User-driven design
— how the new MYPro S series brings high-volume performance to high-flex manufacturing“Our customers are growing. But they should never outgrow their investment,” says Mark Flaskett, Product Manager Printing, of the latest launch of the MYPro S series stencil printers. “In recent years, we’ve already significantly boosted speeds in inspection and pick-and-place. And we see stencil printing as a natural part of this development — raising the ceiling once again in terms of throughput and cycle times.”
Strong foundations in stencils. Flexible producers around the world might not have known it, but behind the scenes Mycronic’s Center of Excellence in stencil printing in Shenzhen China has quietly built a strong reputation among the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer and industrial electronics.
The team, known in China under the brand HCX, have supplied more than 3,500 machines to many of the world’s largest producers of electronics for smartphones, EVs, LCD displays and more.
“In China, we’re among the top 5 stencil printer suppliers, with more than 300 customers,” says Jimmy Xiang, Overseas Sales Director, Stencil Printing. “And we’ve sold hundreds of machines across Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. So, when it comes to volume manufacturing, our technologies are well proven in the most demanding production environments.”
The numbers do the talking
In the new MYPro S20 and S30, this deep experience is evident in the underlying numbers. “As an engineer myself, I’m always focused on supplying the best technical solutions: How do you keep costs down, prevent process drift and ensure the highest yield?” says Mark Flaskett. “With a 14-second takt time and 8 micrometer repeat accuracy, the MYPro S series speaks for itself. It’s up there with the best machines in the business.”
Naturally, what works for a high-volume manufacturer with zero changeovers isn’t always suitable for smaller-batch producers. This is why development of the MYPro S series included substantial testing and refinements together with automotive and other flexible manufacturers. Among the adaptations made are an all-new graphic user interface (GUI) that provides intuitive guidance for customers with more frequent changeovers, as well as a range of standardized connectivity and automation features.
With a 14-second takt time and 8 micrometer repeat accuracy, the MYPro S series speaks for itself. It’s up there with the best machines in the business.
Modular flexibility
In flexible production, adaptability is everything. And the MYPro S20 and S30 have been engineered accordingly. The platform can be customized to expand the print format for larger board dimensions. Supporting pins can be adjusted to accommodate various materials and designs. And a broad selection of other options, such as solder paste replenishment, can easily be upgraded in the field. “These modular options have been developed in close collaboration with customers in the US and Europe,” explains Jimmy. “Their technical demands can vary widely and even change over time, so we’re constantly adding new optional capabilities. We invest a lot of R&D into ensuring that the MYPro S series continues to evolve and grow with our customers’ businesses.
These modular options have been developed in close collaboration with customers in the US and Europe.
A bullet-proof process
The first installations in North America show strong demand for cost-effective stencil printing solutions with high precision, repeatability and automation. “New customers know our reputation for quality equipment and excellent customer service and support,” says Jay Gauthier, General Manager Mycronic, Americas. “So although we’re a newcomer to stencil printing, the initial sales show they see the value, quality and reliability that comes with the Mycronic brand.”
“And when it comes to existing customers,” he continues, “it’s about achieving complete control over the printing process, often together with a jet printer. In fact, one customer told me: ‘We’re adding the MYPro S30 to bullet-proof our process. We want our customers to know that whatever productions they entrust to us, in terms of technical sophistication or batch size, we can deal with them with consistent quality and responsiveness.’ This perfectly aligns with our ambition at Mycronic to give every customer greater end-to-end control over their assembly line, with a single partner.”
A full spectrum of precision printing solutions
The new line of stencil printers further expands upon Mycronic’s unique portfolio of jet printing and SPI solutions. A single printing solution that can now cover large series production, high-value single-board batches and full-coverage solder paste inspection to ensure 100% yield across a vast array of production conditions.
“From the million-dollar board to the million-board batch, we can now supply precision printing solutions for a vast range of market needs,” concludes Mark Flaskett. “Jet printing delivers the ultimate in product reliability and design freedom. The S series brings the highest throughput and repeat accuracy. And, for good measure, the PI series SPI secures quality and continuously improves process control. So, in terms of solder paste application, where our studies show that the majority of defects tend to originate, Mycronic now offers everything you need to secure the highest yield, accuracy and repeatability.”