Reel-to-Reel: Introducing high-speed, precision processing for continuous flexible substrates

 

Reel-to-Reel precision screen printing, new from DEK, allows you to deposit advanced materials onto flexible substrates directly from the reel, before singulation. Advantages include significantly higher speed and greater productivity through optimized workflow.

 

The range of substrates compatible with this new process include Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC), organic LED substrates, non-conductive materials, fuel cell membranes, plus a wide range of foils, papers and composites.

Our in-depth knowledge of precision screen printing and imaging for advanced surface-mount assembly is directly applied to overcome the fundamental challenges of Reel-to-Reel printing. With the addition of special, application-specific innovations, Reel-to-Reel printing is technically advanced yet already substantially proven in volume production.

 

Proven technologies include robust and repeatable motion-control and substrate-clamping techniques, which enable optimized step-and-repeat sequences for maximum control and minimum waste. Our established stencil alignment sequence – which moves the stencil in relation to the clamped substrate – is also ideal when printing onto a continuous substrate.

 

As a complete process solution, DEK Reel-to-Reel manages tension in the substrate continuously, to minimize stress and preserve condition throughout the process. Further innovations including vacuum retention for total flatness during indexing; enable a fast, secure and highly repeatable solution.