The move to lead-free is driving changes in every electronic manufacturing process, from procuring materials and components to optically inspecting the reflowed assembly. For the smart and the nimble, lead-free presents new opportunities to establish supremacy. Working with the best partners and accessing the best knowledge and products can secure your place among the new leaders.
Look for the DEK Lead-Free brand for total optimisation of your lead-free screen printing processes.


Introduction

Lead-Free materials will have a profound effect on the pre-placement process. Stencil design and fabrication, process parameters, machine setup and – ultimately – machine design must all be re-optimised.

DEK Lead-Free combines all our knowledge and experience, with optimised process support products, to create a complete solution. Long-term support is intrinsic to the package, helping you maintain and evolve your lead-free processes as new opportunities and challenges emerge.

Our Applied Process Engineers are acknowledged experts in lead-free screen printing (read white papers presented to industry conferences world-wide). Their expertise has enabled the DEK Site Implementation Plan (SIP), a standardised approach that streamlines lead-free introduction and ensures repeatability and optimal performance for every
customer.

We have also pioneered lead-free workshops, available at DEK technical centres world-wide. Here, customers can gain hands-on experience and tackle real issues offline, fully supported by DEK’s lead-free experts. Sharing practical experience is a central part of the DEK Lead-Free solution; because knowledge is the true key to successful lead-free.

DEK Lead-Free is lead-free you can trust. Our leadership in lead-free screen printing reflects our record as the industry’s technology and support leader. No other partner has more resources to help you complete this important transition successfully.

When you go lead-free, make sure you go DEK Lead-Free.

Awareness Seminar

A short theoretical presentation highlighting the critical success factors associated with transitioning to Lead Free. This includes process hardware design considerations (stencil, squeegees / ProFlow, substrate etc.) plus best working practices relating to good handling and housekeeping. Contact DEK to book or for more information.

The target audience would range from production managers, purchasing managers etc to process engineers, technicians and line operators)

2 Hours

Practical workshops

Gain the lead-free knowledge you need, away from your own factory floor, using production-class equipment. Hands on experience, expert assistance and unlimited Q&A create an unmissable learning opportunity. Look out for lead free open days and group activities at Dek offices world wide.

Process solutions

Enhancing lead-free stencil design with the latest process knowledge. Continually assessing available lead-free
materials in co-operation with all major paste suppliers. Optimising machine settings for maximum performance and
repeatability. Contact DEK to book or for more information.

DEK Customer Training Courses

Dek offer a wide range of customer courses ranging from basic operator through machine maintenance, basic and advanced process. All of our courses contain specific references to lead free considerations. Courses can be conducted at any of our training centres world-wide or at the customers own site.

Process Audits

This comprehensive on-site audit will investigate whether the whole screen print process is capable of maintaining production throughput and yield with Lead Free paste. The audit specifically targets the critical success factors including the design of the stencil, tooling, substrate, squeegee / ProFlow. Other areas measured include the process parameters, environment, under screen cleaner and general working practices.

Baseline efficiency assessments of the screen printing process,specifically focusing on elements relevant to the use of lead-free solder paste.
 
A full report will be compiled highlighting any recommendations for improvement. These will be specifically targeted at three main areas:

     • Throughput
     • Effective Printed Boards
     • Cost of production

2 days. Contact DEK to book or for more information.

Machine Capability Audit

Investigation of the reflow characteristics of lead free paste show that there is less ‘self correction’ of misaligned prints than is the case with lead rich pastes. This makes it even more critical that the printer is capable of maintaining alignment accuracy and repeatability for the pitch of components being assembled.

Custom-Fit planning to ensure your print platforms maintain consistent,optimal process capability.Benchmarking to
ensure your DEK equipment does not contribute to defects and continues to deliver lowest cost of ownership.

The machine capability audit establishes whether the printer is capable of meeting the demands of Lead Free printing. The audit specifically tests whether:

     • Machine is in good condition and free from damage
     • Preventive maintenance routines are adequate and performed effectively
     • Critical machine settings and adjustments are within specification
     • Machine is fully calibrated
     • Machine passes Dek’s factory benchmark test

Wherever possible the machine will be returned to factory benchmark standards. A full report will be provided which will highlight any additional remedial work required.

2 days. Contact DEK to book or for more information.

Site Implementation Plan (SIP)

Investigation of the reflow characteristics of lead free paste show that there is less ‘self correction’ of misaligned prints than is the case with lead rich pastes. This makes it even more critical that the printer is capable of maintaining alignment accuracy and repeatability for the pitch of components being assembled.

The SIP draws upon the full range of Dek’s expertise and support infra-structure to ensure that the transition to Lead Free is effective and risk free. The entire project will be managed by Dek and will include:

     • Preparing your DEK machines (as per the machine capability audit)
     • Designing your process hardware and software (as per the lead free process audit)
     • Raising the awareness within the factory of the lead free critical success factors
     • Training your core team to ensure that your site is truly prepared for high volume production

DEK Lead-Free Technologies and Products

• Next generation machine design: including motion controls for enhanced accuracy and repeatability


• Stencils: High quality design and manufacture, including VectorGuard™ Lead-Free stencils


• ProFlow® DirEKt Imaging: optimised for lowest waste and efficient, repeatable aperture filling


• Process Support Products, branded and colour coded to prevent cross-contamination in dual process environments:

- DEK Lead-Free branded stencils
( contact your local office for more information on Electroformed Lead-Free Stencils )

- Colour-coded Print Caddy to segregate all DEK Lead-Free consumables
( Part Number : 173215 specify Green colour )

- Colour-coded Squeegees
( varied sizes available from 200mm - 450mm (and 60°). Contact DEK for specific type. )

- DEK Lead-Free ProFlow Cassette / Rechargeable type transfer heads
( ProFlow Wipers 300mm - 171553, 350mm - 171552, 400mm - 171551. Visit eEnquiry )

- Wipes and cleaning products

- DEK Lead-Free Dedicated Tooling

- DEK Spatulas

... more information will be made available on these products soon.