Proven solution in electronics manufacturing
Aluminum profile frames have become the standard in electronics manufacturing. Depending on the application and printer used, frames of different sizes and profiles can be used.
Advantages of aluminum frames
- Easy handling:
Aluminum frames are easy to use and offer uncomplicated handling in the manufacturing process. - High sturdiness and durability:
The frames are characterized by their robustness and can be used multiple times. They can be used for many years. - Crease resistance:
As the stainless steel sheet is firmly clamped in the aluminum frame, a high level of buckling resistance is achieved. - High strength:
Aluminum frames enable clamping forces of over 40 N/mm². - Lighweight
Enhanced stability through slope profiles
If the stability of the frame needs to be further increased, so-called slope profiles can be used. These profiles also allow for higher fabric tensions.
Colour variants for identification purposes
Aluminum profile frames are available with a green marking for easier identification of RoHS-compliant products. This color is highly compatible with all commercially available cleaning agents and is extremely resistant.
Areas of application
Cast aluminum frames are mainly used where particularly high stability, strength, and fabric tension are required.
Customizations
- Threaded holes:
On request, threaded holes can be added for mounting in special screen printing machines. - Threaded bushings and fitting bushings:
Optional equipment with threaded or fitting bushings is available.
Processing and quality
Optimal adhesion:
The adhesive side for the covering is sandblasted to ensure optimum adhesion of the screen to the frame.
Advantages
High stability
High strength
High tissue tension
Other properties
Multi-use:
Cast aluminum frames, like lightweight aluminum frames, can be used multiple times and offer long service life.Disadvantage:
On the other hand, they are more expensive and weigh more than equivalent aluminum frames.
Available dimensions of cast aluminum frames: All standard sizes and formats available upon request
VA-Frame - Stainless steel frame
Properties
- Material:
Manufactured from VA-Stainless steel (rustfree stainless steel). - Form and size:
Compliant with the standard aluminum frames. - Processing:
The frames are sealed watertight, and the weld seams are carefully sanded. - Adhesive side:
The adhesive side is sandblasted to ensure optimum adhesion of the screen to the frame.
Customizations
- Gewindebohrungen:
Threaded holes for mounting in special screen printing machines are available on request. - Befestigungslaschen und Passbuchsen:
Optionally, the frames can be equipped with mounting brackets or fitting sockets.
Advantages
- Highly durable:
VA frames are characterized by their particularly high durability. - Reusable:
They can be used repeatedly over many years.
Standard profiles
Square and rectangular profiles are predominantly used for standard aluminum frames. Typical dimensions are 30 x 30 mm or 40 x 40 mm, with wall thicknesses of 3.0/1.8 mm or 2.8/2.0 mm.
Slope profiles – the special alternative
Slope profiles with bevelled edges are a unique alternative. These profiles offer significantly higher stability and therefore enable higher fabric tensions, comparable to those of VA profiles. Despite their high strength, slope profiles are easy to handle and are characterized by their low weight.
Another advantage of the bevelled inner edge is that it allows for quick and easy cleaning of the frame.
Advantages of slope profiles
Higher stability
Enable higher tissue tensions
Quicker and simpler cleaning
Low weight with high strength
Bracing and screen tensioning
Standard model
Generally, our metal stencils are covered with stainless steel screen mesh. We only use mesh with the highest mesh precision.
- Mesh type: Stainless steel mesh, 80-mesh
- Mesh angle: Bracing in 90°-Winkel
- Stainless steel mesh diameter: 0,1 mm
Screen tension
A screen tension of more than 40 N/mm² is used for stencils in SMD technology. This tension ensures optimal printing results and a long service life for the stencils.
Additional configuration
Upon request, a screen filler can be applied to prevent solder paste from dripping through the screen mesh, thus preventing the printer from becoming polluted too quickly.
Manufacturing process for framed stencils
1. Preparing the frame
Plan control:
Before the bracing process begins, all frames are checked for flatness.Cleaning and sanding:
Before reuse, old frames are thoroughly cleaned and the surface being bonded is sanded.
2. Bracing the frame
Tensioning the screen fabric:
The screen fabric is tensioned onto the frame in a tensioning machine—mechanically or pneumatically—and adjusted to the desired screen tension.Bonding:
Afterwards, the stretched screen fabric is fixed to the frame with a special adhesive. Once the adhesive has hardened, the screen fabric is firmly attached to the frame.
3. Adhesive bonding of the stainless steel sheet
Positioning and gluing:
The stainless steel sheet is glued to the screen mesh in the appropriate size from the squeegee side.Curing:
The adhesive is cured to allow the stainless steel sheet to absorb the tension of the screen fabric.
4. Removal of the screen fabric
After curing, the screen mesh is removed from the stainless steel sheet.
5. Cutting the apertures
The apertures are cut in a clamped state to ensure high positioning accuracy of ± 10 µm. The clamping system templates are also cut in a clamped state.
