Surface Mount Techniques, Inc.

News from SMT
(Items are listed here in reverse chronological order)

Surface Mount Techniques Launches AUL2220 Printer with
Unique Auto Unload Feature [May 9, 2003]

Surface Mount Techniques Announces Relocation With
Strategic Partner Nortek Automation [November 4, 2002]

Windows NT Operating System Brings Enhanced Performance,
Control, to Surface Mount Techniques Printers [October 5, 2001]

New PrintBall 300 For Wafer Bumping, Advanced Packaging
and Semiconductor Applications [September 17, 2001]

Surface Mount Techniques, Dallas-based Service and Support Center
Announce Strategic Partnership [August 27, 2001]

New 2444AV and 2444AVL Printers Meet Challenges of Large Panel and
Telecom PCBs at Productronica [July 18, 2001]

Surface Mount Techniques 2220PTV In-Line Automated Printer
Offers Speed, Flexibility, Precision [June 5, 2001]

New Brochure Features 2220 Series Semi-Automatic and
In-Line Automated Printers [April 12, 2000]

Accessibility, Options Make Large-Area 2436 BAM Printer the
Solution for Backplanes, Large PCBs, Panelized Boards [February 10, 1999]

May 9, 2003
Surface Mount Techniques Launches AUL2220 Printer with Unique Auto Unload Feature

Huntington Beach, California, USA--Surface Mount Techniques’ unique new AUL2220 printer with auto unload, a design unique to Surface Mount Techniques, eliminates the need for expensive bare board (first side printing) and magazine loaders (for second side printing), thus reducing equipment capitalization and adding the inherent benefits of increased process automation. The AUL feeds directly into the pick and place system or an inexpensive buffer conveyor.

The new AUL2220 greatly enhances the flexibility of the 2220 series of machines. The system can be linked to the upline equipment via a SMEMA interface. This allows the operator to attend to other line functions, while all motorized X+Y vision corrections and off loading is done automatically.

This new generation of equipment more closely matches the quick set up requirements for high mix, low, medium & high volume required by most manufactures today. The AUL is driven by the Windows NT ® Operating System, which also provides added benefits to the printers ACCU-LINE Series vision alignment systems, such as the opportunity to enhance vision alignment routines and reduce recognition fluctuations caused by ambient lighting. In addition, the NT® platform provides greater security features.

The 2220 Series printers offer advanced features such as adjustable magnetic tooling for 1st & 2nd side applications, motorized X+Y correction, programmable squeegee drive, pressure, stroke and speed. The systems are upgradeable with a number of innovative options such as the ACCU-LIGN automatic vision alignment systems; understencil wiper (with vacuum) and motorized or programmable conveyor width adjust. The AUL2220 also features a large 20” x 23” print area with SMEMA compatibility.

November 4, 2002
Surface Mount Techniques Announces Relocation With Strategic Partner Nortek Automation
Huntington Beach, California, USA--Surface Mount Techniques, a leading supplier of automatic and semi-automatic printing machines for electronics manufacturing, announced today its strategic relocation from its Laguna Hills, California facility to a larger facility in nearby Huntington Beach. The facility is owned and occupied by Nortek Automation, which is Surface Mount Techniques' sole systems software developer and supplier. In making the announcement, Jim Glasgow, President of Surface Mount Techniques, said "This relocation is part of our planned growth strategy, giving us greater room to grow, and enhancing SMT's access to Nortek's software resources. With both companies under the same roof, we'll be able to work together more conveniently and efficiently, particularly in the areas of product and system development and enhancement."

In addition to machine control, motion control, and vision software supplied to SMT, Nortek Automation offers standard labeling and ink jet marking systems along with custom handling, packaging, vision inspection, and full line integration. Nortek's unique dual business model of Standard and Custom offerings has allowed them to attract clients from the electronics, medical, pharmaceutical, automotive, aerospace and food industries. Nortek Automation Vice President, Jeff McKenney, said, "Surface Mount Techniques and Nortek have been working together for more than seven years in the development of SMT's advanced automatic and semi-automatic printing machines, considered the finest in the industry. Operating out of the same facility enhances the dynamic synergy that both companies have established, as we continue to work together."

October 5, 2001
Windows NT Operating System Brings Enhanced Performance, Control, to Surface Mount Techniques Printers
Laguna Hills, CA--Surface Mount Techniques has announced that all of the company's higher-end semi-automated and fully automatic screen and stencil printing machines using Windows® graphical user interface for control are now equipped, as standard, with the Windows NT® Operating System.

In making the announcement, William Grennan, VP Sales & Marketing, said, "This conversion to the NT system brings increased user-friendliness and enhanced performance to Surface Mount Techniques printers. The Windows NT® operating system is the industry standard for motion control. Not only is it faster than older operating systems, but it's more flexible and accommodates more customization, an added plus for our customers who must meet the challenges of a high-mix electronics manufacturing environment."

The Windows NT® Operating System will also provide added benefits to Surface Mount Techniques' vision alignment systems, such as the opportunity to enhance SMT's vision alignment routines and reduce fluctuations caused by ambient lighting. In addition, NT provides enhanced security features.

Surface Mount Techniques printers using the NT operating system include the Opti-Print SL2220, 2444AV, and 2444AVL models as well as the all new LP Series of in-line printers. The company is using the base NT platform from ESI (Electro Scientific Industries) in Portland, Oregon, a recognized world leader in vision systems and vision based equipment.

Surface Mount Techniques is a leading supplier of precision screen and stencil printers to the surface mount electronics manufacturing industry. For more information, visit www.smtprinters.com or contact the company at 23042 Alcalde, Unit C, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, Tel. (949) 768-0178, Fax (949) 768-0397.

September 17, 2001
New PrintBall 300 For Wafer Bumping, Advanced Packaging and Semiconductor Applications
Laguna Hills, CA--Designed for advanced packaging assembly and semiconductor applications including wafer bumping and chip-scale packaging, the PrintBall 300 from Surface Mount Techniques is a stand-alone configured semi-automatic printer that can accommodate silicon and ceramic substrate wafers up to 300mm in size. Applications include Solder Spheres and/or Flux Bumping, and the unit can operate with either a factory-supplied or customer-supplied baller.

The PrintBall 300 offers a high degree of process control as well as flexibility. Engineered on an integrated robust platform, the system incorporates controls and enhancements that include a vacuum base with footswitch, four dial indicators for z stroke control, and dual high power video probes (up to 230x) with a safety interlock switch.

With a maximum print area of 15"x 15", this system can handle large substrates as well as panelized substrates/wafers. The PrintBall 300's dimensions are 50" high x 60" wide x 36" deep.

This system can also be used for FR-4 applications (standard PCB assembly) and is available with optional universal magnetic double-sided tooling.

Surface Mount Techniques is a leading supplier of precision screen and stencil printers to the surface mount electronics manufacturing industry. For more information, visit www.smtprinters.com or contact the company at 23042 Alcalde, Unit C, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, Tel. (949) 768-0178, Fax (949) 768-0397.

August 27, 2001
Surface Mount Techniques, Dallas-based Service and Support Center Announce Strategic Partnership
Laguna Hills, CA--Surface Mount Techniques, a leading supplier of SMT solder paste printing machines, and the Service and Support Center, Rich Sales Co. (Dallas, TX) have announced a strategic partnership in which the Dallas-based Service and Support Center will provide Surface Mount Techniques customers with technical and applications support, as well as training. Surface Mount Techniques provides screen and stencil printing technology and equipment for solder paste printing for electronic assembly and packaging technology. The Service and Support Center will also provide advanced operator and maintenance training on Surface Mount Techniques' complete line of printers, and will stock spare parts and consumables for SMT's products. The Service and Support center will also serve as a demonstration center for Surface Mount Techniques' line of screen and stencil printers.

In making the announcement, Tim Glasgow, Western Regional Sales Manager for SMT, stated, "We're pleased that Marshall Rich and the Service and Support Center will be providing such an important resource to our customers in the Dallas area. Providing top-quality equipment service and applications help with local accessibility is part of Surface Mount Techniques' strong commitment to customer service, satisfaction, and support."

Rich Sales Company was founded in 1978 by Marshall and Richard Rich. The company has grown from a two-man organization to a twenty-two person Electronic Manufacturer's Representative Company. The organization covers the Greater Southwest, which includes Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Central America and the Country of Mexico. For more information, visit www.richsales.com.

Surface Mount Techniques is a leading supplier of precision screen and stencil printers to the surface mount electronics manufacturing industry. For more information, visit www.smtprinters.com or contact the company at 23042 Alcalde, Unit C, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, Tel. (949) 768-0178, Fax (949) 768-0397.

July 18, 2001
New 2444AV and 2444AVL Printers Meet Challenges of Large Panel & Telecom PCBs at Productronica

Laguna Hills, CA--Surface Mount Techniques' 2444AV and 2444AVL printing machines incorporate the latest advances in large format SMT PCB printing technology. Specially designed to meet the challenges of solder paste printing on large panels (backpanel, backplane, telecom PCBs), the 2444 Series offer a standard print are of 24" x 44" with up to 24" x 52" available. With programmable vertical lift, dual PCB flatteners to offset PCB warpage, as well as on-board 2,000-file storage capacity, these unique printers can process all types of large panel PCBs (as well as ordinary size and small PCBs). These remarkable printing systems will be exhibited and demonstrated at Productronica, in Stand #A4.320.

The 2444AV and 2444AVL are equipped with Surface Mount Techniques' field-proven Accu-Lign™ Series 3 Automatic Vision Alignment system with Auto Vision Correction. Automatic vision recognition of fiducials and motor-driven alignment of the tooling plate results in the highest accuracy and greatest possible throughput. This is especially true for large boards because it adds consistency and accuracy, widening the process window. The system's Windows® NT-based auto correction system delivers optimum alignment results, a requirement for large panel printing. Programmable squeegees maintain consistent pressure, drive, and stroke over the entire stroke length, each squeegee independently controlled. Precision pressure control is maintained to a minimum of .001".

The 2444 Series also offer exceptional open accessibility to the 24" x 44" print area, and are available with an under stencil wiper module with vacuum. The 2444AV is a semi-automatic stand-alone printer, while the 2444AVL is a fully configured in-line printer. Both units print left to right (with the line of process flow) to ensure a stable, smooth print by printing in the smallest dimension of the PCB, minimizing paste waste.

Surface Mount Techniques is a leading supplier of precision screen and stencil printers to the surface mount electronics manufacturing industry. For more information and a copy of the brochure, visit www.smtprinters.com or contact the company at 23042 Alcalde, Unit C, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, Tel. (949) 768-0178, Fax (949) 768-0397.

June 5, 2001
Surface Mount Techniques 2220PTV In-Line Automated Printer Offers Speed, Flexibility, Precision

Laguna Hills, CA--Surface Mount Techniques has introduced its new 2220PTV In-Line Automated Printer. The 2220PTV is designed for applications where machine vision verification is essential to maintaining high yields against changing board tolerances, varied product mix, and ultra fine pitch printing. The 2220PTV incorporates Surface Mount Techniques' advanced ACCU- LIGN Series 3 vision system which offers visual recognition of fiducials/pads and motor driven alignment of the tooling plate for highest accuracy and greatest possible throughput.

Advanced features such as adjustable magnetic PCB support, an understencil wiper module, and motorized or programmable conveyor width adjustment, add both flexibility and ease of use to the 2220PTV. A Pentium/Windows' based single processor controlled operating system offers the simplicity of an interactive point and click graphical user interface.

The 2220PTV is also equipped with Surface Mount Techniques dual independent motorized programmable squeegee drive, pressure, stroke and speed with programmable snap-off speed. It is designed for highly repeatable, defect-free printing, without the need for post-print inspection or operator intervention and supports six-sigma quality goals. The 2220PTV is SMEMA-compatible and CE compliant in both design and communications, and is protected by a comprehensive 2-year warranty.

For more information, visit www.surfmntteq.com, or contact the company at 23042 Alcalde, Unit C, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, Tel. (949) 768-0178, Fax (949) 768-0397.

April 12, 2000
New Brochure Features 2220 Series Semi-Automatic and In-Line Automated Printers

Laguna Hills, CA--A new four-page full color brochure from Surface Mount Techniques showcases the company's line of 2220 Series Semi-Automatic and In-Line Automated printers. 2220 Series printers offer advanced features such as adjustable magnetic PCB support, programmable squeegee drive, pressure, stroke and speed. The systems are upgradable with a number of innovative options such as the ACCU-LIGN automatic vision alignment systems, an understencil wiper module, and motorized or programmable conveyor width adjustment.

Featured in the catalog are the SL2220 stand alone, semi-automatic, high precision SMT printer with large PCB capacity; and the new 2220PTV In-Line Automated printer, designed for applications where machine vision verification is essential to maintaining high yields against changing board tolerances, varied product mix, and ultra fine pitch printing.

Surface Mount Techniques is a leading supplier of precision screen and stencil printers to the surface mount electronics manufacturing industry. For more information and a copy of the brochure, visit www.surfmntteq.com, or contact the company at 23042 Alcalde, Unit C, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, Tel. (949) 768-0178, Fax (949) 768-0397.

February 10, 1999
Accessibility, Options Make Large-Area 2436 BAM Printer the Solution for Backplanes, Large PCBs, Panelized Boards

Laguna Hills, CA--Surface Mount Techniques' 2436 BAM large-area stencil printer offers a generous print area of 24" x 36" for high-capacity, high-precision printing on backplanes and other large area boards. Additionally, a host of options such as dual CCTV vision-aided alignment make setup quick and simple, when combined with the BAM's exceptional accessibility.

In addition to vision-aided alignment, the PC-based 2436 BAM can be equipped with Surface Mount Techniques' 24" x 36" Universal Magnetic Double-Sided Tooling. This feature helps the user correctly print virtually any thickness of board. The printer features metal blade printing for crisp results with fine-pitch applications, and Dual Independent Squeegee Control.

The 2436 BAM can print large or panelized boards, and is quick to set up. The optional vision-aided alignment allows the user to look in "real time" down through stencil apertures for simple, rapid, and precise alignment. The 2436 BAM is intended to facilitate production, minimizing setup time and maximizing throughput with quality printing results that are both precise and repeatable.

Surface Mount Techniques is a leading supplier of precision screen and stencil printers to the surface mount electronics manufacturing industry. For more information contact the company at 23042 Alcalde, Unit C, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, Tel. (714) 768-0178, Fax (714) 768-0397, web site: www.surfmntteq.com.

15632 Producer Lane
Huntington Beach CA 92649-1310
Phone: 714-903-8100
Fax: 714-903-8897
E-Mail:

		Surface Mount Techniques Launches AUL2220 Printer with Unique Auto Unload Feature [May 9, 2003]
		Surface Mount Techniques Announces Relocation With Strategic Partner Nortek Automation [November 4, 2002]
		Windows NT Operating System Brings Enhanced Performance, Control, to Surface Mount Techniques Printers [October 5, 2001]
		New PrintBall 300 For Wafer Bumping, Advanced Packaging and Semiconductor Applications [September 17, 2001]
		Surface Mount Techniques, Dallas-based Service and Support Center Announce Strategic Partnership [August 27, 2001]
		New 2444AV and 2444AVL Printers Meet Challenges of Large Panel and Telecom PCBs at Productronica [July 18, 2001]
		Surface Mount Techniques 2220PTV In-Line Automated Printer Offers Speed, Flexibility, Precision [June 5, 2001]
		New Brochure Features 2220 Series Semi-Automatic and In-Line Automated Printers [April 12, 2000]
		Accessibility, Options Make Large-Area 2436 BAM Printer the Solution for Backplanes, Large PCBs, Panelized Boards [February 10, 1999]