000 HiE. Small footprint, very reliable, easy to work on and repair. Find a 1999 or 2000 vintage and you will be happy with it.

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valuems

#38311

Screen printer to fit needs | 8 December, 2005

Hello As rick has said there is several printers that would meet your requirements. But I feel that there is several machines that are a lot cheaper to buy than the HiE machines. Look for a machine that you can afford and only buy it if you get a warranty. Then have them install it and train your people. The first deciding factor is the budget. Harry

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Fastek

#38323

Screen printer to fit needs | 8 December, 2005

Harry-

That's true but we weren't hear to discuss what's the cheapest printer around. The guy wants to step up in technology without jumping into the Mercedes-Benz of printing. In my mind any MPM printer below a UP-2000 would not serve his purpose. What would you suggest for him in MPM that hits the middle to higher side technology wise yet doesn't cost a fortune? An AP-25 might be another option.

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valuems

#38351

Screen printer to fit needs | 9 December, 2005

Hi Rick Your right and I a agree with you. But I think there is to many people looking at the HiE machines, when all they need is a UP2000. The only advantage of the HiE machines is that they are quicker. But they seem to have a couple of problems, one is that the driver cards don't last as long as the non HiE machines. If speed is needed to stay up with the pick and place, then certainly get a HiE. If your just buying a HiE machine because it is the latest thing to hit the market, I would think twice. That kind of thinking went out with the big boys, and they aren't in business today. The UP2000 is a very dependable machine and I'm just saying to buy what you need and only what you need. My opinion for what it is worth. Harry

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Fastek

#38355

Screen printer to fit needs | 9 December, 2005

Harry-

Good point and well taken. The main reason I like to recommend a HiE over a standard UP-2000 is the fact that you are assured of getting one of the later versions of the UP-2000 platform if you get a HiE as opposed to maybe a 10 year old standard UP-2000. I'm not 100% sure but if you get a HiE it won't be any older than 1998 or 1999 whereas a UP-2000 might go back to what....1995? Plus I don't care for the look of the early UP-2000's. The other point is.....does a HiE necessarily cost more than a standard UP-2000 on the used market? Many times yes but sometimes no.

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