DEK boosts throughput and flexibility with new Dual Lane RTC platform

Citation

(2009), "DEK boosts throughput and flexibility with new Dual Lane RTC platform", Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, Vol. 21 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ssmt.2009.21921aad.001

DEK boosts throughput and flexibility with new Dual Lane RTC platform

Article Type: New products From: Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, Volume 21, Issue 1

DEK has launched a breakthrough new platform, substantially extending manufacturing throughput and flexibility beyond conventional limitations. Europa Dual Lane RTC combines innovative dual lane and board transport technologies with DEK’s proven high performance mass imaging platform to help customers around the world continue to “Expect More”.

Utilising DEK’s unprecedented core cycle time of just four seconds, the Dual Lane RTC (Figure 1) platform not only allows manufacturers to double their throughput with parallel processing on two lanes, but also ensures these capabilities are supported by high-speed board transport technology for true continuous printing and ongoing productivity. DEK’s Dual Lane RTC technology configures two Europa platforms without compromising line footprint. By introducing dual lane machines configured for front printing or rear pass-through, manufacturers will substantially ease line-out, eliminate ancillary handling equipment and maximise floor utilisation for increased operational efficiency.

Figure 1 The Dual Lane RTC

The new platform combines Dual Lane’s 100 percent throughput improvement with DEK RTC (Rapid Transit Conveyor), a high-speed board transport technology designed to overcome the traditional physical limitations that govern this area of pre-placement. Acting independently of process variables, RTC’s unique build deploys stepper motor technology to increase the speed at which boards are moved into and out of the print station. A conventional belt-type board transport medium is replaced by a positive retention mechanism which enables manufacturers to simply accelerate board transport to a high steady-state speed.

By launching the new technology on the advanced Europa platform, DEK has ensured that manufacturers can match their process requirements against precise system capabilities. Dual Lane RTC users can choose to harness the power of the proven Europa platform’s ability to deliver speed and miniaturisation on the same footprint with enhanced precision and repeatability for exceptional results.

Europa Dual Lane RTC is enabled by DEK’s advanced Instinctiv™ V9 machine user interface to ensure simple operator transition, enhanced utilisation and compatibility with a suite of V9 productivity tools including Cyclone high-speed understencil cleaning technology and the popular HawkEye^® print verification system. As DEK Project Manager, Fiona Staddon explains: “The launch of our Europa Dual Lane RTC platform is very exciting for us and our customers. Uniting some of our most powerful technologies, the platform delivers a direct route to unbeatable throughput and manufacturing flexibility, allowing DEK customers around the world to continue to expect more into the future.”