Publication date: 07 January 2010
In response to a growing demand among electronics manufacturers for effective, cost-efficient SMT stencil care, Ascentech is leading the way into the new year with a ‘complete solution’ of package that includes the GEN3 Systems’ GENSONIC Ultra Sonic stencil aperture cleaning system and an accessory kit. Ascentech is the North American distributor for GEN3 Systems Ltd. products.
Inquiries have been growing, according to Ascentech partner Randy Allinson, in part because it is generally recognized that most soldering defects have their origins in the solder paste printing process. “A clean stencil is one of the best means of minimizing solder paste printing defects” Allinson says. “The demand for effective, reliable SMT stencil cleaning solutions is constantly increasing, as evidenced by the fact that inquiries and sales of our new product for final cleaning of SMT stencil apertures, the GENSONIC – Ultra Sonic stencil aperture cleaning system, are rapidly growing.”
Ascentech has combined the effectiveness and cost efficiency of the GENSONIC manually-operated ultrasonic stencil aperture cleaner with the particle cleaning capabilities of the Tekena DCRT (tacky roller) to produce an extremely effective, low cost method of cleaning and caring for sensitive SMT solder paste stencils, Allinson says. The ultrasonic action of the Gensonic transducer, used with appropriate cleaning solutions, produces thoroughly clean stencil apertures with clean, shining aperture walls and stencil foil surfaces.
“We recently began adding a final cleaning step to good stencil care practices” Allinson says. “We roll the dried surface of the stencil with a “tacky roller” to remove any and all fibers, lint or debris left by the wiping process. The use of the tacky roller prior to running the stencil in the solder paste printed provides further insurance that the surface of the stencil foil is lint and dust free.”
Ascentech’s suggested stencil care kit includes the Gensonic generator equipped with a single 40kHz transducer unit, a 24” or 29” work stand, appropriate cleaning solution, lint-free under stencil wipes, a supply of lint free wipe, a tub of IPA/DI wipes and the tacky roller with adhesive cleaning pad.
Ascentech, LLC managing members Randy Allinson and Gregory Alexander formed the company in 2000 to provide products to enhance productivity, quality and reliability to the electronic assembly and PCB fabrication industries. To learn more about the company visit www.ascentechllc.com. For sales and technical information, contact Randy Allinson, Ascentech LLC, 127 Goose Hill Rd., Chester, CT, 06412: Tel 860-526-8903, E-mail: rallinson@snet.net.
