From the above results it is evident that benefits attributed to reduce ink deposit in holes and between pads allow significant improvements in capability and turn, productivity with Argus air spray & Tack dry system.

Touch screen input of board dimensions and photocell detection of board position allow the operator to control the spray pattern and coverage of the desired area of the PCB, thus minimizing over-spray.

The exhaust system, which is designed to remove solvent vapors and any over-spray from the low-volume spray chamber, maintains straight-line flow in the direction of spray. This configuration combines efficiency of operation with reduced equipment size and cost.

Any LPISM which adheres to the edge-contact conveyor is continuously removed by an automatic cleaning system.

In addition to LPISM, the 9524 Spray Unit has been tested for use with photoimageable legend inks, primary image resists and photoimageable dielectric coatings. We can offer a system for inner-layer coating of liquid resists for production-volume processing in conjunction with panels frames for thin core material and flexible as well as flex-rigid board. This system should allow major cost reduction in both raw materials and equipment, and will likely cause a shift away from dry film in primary image processing.

LPISM in the barrels is a significant problem in silk screen application methods. Because the silk screen squeegee forces LPISM into the holes, higher developer pressure is required to obtain clear holes.

Spray coating with the 9524 does not result in significant amounts of LPISM in the barrels, as the mask is not forced into the holes as it is by the squeegee; therefore, lower developer pressure can be used, and process speed is improved. LPISM dams between fine pitch patterns are more easily held, under-cut during development is reduced and the surface cosmetics are improved because proper developing procedure can be maintained.

Most LPISM manufacturers can supply coating materials that function well in the 9724 Tackdry Oven. Coates, Electra, Enthone, Lackwerke Peters, Shipley Ronal and Taiyo all produce LPISMs that have processed well in our laboratory evaluations. Potential customers are welcome to view the IR Tackdry Oven in operation, or to process sample boards in our Technical Service Laboratory.

Ink deposit around tracks and pads is a key to process capability. Argus spray unit able to covered the tracks up to 12-15 mils thick with a single coat. Spray solder masks properties are optimized to prevent slumping from the track-edges. Argus Spray technology allows encapsulation below 4 mil track gap configuration. The spray process permit very high levels of thixotropy resulting in excellent track coverage.

With the 9000 Series LPISM Application System, conveyor speeds of 4 feet per minute are realistic as are throughputs of up to 120 boards per hour for 24” X 24” samples, giving excellent production rates and genuine economy benefits.