Printer tooling system cuts size and cost: News from DEK

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DEK has expanded its range of advanced tooling options, signalled by the introduction of smaller, cost-effective Grid-Lok technology - extending the choices available to customers sourcing tooling for DEK printer platforms. The new Grid-Lok tooling system features reduced dimensions, moving from the current tooling modules of 6 x 18in to 4 x 12in in the new system. The innovation impacts primarily on cost - the other factor to diminish.

'Customers have long been deploying Grid-Lok on the basis of its usability and fast setup', comments head of engineering at DEK, Martyn Buttle.

'However, the reduced scale of the new system offers a further advantage in its ability to considerably lower manufacturing costs whilst maintaining product reliability and efficiency'.

Grid-Lok features a modular array of pneumatically controlled tooling pins that conform to the underside of the board including contact with components.

Each of the 12 tooling pins is tipped with anti-static material and locked independently.

Pressure exerted by each pin during lift is approximately 5g.

Grid-Lok arrays are capable of working with boards from 50 x 50 up to 500 x 500mm.

The conforming sequence is initiated by the operator, and is ready for use within 2s.

Alternatively, in fully automatic mode the system is controlled through the DEK Instinctiv interface which can set its profile for every product passing through the machine.

Consequently, Grid-Lok functionality is significantly enhanced by the innovative Instinctiv user interface which is designed to interact with DEK machines to deliver productivity, machine utilisation and traceability.

Grid-Lok is compatible with DEK's range of Instinctiv-enabled printers, incorporating the Horizon, Infinity API, and Micron Class Galaxy and Europa platforms.

Grid-Lok serves the tooling requirements of these DEK platforms by eliminating programming time from tooling setup, minimising machine down time and raising throughput and productivity.

'Size and cost are the only features to have changed in the new system'.

'In addition to increasing the attractiveness of the Grid-Lok proposition, this alters none of Grid-Lok's ability to provide a strong, reliable tooling fixture at the touch of a button'.

'For DEK customers around the world, Grid-Lok remains able to independently support PCB assembly from start to finish', concludes Buttle.

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Printer tooling system cuts size and cost

The new Grid-Lok tooling system extends the choices available to customers sourcing tooling for DEK printer platforms.