A stencil printer includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, and a support assembly coupled to the frame, with the support assembly including tooling configured to support the electronic substrate in a print position beneath the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a print head assembly coupled to the frame in such a manner that the print head assembly is configured to traverse the stencil during print strokes. The print head assembly includes a squeegee blade assembly and at least one paste cartridge to deposit solder paste on the stencil. The stencil printer further includes an end effector configured to pick up and release items from a tooling tray. The stencil printer further includes a movable cart configured to interface with the stencil printer to deliver changeover and/or replacement items within a stencil printer.

Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a method for stencil printing a layer on or onto a printing surface with a stencil comprising applying a stencil with a first part and a second part to the printing surface and applying a layer of material to the printing surface through the stencil. The first part and the second part cover a non-continuous region of the printing surface.

Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a method for stencil printing a layer on or onto a printing surface with a stencil comprising applying a stencil with a first part and a second part to the printing surface and applying a layer of material to the printing surface through the stencil. The first part and the second part cover a non-continuous region of the printing surface.

A storage device is used in a printing device includes a storage section having a transfer stage for loading and unloading the exchange target object to and from the printing section, the storage section being configured to accommodate multiple placement sections, each for placing the exchange target object, and to store the exchange target object, a placement section moving section configured to move any one of the placement sections to the transfer stage, and a target object moving section disposed on the transfer stage, the target object moving section being configured to move between a retracted position allowing the placement section to pass and an abutting position abutting against the exchange target object on the placement section and to move the exchange target object in a loading/unloading direction while abutting against the exchange target object at the abutting position.

A storage device is used in a printing device includes a storage section having a transfer stage for loading and unloading the exchange target object to and from the printing section, the storage section being configured to accommodate multiple placement sections, each for placing the exchange target object, and to store the exchange target object, a placement section moving section configured to move any one of the placement sections to the transfer stage, and a target object moving section disposed on the transfer stage, the target object moving section being configured to move between a retracted position allowing the placement section to pass and an abutting position abutting against the exchange target object on the placement section and to move the exchange target object in a loading/unloading direction while abutting against the exchange target object at the abutting position.

A stencil printer is configured to print an assembly material on an electronic substrate. The stencil printer includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, a support assembly coupled to the frame, and a print head gantry coupled to the frame. The print head gantry includes an elongate beam that rides along rails provided on the frame and a print head assembly supported by the print head gantry in such a manner that the print head assembly is configured to traverse the stencil during print strokes. The print head assembly includes a print head having a squeegee blade assembly configured to roll solder paste along the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a solder paste bead recovery system configured to remove a bead of solder paste from a top surface of the stencil and to deposit the bead of solder paste onto a new replacement stencil.

A method of gripping a substantially planar workpiece while providing compensation for variations in thickness is described. During the process, the workpiece is overdriven into a clamping member before clamping force is applied, and the positions of the clamping member before and after application of the clamping force are measured. These measurements are then used to control a compensating movement of the tooling table and optionally a final lift of the conveyance rails.

A stencil printer is configured to print an assembly material on an electronic substrate. The stencil printer includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, a support assembly coupled to the frame, and a print head gantry coupled to the frame. The print head gantry includes an elongate beam that rides along rails provided on the frame and a print head assembly supported by the print head gantry in such a manner that the print head assembly is configured to traverse the stencil during print strokes. The print head assembly includes a print head having a squeegee blade assembly configured to roll solder paste along the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a solder paste bead recovery system configured to remove a bead of solder paste from a top surface of the stencil and to deposit the bead of solder paste onto a new replacement stencil.

A stencil holder for rapidly and consistently decorating objects placed therein. The stencil holder includes a base pivotally connected to a frame, wherein the frame can move between an open and closed position. The frame includes a lower support that can removably couple with an upper support, wherein the upper support and the lower support cooperatively secure a stencil therebetween in an operational position. The upper support and the lower support each include an opening for accessing the stencil when disposed therebetween. In the closed position, the supports are secured to one another and the frame rests parallel to the base such that the stencil rests directly above the object for applying decoration. In some embodiments, an extender is removably securable to either a top side or lower side of the upper support to allow various sized objects to fit therebeneath.

A direct to mesh (DtM) screen printer for creating a screen stencil is provided. The DtM screen printer includes a frame to hold a pre-stretched mesh in place during application of a jettable emulsion, a fixture to hold the frame, a platen to hold a release fluid against one side of the pre-stretched mesh, a fluid dispenser for dispensing the release fluid onto the platen or mesh, and a printer carriage supporting a print head for printing the jettable emulsion on a side of the pre-stretched mesh opposite the platen. A process is also provided, the process being for using the DtM screen printer to prepare the screen stencil for screen printing.