CN116829360A - System and method for changing and cleaning a stencil in a stencil printer - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for removing and cleaning a stencil in a stencil printer, comprising: removing the used stencil from the stencil printer with the aid of a movable cart; transporting the used stencil to a cleaning station using the movable cart; removing the used stencil from the movable cart; delivering the used stencil to the cleaning station; cleaning the stencil; removing the cleaned stencil from the cleaning station; and delivering the cleaned stencil to the movable cart for future use.

Description

System and method for changing and cleaning a stencil in a stencil printer

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is in accordance with the benefit of 35U.S. c. ≡119 (e) claiming that the title "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REPLACING AND CLEANING ASTENCIL IN A STENCIL PRINTER [ systems and METHODs FOR changing and cleaning stencils in stencil printers ]" is filed on 1-month 12, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety FOR all purposes.

Background

1. Field of the application

The present application relates generally to stencil printers and related methods for printing viscous materials, such as solder paste, on electronic substrates, such as Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), and more particularly to systems and methods for replacing and cleaning the stencil in the stencil printer.

2. Background art

In the manufacture of surface mount printed circuit boards, stencil printers may be used to print solder paste onto the circuit board. Typically, a circuit board having a pattern of pads or some other conductive surface on which solder paste is to be deposited is automatically fed into a stencil printer; and one or more apertures or marks (referred to as "fiducials") on the circuit board are used to properly align the circuit board with the stencil or screen of the stencil printer prior to printing solder paste onto the circuit board. In some systems, an optical alignment system implemented as a vision system is used to align the circuit board with the stencil.

Once the circuit board has been properly aligned with the stencil in the printer, the circuit board is raised to the stencil, solder paste is dispensed onto the stencil, and a wiper blade (or squeegee) traverses the stencil to force solder paste through apertures in the stencil onto the circuit board. As the squeegee moves over the stencil, the solder paste tends to roll in front of the blade, which desirably causes mixing and trimming of the solder paste to achieve a desired viscosity to facilitate filling of the apertures in the screen or stencil. Solder paste is typically dispensed onto the stencil from a standard cartridge. The stencil is then separated from the circuit board and the adhesion between the circuit board and the solder paste leaves a substantial portion of the material on the circuit board. The material remaining on the surface of the stencil is removed during the cleaning process prior to printing of additional circuit boards.

Another process in circuit board printing involves inspecting the circuit board after solder paste has been deposited on the surface of the circuit board. Inspection of the circuit board is important to determine that a clean electrical connection can be made. The excess solder paste may cause a short circuit, while too little solder paste in place may prevent electrical contact. Generally, a visual inspection system is further employed to provide a two-dimensional or three-dimensional inspection of solder paste on a circuit board.

Stencil printers of today require manual intervention to perform routine operations. For example, during a conversion, the operator must perform many manual tasks, such as changing the stencil, changing the cartridge, changing the doctor blade, and changing the support tool. Each of these tasks requires an operator to manually perform the task. For example, in most stencil printers, the operator must unlock the stencil, remove the stencil, insert the replacement stencil correctly, and lock the replacement stencil in place. The conversion operation may take up to 30 minutes during which the stencil printer is not operating, which may result in the PCB production line being inoperative.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for removing and cleaning a stencil in a stencil printer. In one embodiment, the method comprises: removing the used stencil from the stencil printer with the aid of a movable cart; transporting the used stencil to a cleaning station using the movable cart; removing the used stencil from the movable cart; delivering the used stencil to the cleaning station; cleaning the stencil; removing the cleaned stencil from the cleaning station; and delivering the cleaned stencil to the movable cart for future use.

Embodiments of the method further allow the method to be performed without human intervention. The method may be performed on at least two stencil printers. The movable cart may be configured to transport other items, including trays configured to support doctor blades and tools. The movable cart may include an interface configured to interact with a docking station associated with the stencil printer and the cleaning station. The movable cart may include at least one pin received within at least one guide associated with the stencil printer and the cleaning station to register the movable cart with the stencil printer and the cleaning station, respectively, prior to fully docking the at least one delivery device. The method may further comprise: the article is identified by obtaining an image of the article and verifying whether the article is a correct article based on a predetermined identification mark.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for removing and cleaning a stencil in a stencil printer. In one embodiment, the system includes: a stencil printer having a removable stencil; a cleaning station; and a movable cart configured to: removing the used stencil from the stencil printer and transporting the used stencil to the cleaning station; removing the used stencil from the movable cart; delivering the used stencil to the cleaning station; removing the cleaned stencil from the cleaning station; and delivering the cleaned stencil to the movable cart for future use.

Embodiments of the system may further include a paste tray configured to support excess solder paste. The system may further include at least one additional stencil printer. The movable cart may be configured to transport other items, including trays configured to support doctor blades and tools. The movable cart may include an interface configured to interact with a docking station associated with the stencil printer and with the cleaning station. The movable cart may include at least one pin received within at least one guide associated with the stencil printer and the cleaning station to register the movable cart with the stencil printer and the cleaning station, respectively, prior to fully docking the movable cart. The mobile cart may include an imager for identifying the item by obtaining an image of the item and verifying whether the item is the correct item based on a predetermined identification mark.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for recovering solder paste from a stencil printer. In one embodiment, the method comprises: removing excess solder paste from the stencil printer with the aid of a movable cart; delivering the excess solder paste to a solder paste recycling station with the movable cart; removing the excess solder paste from the movable cart; delivering the excess solder paste to the solder paste recycle bin; the excess solder paste is stored for future use.

Embodiments of the method may further include containing the excess solder paste in a paste tray. The movable cart may include an interface configured to interact with a recycle bin docking station associated with the stencil printer and the solder paste recycle bin. The movable cart may include at least one pin received within at least one guide associated with the stencil printer and the solder paste recycling station to register the movable cart with the stencil printer and the solder paste recycling station, respectively, prior to fully docking the at least one delivery device. The method may further comprise: the article is identified by obtaining an image of the article and verifying whether the article is a correct article based on a predetermined identification mark.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for recycling solder paste from a stencil printer. In one embodiment, the system includes: a stencil printer; a solder paste recycling station; and a movable cart configured to: removing excess solder paste from the stencil printer; delivering the excess solder paste to the solder paste recycling station; removing the excess solder paste from the movable cart; and delivering the excess solder paste to the solder paste recycle bin.

Embodiments of the system may further include containing the excess solder paste in a paste tray. The system may further include at least one additional stencil printer. The movable cart may be configured to transport other articles, including templates and/or trays configured to support doctor blades and tools. The movable cart may include an interface configured to interact with a docking station associated with the stencil printer and the solder paste recycling station. The movable cart may include at least one pin received within at least one guide associated with the stencil printer and with the solder paste recycling station to register the movable cart with the stencil printer and the solder paste recycling station, respectively, prior to fully docking the movable cart. The mobile cart may include an imager for identifying the item by obtaining an image of the item and verifying whether the item is the correct item based on a predetermined identification mark.

Drawings

The figures are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a stencil printer;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a stencil printer;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the stencil printer illustrated in FIG. 2 with a portion removed;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of replacing a stencil in a stencil printer;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a movable cart adjacent to a stencil printer in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a movable cart configured to deliver and receive a stencil to and from a stencil printer;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a movable cart configured to deliver and receive articles to and from a stencil printer;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a movable cart positioned adjacent to a stencil printer of an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a movable cart positioned adjacent to a stencil cleaner;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the movable cart and the stencil cleaner, with the stencil inverter shown schematically integrated into the stencil cleaner;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the movable cart and the stencil cleaner, with the stencil inverter shown disposed in front of the stencil cleaner;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the movable cart and the stencil cleaner, with the robotic arm shown disposed adjacent to the stencil cleaner;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of templates stacked one above the other;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a doctor blade;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the tool;

fig. 16 is a diagram showing a method of recovering solder paste from a stencil printer.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a solder paste recycling system including a paste tray.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates generally to material application machines (referred to herein as "stencil printers," "screen printers," "printing machines," or "printers") and other devices used in Surface Mount Technology (SMT) process lines and configured to apply a mounting material (e.g., solder paste, conductive ink, or encapsulation material) to a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board, referred to herein as an "electronic substrate," "circuit board," "PCB substrate," "substrate," or "PCB board") or perform other operations such as inspection, rework, or placement of electronic components on the substrate. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to stencil printers used to produce printed circuit boards.

For purposes of illustration only and not by way of limitation, the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The principles set forth in this disclosure are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any reference to examples, embodiments, components, elements, or acts of systems and methods herein recited in the singular can also encompass embodiments comprising plural, and any reference to any embodiment, component, element, or act herein can encompass plural forms of embodiments including only a single embodiment. Singular or plural forms of reference are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their parts, acts or elements. The use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Reference to "or" may be construed as inclusive such that any term described using "or" may indicate any one of a single term, a plurality of terms, and all of the described terms. In addition, in the event that a term usage between the present document and a document incorporated by reference is inconsistent, the term usage in the incorporated reference document is complementary to the term usage of the present document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage of the terms in this document controls.

For purposes of illustration, embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to a stencil printer for printing mounting materials, such as solder paste, onto a circuit board. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to stencil printers that print solder paste onto circuit boards, but may be used in other applications that require dispensing other viscous mounting materials such as glues and encapsulants. For example, the apparatus may be used to print epoxy for use as an underfill for chip scale packages. Further, stencil printers according to embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those that print mounting materials on circuit boards, but include those that print other materials on a variety of substrates, such as semiconductor wafers. In addition, the terms screen and stencil may be used interchangeably herein to describe a device in a printer that defines a pattern to be printed onto a substrate. In certain embodiments, a stencil printerMay include those supplied by ITW electronics Assembly Equipment Co., ltd (ITW Electronic Assembly Equipment) of Hopkton, massOr Edison ^TM A series of stencil printer platforms. An exemplary stencil printer is indicated generally at 5 in fig. 1. In this embodiment, the stencil printer 5 is supplied by ITW electronics assembly equipment company of Hopkton, mass. >A series of stencil printer platforms.

Referring to fig. 2, a stencil printer of an embodiment of the present disclosure is indicated generally at 10. As shown, the stencil printer 10 includes a frame 12 that supports components of the stencil printer. The components of the stencil printer may include, in part, a controller 14, a display 16, a stencil 18, and a print head or print head assembly, indicated generally at 20, configured to apply solder paste in a manner described in more detail below.

As shown in fig. 2 and described below, the stencil and printhead assembly may be suitably coupled or otherwise connected to the frame 12. In one embodiment, the printhead assembly 20 may be mounted on a printhead assembly gantry 22, which may be mounted on the frame 12. The printhead assembly gantry 22 enables the printhead assembly 20 to move in the y-axis direction under the control of the controller 14 and to apply pressure to the stencil 18 when the printhead assembly engages it. In one embodiment, the print head assembly 20 may be placed over the stencil 18 and may be lowered into contact and sealingly engage the stencil in the z-axis direction.

The stencil printer 10 may also include a conveyor system having rails (not shown) for transporting printed circuit boards (sometimes referred to herein as "printed wiring boards," "substrates," or "electronic substrates") to a print position in the stencil printer. The track may sometimes be referred to herein as a "tractor feed mechanism" configured to feed, load, or otherwise deliver the circuit boards to a working area of the stencil printer (which may be referred to herein as a "print nest") and unload the circuit boards from the print nest.

Referring additionally to fig. 3, the stencil printer 10 has a support assembly 28 for supporting a circuit board 29 (shown in phantom) that lifts and secures the circuit board so that it stabilizes during the printing operation. In some embodiments, the substrate support assembly 28 may also include a particular substrate support system, such as a solid support, a plurality of pins, or a flexible tool, that is positioned below the circuit board when the circuit board is in the print position. The substrate support system may be used in part to support an interior region of the circuit board to prevent the circuit board from flexing or warping during a printing operation.

In one embodiment, the print head assembly 20 may be configured to receive solder paste from a source (such as a dispenser, e.g., a solder paste cartridge) that provides solder paste to the print head assembly during a printing operation. Instead of cartridges, other methods of supplying solder paste may be employed. For example, solder paste may be manually deposited between blades or from an external source. Additionally, in one embodiment, the controller 14 may be configured to use a memory having a suitable operating system (such as Microsoft Windows, offered by Microsoft corporationOperating system) having software specific to the application program to control the operation of the stencil printer 10. The controller 14 may be networked with a master controller that is used to control a manufacturing line that manufactures circuit boards.

In one configuration, the stencil printer 10 operates as follows. The circuit board 29 is loaded into the stencil printer 10 using conveyor rails. The support assembly 28 lifts and secures the circuit board 29 in the print position. The print head assembly 20 is then lowered in the z-axis direction until the blades of the print head assembly contact the stencil 18 at the desired pressure. The printhead assembly 20 is then moved in the y-axis direction past the stencil 18 by the printhead assembly gantry 22. The print head assembly 20 deposits solder paste through apertures in the stencil 18 and onto the circuit board 29. Once the print head assembly has completely passed over the stencil 18 across the aperture, the print head assembly is lifted off the stencil and the circuit board 29 is lowered back onto the conveyor rail. The circuit board 29 is released from the stencil printer 10 and transported so that a second circuit board may be loaded into the stencil printer. For printing on the second circuit board 29, the print head assembly is lowered in the z-axis direction into contact with the stencil and moved across the stencil 18 in the opposite direction to that used for the first circuit board.

An imaging system 30 may be provided for the purpose of aligning the stencil 18 with the circuit board 29 prior to printing and inspecting the circuit board after printing. In one embodiment, the imaging system 30 may be disposed between the stencil 18 and a support assembly 28 upon which the circuit board is supported. The imaging system 30 is coupled to an imaging gantry 32 to move the imaging system. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry 32 may be coupled to the frame 12 and include beams that extend between side rails of the frame 12 to provide for the imaging system 30 to move back and forth on the circuit board 29 in the y-axis direction. The imaging gantry 32 may also include a carriage arrangement that houses the imaging system 30 and is configured to move along the length of the beam in the x-axis direction. The construction of the imaging gantry 32 for the mobile imaging system 30 is well known in the art of solder paste printing. This arrangement allows the imaging system 30 to be positioned anywhere below the stencil 18 and above the circuit board 29 to capture images of predefined areas of the circuit board or stencil, respectively.

After one or more applications of solder paste to the circuit board, excess solder paste may accumulate at the bottom of the stencil 18 and a stencil wiper assembly, generally indicated at 34, may be moved beneath the stencil to remove the excess solder paste. In other embodiments, the stencil 18 may be moved over the stencil wiper assembly.

As described above, stencil printers require manual intervention to perform replacement and/or replenishment operations of certain parts. For example, a typical stencil needs to be replaced after a certain period of time (e.g., four hours). Moreover, the templates need to be replaced for different production runs. In addition, the cartridge that supplies temperature controlled solder paste to the stencil printer may need to be replaced over time (e.g., in four hours or less). Different production runs may require different solder paste materials. Another article that needs to be replaced periodically is a doctor blade that is subject to wear during use. And finally, the tool for supporting the substrate in the printing position is replaced when changing from one product to another.

Referring to fig. 4, a method of replacing a stencil is indicated generally at 40. The stencil is used to print solder paste onto a printed circuit board. The stencil is typically made of stainless steel or nickel. As shown, when a request for a new stencil is issued for a new production run at 41 or because of wear of an existing stencil, a clean stencil is retrieved from the stencil library at 42 and transported to one of several stencil printers identified by "printer 1", "printer 2", and "printer 3" at 43. The stencil printer may be part of a single line or part of several lines used to manufacture printed circuit boards. The number of stencil printers may vary. In the production line, a "dirty" or used stencil is removed from the stencil printer and a "clean" or new stencil is inserted into the stencil printer and secured for use. The dirty stencil is transported at 44 to a stencil cleaning station 45 where the stencil is cleaned and ready for reuse. Once cleaned, the stencil is transported back to the clean stencil stock 42 at 46, where the stencil is ready to be reused during the same or different production runs.

In one embodiment, a method for changing a stencil and/or an item placed on a tray may comprise: when a request for a new stencil and/or articles placed on the pallet is issued for a new production run or because the existing stencil is worn out, a clean stencil and/or articles is placed on the movable cart. In the production line, a "dirty" or used stencil and/or article is removed from the stencil printer and a "clean" or new stencil and/or article is inserted from the movable cart into the stencil printer and secured for use. The dirty stencil and/or article is transported to a cleaning station where the stencil and/or article is cleaned and ready for reuse. Once cleaned, the stencil and/or article may be transported back to the stencil printer or store where it may be reused during the same or different production runs.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a delivery system configured to automate the conversion process of a stencil printer and to implement one or more of the methods described with reference to fig. 4. In one embodiment, the delivery system includes a movable cart configured to engage the stencil printer to supply and receive replacement and replenishment parts and materials to the stencil printer. For example, a stencil printer may include a docking station configured to receive a movable cart. The docking station may include an interface that enables the movable cart to communicate with the stencil printer. The single movable cart may be configured to include a conversion template and/or a replacement template. During changeover, for example, the stencil printer must be reconfigured to produce a different article. Thus, a new stencil may be used within a stencil printer to produce different products.

The conversion process described herein may be implemented by a single movable cart configured to replace and/or supplement each item. In other embodiments, more than one movable cart may be provided. For example, for stencil transfer, the movable cart is configured to support a predetermined number of stencils. The movable cart and/or stencil printer may be configured to identify, store, transfer and transfer the stencil to and from the stencil printer, inspect and interface with the stencil printer. The movable cart may also be configured to remove used parts, such as a stencil, from the stencil printer.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a delivery system configured to automate a replenishment process of a stencil printer. In one embodiment, the delivery system includes a movable cart configured to engage the stencil printer to supply and receive replacement and replenishment parts and materials to the stencil printer. For example, a stencil printer may include a docking station configured to receive a movable cart. The docking station may include an interface that enables the movable cart to communicate with the stencil printer. A single movable cart may be configured to include both a conversion template and a replacement template.

The replenishment process described herein may be implemented by a single movable cart configured to replenish the replenishable item. In other embodiments, more than one movable cart may be provided. For example, for stencil replenishment, a movable cart is configured to support a number of replacement solder paste cartridges. The movable cart and/or stencil printer may be configured to identify replacement solder paste cartridges, store the solder paste cartridges, transfer the solder paste cartridges to and from the stencil printer, inspect the solder paste cartridges, and interface with the stencil printer.

Referring to fig. 5, in one embodiment, a movable cart, indicated generally at 80, includes a frame or housing 82 configured to support replacement and/or refill items. As shown, the frame 82 is generally rectangular and is supported on wheels or casters, each indicated at 84. In one embodiment, the movable cart 80 is configured to be manually moved by an operator by pushing a housing 82 of the movable cart. In this embodiment, the movable cart 80 may be configured with a push rod or handle. In another embodiment, the movable cart 80 is configured to be automatically moved by remote control or by automated control associated with the movable cart, the stencil printer 10, the production line, and/or some other dedicated control. In this embodiment, the movable cart 80 may include wheels driven by a suitable motor and drive train, and the controls associated with the movable cart, the stencil printer 10, the production line, and/or some other dedicated control are configured to control the movable cart. The movable cart 80 may also include one or more sensors and/or vision systems, such as cameras, to guide the movable cart from, for example, a warehouse to a stencil printer.

The movable cart 80 includes one or more shelves, each indicated at 86, configured to store items of the stencil printer 10. For example, the shelf 86 may be specially designed to support new and used templates and/or other items, such as new and spent/used cartridges, new and used doctor blades, and new and used tools. One or more shelves 86 may be configured to move vertically within the housing 82 to a height suitable for operation with the stencil printer 10. Some of the shelves 86 may be designated as "clean shelves" to support clean or new items ready for use within the stencil printer 10. Some of the shelves 86 may be designated as "dirty shelves" to support used items to be removed from the stencil printer 10. The shelves 86 may be separated from one another by a particular distance to receive various items. For example, the shelves 86 may be spaced 3/8 inch to 11/2 inch apart from each other to accommodate the stencil frame thickness.

It will be appreciated that although the shelves are shown as being horizontally oriented, the shelves may be arranged in a vertical orientation such that the templates are inserted into and removed from the shelf slots in a vertical plane.

The movable cart 80 may be configured with one or more means for transporting articles from the movable cart to the stencil printer 10 and from the stencil printer to the movable cart. For example, the apparatus may include grippers or transport arms to facilitate removal and insertion of articles, such as templates, from the movable cart.

The movable cart 80 may be configured with an interface designed to dock within a docking station provided on the stencil printer 10. In one embodiment illustrated in fig. 5, the movable cart 80 includes an interface 110 configured to interface within a docking station 112 of the stencil printer 10 from both a mechanical interface and an electronic communication interface. In certain embodiments, the movable cart 80 may be configured with a unique mechanical interface. The unique mechanical interface mates with the unique mechanical interface of the stencil printer 10. The unique mechanical interface may include geometric features. In another embodiment shown in fig. 6, the movable cart 80 may be configured with pins (each indicated at 114) that are received within guides (each indicated at 116) associated with the stencil printer 10 to register the movable cart with the stencil printer prior to fully docking the movable cart. Other types of guides may be used, such as electrical/magnetic guides, visual guides, sensors, latches, and the like. The movable cart 80 may physically engage the stencil printer or be spaced apart from the stencil printer when docked within the docking station of the stencil printer 10.

Referring to fig. 6, the movable cart 80 may be particularly adapted for replacing a stencil (each indicated at 18) within the stencil printer 10. The shelf 86 is configured to support the stencil 18 to and from the stencil printer 10. The shelves 86 may be configured to move in a vertical direction to achieve a desired height. The apparatus associated with the movable cart 80 may be configured to move the stencil 18 from the movable cart into and out of the stencil printer 10 once the stencil is at a desired height. Movement of the stencil 18 may be automatically effected under the control of a controller associated with the movable cart 80, the stencil printer 10, and/or the manufacturing line.

Referring to fig. 7, in one embodiment, the mobile cart 80 includes wheels 84 driven by a suitable motor and drive train (indicated at 122) and a control device, such as a remote control device 124 configured to control movement of the mobile cart. The mobile cart 80 also includes a power source 126, such as a battery, to power the movement of the mobile cart via the motor and drive train 122.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, a movable cart (indicated generally at 200) of an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to remove and replace a stencil from a stencil printer (indicated generally at 205) and deliver the stencil to a cleaning station (indicated generally at 210). In one embodiment, the cleaning station 210 is a stencil cleaning station; however, the cleaning station may be configured to clean any number of items, such as doctor blades and tools supported in a tray. As described above, the stencil is used to print solder paste onto a printed circuit board. The stencil is typically made of stainless steel or nickel. When a request for a new stencil is required for a new production run or because of wear on an existing stencil, the movable cart 200 delivers a clean stencil to the stencil printer 205. The "dirty" or used stencil is removed from the stencil printer 205 and a "clean" or new stencil is inserted into the stencil printer and secured for use. The dirty stencil is removed from the stencil printer and replaced with a new stencil within the stencil printer 205. These functions may be performed by the mobile cart 200. As shown in fig. 9, the dirty stencil is transported to a cleaning station 210, where the stencil is cleaned and ready for reuse. The movable cart 200 may also perform this function. Once cleaned, the stencil may be transported by the movable cart 200 back to the stencil printer 205 or back to a stencil stock where the stencil is ready to be reused during the same or different production runs.

As with the stencil printer 10, the stencil printer 205 and the cleaning station 210 may each be configured to include a docking station configured to receive the movable cart 200. The docking station may include an interface that enables the movable cart 200 to communicate with the stencil printer 205 and the cleaning station 210. As mentioned above with reference to the movable cart 80, the movable cart 205 may be configured with a mating interface designed to dock within a docking station provided on the stencil printer 205 and the cleaning station 210. The arrangement is such that the movable cart 200 is configured to dock within the docking station of the stencil printer 205 and the cleaning station 210 from both the mechanical interface and the electronic communication interface. The movable cart 200 may be configured with a unique mechanical interface that mates with a unique mechanical interface of the stencil printer 205 and the cleaning station 210. The unique mechanical interface may include geometric features. As with the movable cart 80, the movable cart 200 may be configured with pins that can be received within guides associated with the stencil printer 205 and the cleaning station 210 to register the movable cart with the stencil printer and the cleaning station prior to fully docking the movable cart. Other types of guides may be used, such as electrical/magnetic guides, visual guides, sensors, latches, and the like. The movable cart 200 may physically engage the stencil printer and/or cleaning station or be spaced apart from the stencil printer and/or cleaning station 210 when docked within the docking station of the stencil printer 205 and/or the docking station of the cleaning station 210.

The movable cart 200 is configured to transport the used stencil or templates to a cleaning station for cleaning once docked within the cleaning station 210. Once cleaned, the mobile cart 200 receives the cleaned template or templates for future use.

Referring to fig. 10, the cleaning station 210 may be configured to include a reticle inverter 220 integrated within the cleaning station. In one embodiment, the movable cart 200 is configured to receive, store, and transport the templates in a horizontal configuration or a vertical configuration. The stencil inverter 220 is configured to orient the stencil in a desired orientation within the cleaning station 210.

In some embodiments, the movable cart 200 is configured to receive a tray configured to store other items, such as doctor blades, tools, and paste trays, to a desired location in the cleaner, such as a horizontal position.

In some embodiments, an integrated stencil inverter 220 is provided to clean both sides of the stencil.

In some embodiments, the cleaning station 210 may be configured with specific end effectors to manipulate trays and paste trays supporting doctor blades and tools to ensure thorough cleaning.

Referring to fig. 11, the cleaning station 210 may be configured to include a reticle inverter 210 disposed in front of the cleaning station. In one embodiment, the movable cart 200 is configured to receive, store, and transport templates in a horizontal configuration. The stencil inverter 220 is configured to orient the stencil in a desired orientation (such as a vertical orientation) within the cleaning station 210.

In some embodiments, as the movable cart 200 approaches the cleaning station 210, the stencil inverter 220 rotates the stencil from a horizontal position to a vertical position. Cleaning is accomplished in a vertical position within the cleaning station 210.

In some embodiments, the cleaning station 210 may be configured with specific end effectors to manipulate doctor blades, tools, and paste trays to ensure thorough cleaning.

Referring to fig. 12, as the movable cart 200 approaches the cleaning station 210, the robot arm 230 moves the stencil from the movable cart to the cleaning station in either a horizontal or vertical orientation for cleaning. In one embodiment, the robotic arm is constructed similar to the robotic arm disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/897,493 entitled "AUTOMATED PRINTER ROBOTIC ARM [ automated Printer robotic arm ]", filed on even 10/6/2020, which is incorporated herein by reference and owned by Illinois tools, inc. (Illinois Tool Works Inc.) of the assignee of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the articles supported by the tray are cleaned in the same manner as the stencil. The robotic arm 230 removes the tool and doctor blade from the tray and places them independently in the cleaning station 210.

In some embodiments, the cleaning station 210 may be configured to include specific end effectors on the robotic arm 230 to manipulate doctor blades, tools, and paste trays to ensure thorough cleaning.

In some embodiments, the cleaning station is provided by ITW electronics (Electronic Assembly Equipment) of Carmdington, mitsuiA series of cleaning platforms.

In some embodiments, the stencil and tool tray with doctor blade and/or tools are automatically loaded for jetting in the cleaning system 210.

In some embodiments, the cleaning station 210 is configured to completely clean and dry the products loaded into the same or mobile cart 200.

In some embodiments, the movable cart 200 may be configured to retrieve solder paste from the stencil, as described below.

Fig. 13 illustrates exemplary articles, such as templates (each indicated at 240), that may be stored on a movable cart 200 and moved between a stencil printer 205 and a cleaning station 210.

Fig. 14 illustrates exemplary articles, such as doctor blades (each indicated at 250), which may be stored on a movable cart 200 and moved between a stencil printer 205 and a cleaning station 210.

Fig. 15 illustrates an exemplary article, such as a tool 260, that may be stored on the movable cart 200 and moved between the stencil printer 205 and the cleaning station 210.

In some embodiments, the movable cart 200 may be configured as part of a solder paste recycling apparatus or recycling system. The solder paste recycling system may include a paste tray, sometimes referred to herein as a paste receptacle or receptacle. In one embodiment, the tray includes a flat bottom wall, a rear wall, and two side walls. The solder paste contained in the paste tray is removed from the stencil printer 205 and stored for future use. The paste tray with the recovered solder paste is configured to be removed from the stencil printer 205 onto the movable cart 200. Once on the movable cart 200, the paste tray with the recovered solder paste is transported to a recovery station configured to receive the paste tray and remove solder paste from the paste tray for recovery.

Referring to fig. 16, in one embodiment, a method for recovering solder paste from a stencil printer is indicated generally at 300. The excess solder paste (indicated at 302) on the stencil that is intended to be replaced is valuable. Currently, excess solder paste is manually removed from the stencil and stored for future use. One system for automatically recovering excess solder paste can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/897,526, entitled "SOLDER PASTE BEAD RECOVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD [ solder paste bead recovery System and METHOD ]" filed on 6/10 of 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference and owned by the assignee of the present disclosure, illinois tools Co., ltd. Solder paste recovered from a stencil printer, such as the stencil printer 205, is placed on the tray. As shown, at 304, a movable cart (such as movable cart 200) is transported to one of several stencil printers identified by "printer 1", "printer 2", and "printer 3" in fig. 16. The stencil printer may be part of a single line or part of several lines used to manufacture printed circuit boards. The number of stencil printers may vary. The movable cart is docked to the designated stencil printer in the manner described above. Once docked, the recovered solder paste is removed from the stencil printer (on the pallet) and transferred to a movable cart. At 306, the recovered solder paste (on the tray) is transported by a movable cart to a solder paste recycle station 308. The solder paste may be saved for future use. At 310, the recovered solder paste may be transported back onto the movable cart where the process begins again.

Referring to fig. 17, a system for reclaiming excess solder paste is indicated generally at 400. As shown, the system 400 includes a paste tray 410 that basically acts as a tray to hold excess solder paste left on the stencil.

In some embodiments, the paste tray 410 is treated, for example, by an EVT cleaner in which the paste tray is cleaned. The paste pan 410 may have intact solder paste beads or residue from previous transfers and be cleaned in the same manner as the cleaning of the stencil described above.

In some embodiments, the solder paste recycling system and related methods may be performed under the control of a controller. In particular, the controller may be configured to know when to perform the solder paste recycling process.

In some embodiments, the stencil printer is configured to move a tray of paste into the stencil printer and out of the stencil printer to a movable cart. In one embodiment, a print head assembly (such as print head assembly 20 of stencil printer 10) may be configured to move a stencil to and from a solder paste recycling station.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart includes a controller adapted to control operation of the mobile cart based on an operating parameter obtained by the controller. The controller may be configured to communicate with a controller of the stencil printer and a controller of the cleaning station, and/or a controller associated with a production line. In one embodiment having multiple mobile carts, the controller may be implemented as multiple controllers disposed in each mobile cart that communicate with each other through a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus or other type of network. In other embodiments, a master controller may be provided to control the operation of the controller of the mobile cart. Each movable cart may be provided with a display operatively coupled to the controller. The display is adapted to display operational parameters of the movable cart such as, but not limited to, the number of clean and used templates and items disposed on the tray. A suitable monitor may be provided to obtain such information. Alternatively, or in addition to the foregoing embodiments, the operating parameters may be displayed on a display disposed within the stencil printer and cleaning station and/or a display associated with the production line.

In other embodiments, the movable cart may be controlled by a controller of the stencil printer, a controller of the cleaning station, and/or a controller associated with the production line. The controller may be a controller dedicated to one or more mobile carts.

In some embodiments, the material identification for the items on the movable cart may include a means for manipulating the items and a scanner for scanning and identifying the items. In one embodiment, a bar code for identifying an item may be implemented. For example, the bar code may include a 1D scanner for UPC codes, a 2D scanner for QRC codes, printed indicia applied to the article, or laser etched indicia etched on the article. In another embodiment, an RFID system for identifying items may be implemented. For example, an RFID system may include an RFID tag applied to an item and an RFID reader associated with a movable cart. With RFID systems, there is no need for a straight line of travel between the reader and the item. In addition, scanning is not required to identify all items within the mobile cart. In another embodiment, an imaging or vision system for identifying an item may be implemented. The vision system may be an imaging system similar to the imaging system 30 associated with the stencil printer 10, and may be associated on the stencil printer, off the stencil printer, or on a movable cart.

In some embodiments, a database is provided to keep track of items stored on the mobile cart. In one embodiment, the database may include an open application (App) architecture and is configured to push data to the stencil printer. The movable cart may be configured to communicate with the stencil printer to push/pull data to the stencil printer and/or the production line, or to communicate directly with the production line. The database may include job information or material information. The database may also be in communication with a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) associated with the production line, the stencil printer, or both. The MES system can be configured to know which materials are needed for a certain production run. The movable cart can be configured to communicate with a MES system to adjust delivery of the article to the stencil printer.

The database may also be configured to retrieve information about the item based on the identification (e.g., bar code number). In one embodiment, a central management system may be provided wherein the stencil printer, cleaning station, and/or the movable cart are programmed to receive material from the movable cart. The mobile cart is programmed to update a database to identify material on the mobile cart, load information from the network into a database associated with the mobile cart and/or stencil printer, which is contacted back to the MES system.

The database may also be configured to store additional information, such as usage and consumption. The database may be configured to store information locally or remotely, and may be configured to store data associated with one or more production runs. For example, the database may be configured to obtain and store data including, but not limited to, traceability of templates and/or pallets.

The database may be configured to share predictive data when replacement/replenishment is required. For example, the database may be configured to perform one or more operations with respect to storing information related to templates and/or trays. The database may be configured to share predictive data for other changeable/consumable items, such as for templates and/or pallets.

The database may be configured to store data associated with batch traceability. In addition, an RFID or mechanical keying of the stencil frame of the plate or stencil is provided to ensure proper alignment/orientation/front-to-back/up-to-down when such articles are inserted into the stencil printer. This information may be used to verify proper orientation and/or assembly prior to delivery of the article from the warehouse and/or prior to installation of the article in the stencil printer. A low cost reader can perform this function.

Referring back to fig. 7, in one embodiment, the remote control 124 may be configured to communicate with the database 130 via the cloud 132 or ISP to provide the functionality described above. In another embodiment, the database 130 may be part of a computer control system of a stencil printer, cleaning station, or mobile cart or production line.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to store materials. The movable cart may be configured to flexibly accommodate where the material comes from and where the material goes. In addition, the movable cart may be configured to identify where the particular material is located on the movable cart. In certain embodiments, the location is remote, local, on a mobile cart, and/or on a stencil printer, whether by automated delivery or by manual delivery.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to perform inventory control. In particular, the mobile cart may be configured to identify where the material is located, how much material is used, how material is used, when material is used, to link the material and information about the material to a customer inventory control system, and to track the type of material consumed by each plate or plates.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to arrange items stored on the mobile cart. As previously described, in one embodiment, a mobile cart may be provided to store, transport, and deliver a plurality of resources, including but not limited to templates and/or pallets. In another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to store a single resource or item, transport and deliver it to the stencil printer and/or cleaning station. For example, the movable cart may be configured to store a plurality of templates and/or trays. The mobile cart may be configured to service multiple production lines. In another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to service a stencil printer.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to transport articles from the movable cart to and from the stencil printer, and may take into account a height differential between the movable cart and the stencil printer. Delivery may be automated or manual. In one embodiment, the movable cart may be moved or remotely controlled by an automatic guided vehicle (AVG) technique associated with the movable cart. In another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to move autonomously. In another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to be manually moved. In yet another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to automatically and/or manually move items stored on the movable cart. For example, the movable cart may be configured to automatically move items, and may provide for interruption of a pre-planned activity in which items are manually moved.

In some embodiments, the timing associated with performing the transport functions of the mobile cart may be programmed to take into account shifts (e.g., personnel shifts), maintenance in schedules, on-demand activities (e.g., recipe changes), and predicted events (timely changes). The time may be programmed to meet a plurality of line balance control requirements with one or more movable carts, as well as to meet real-time on-demand material supply requirements on the production line.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart is configured to perform an inspection. For example, the movable cart may inspect items, including templates, and/or pallets, on and off the cart. In one embodiment, a vision system associated with the mobile cart may be configured to obtain an image of the item. The vision system in combination with the controller may be configured to check for cleanliness, damage, wear and tear, and identification reliability, e.g., bar code labels are worn, dirty or torn. The vision system may be implemented as any type of 2D, 3D or color camera.

In some embodiments, the movable cart is configured to interface with the stencil printer from both the mechanical interface and the electronic communication interface. In one embodiment, the movable cart may be configured with a unique mechanical interface that mates with a unique mechanical interface of the stencil printer and with a unique mechanical interface of the cleaning station. The only mechanical interface may be a geometric feature. In another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured with pins that are received within guides associated with the stencil printer to register the movable cart with the stencil printer prior to fully docking the movable cart. Similarly, the cleaning station may include guides to register the movable cart with the cleaning station. The pins and guides may be reversed, with the pins being disposed on the stencil printer and/or cleaning station and the guides being disposed in the movable cart. Other types of guides may be used, such as electrical/magnetic guides, visual guides, sensors, latches, and the like.

In some embodiments, the interface and docking station may be configured with a clamping system to hold the movable cart in place relative to the stencil printer and cleaning station. For example, a magnetic clamping system may be employed.

In some embodiments, the stencil printer and/or cleaning station may be configured with a plurality of docking stations, e.g., five docking stations. The docking station may be disposed in front of or behind the stencil printer and/or cleaning station.

The movable cart and/or the stencil printer and/or the cleaning station may be configured to verify that the movable cart may interface with the stencil printer and/or the cleaning station. In one embodiment, verification may be provided to confirm that the movable cart is in place and ready to interface with the stencil printer and/or cleaning station. This verification process can also determine whether the correct material is on the mobile cart and whether the mobile cart material information can be received from the MES system or identified locally. If incorrect, the mobile cart may be configured to activate an alarm and/or alert the operator if the wrong or damaged material is on the mobile cart.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with an actuation device or actuator to move articles onto and off the movable cart once the movable cart is docked to the stencil printer and/or cleaning station. Embodiments of the actuator may be implemented on a movable cart, stencil printer, and/or cleaning station. In another embodiment, the items may be manually loaded and unloaded from the movable cart.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to interface with a production line. With this embodiment, the operator of the production line can confirm the correct position and respond to receipt of the movable cart at the stencil printer and/or cleaning station.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to communicate with a stencil printer, a cleaning station, a production line, and/or select a machine within the production line via an open platform. The communication system may include wired systems, wireless systems (via public network, mesh, bluetooth, wi-Fi, zigbee, WAN, nodes, li-Fi, etc.), combinations of wired and wireless systems, and Infrared (IR) systems.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured with a dedicated power supply. In one embodiment, the mobile cart includes a battery configured to power automated components disposed in the mobile cart (e.g., a mechanism for moving the templates and/or trays into and out of the mobile cart). In other embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured with an uninterrupted power supply. The power supply may be configured to support actuation when "docked" (high voltage from the stencil printer when docked, or low voltage when undocked). The power supply may be configured to recharge for autonomous operation, e.g., recharging the battery with power provided by the stencil printer.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to function with a stencil printer. For example, the movable cart may be configured to provide a handshake function with the stencil printer 10 prior to delivering the article, such as "please me stencil #1234". The mobile cart and stencil printer may be configured with communication protocols and/or library references regarding which are available for consumption. The mobile cart may be configured to determine whether the mobile cart has the correct item. The handshaking function may be configured to ensure proper delivery of an item, such as "this is template #1234", and/or subsequent delivery of an item, such as "i am now having template #1234". In one embodiment, the mobile device may be configured to scan and identify items in the mobile cart, and determine, for example, whether the items are ready for use, whether cleaning is required, and the like.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to address errors associated with handling and retrieving items in the mobile cart. For example, the mobile cart may be configured to detect incomplete movement of a party, incomplete transfer of items (e.g., jammed or jammed items), dropped transfer (e.g., "i have template #1234 transferred you, do you not receive. In one embodiment, a controller associated with the mobile cart may be configured to perform static discharge control, data recovery, and/or security.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured with a higher level of capability. In addition to indexing all the equipment to the correct height, the movable cart will need to pull in/out all the equipment for attachment by the machine gantry.

In some embodiments, existing machine gantries, rails, and printheads of a stencil printer may be configured to shuttle articles in and out.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to communicate with a stencil printer, a production line, and a warehouse associated with the production line.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with an electrical/pneumatic interface.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to track new and used consumables, such as templates and/or trays, including location, temperature, and other data, on the mobile cart.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to store and supply the articles on the templates and/or trays for the duration of the production run.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to scan all consumables with a suitable scanning device, such as a bar code reader or RFID reader.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with an indexing mechanism to properly position the consumable.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with a bypass switch to disconnect the movable cart from the stencil printer 10 in the event of a problem with the movable cart.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to be moved manually or by an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV).

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to interface with a stencil printer.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to service a plurality of stencil printers.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to be dedicated to one consumable item, such as a stencil, or a plurality of consumable/convertible items.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to transport and present consumables to be cleaned at the remote station.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to be refilled at a warehouse associated with the warehouse.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to be actively or passively climate controlled.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to be controlled by a smart phone-enabled application (App).

As used herein, an "automated" or "fully automated" transition describes the replacement or replenishment of an item without human intervention.

As used herein, a "partially automated" transition describes the replacement or replenishment of an item in the presence of some or limited human intervention.

As used herein, "transporting" or "in-transport" describes moving an article from one location to another either manually or with a machine.

As used herein, "installed" or "installed" describes the process of placing an item in a location ready for use.

As described above, the movable cart may be used to replace other items within the stencil printer. For example, stencil wiper assemblies include consumables, such as paper and solvents, that can be automatically replaced by a movable cart.

The concepts disclosed herein may be used in other types of equipment used to manufacture electronic substrates, including dispensers, pick and place machines, reflow ovens, wave soldering machines, selective welders, inspection stations, and cleaning stations. For example, concepts involving changing cartridges may be used with dispensers for dispensing viscous materials. In another example, concepts involving replacement tools may be used for dispensers and pick and place machines for mounting electronic components onto electronic substrates. In another example, concepts involving replacement of items may be used to replace solder in wave soldering machines and selective soldering machines as well as clean products in cleaning stations.

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

The claims.

Claims (26)

1. A method for removing and cleaning a stencil in a stencil printer, the method comprising:

removing the used stencil from the stencil printer with the aid of a movable cart;

transporting the used stencil to a cleaning station with the movable cart;

removing the used stencil from the movable cart;

delivering the used stencil to the cleaning station;

cleaning the stencil;

removing the cleaned stencil from the cleaning station; and

delivering the cleaned stencil to the movable cart for future use.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed without human intervention.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed on at least two stencil printers.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the movable cart is configured to transport other items, including a tray configured to support doctor blades and tools.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the movable cart comprises an interface configured to interact with a docking station associated with the stencil printer and the cleaning station.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the movable cart includes at least one pin received within at least one guide associated with the stencil printer and the cleaning station to register the movable cart with the stencil printer and the cleaning station, respectively, prior to fully docking the at least one delivery device.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying the item by obtaining an image of the item and verifying whether the item is a correct item based on a predetermined identification mark.

8. A system for removing and cleaning a stencil in a stencil printer, the system comprising:

a stencil printer having a removable stencil;

a cleaning station; and

a movable cart configured to:

The used stencil is removed from the stencil printer,

delivering the used stencil to the cleaning station;

removing the used stencil from the movable cart;

delivering the used stencil to the cleaning station;

removing the cleaned stencil from the cleaning station; and

delivering the cleaned stencil to the movable cart for future use.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the system further comprises a paste tray configured to support excess solder paste.

10. The system of claim 8, further comprising at least one additional stencil printer.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the movable cart is configured to transport other items, including a tray configured to support doctor blades and tools.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the movable cart comprises an interface configured to interact with a docking station associated with the stencil printer and a docking station associated with the cleaning station.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the movable cart includes at least one pin received within at least one guide associated with the stencil printer and at least one guide associated with the cleaning station to register the movable cart with the stencil printer and the cleaning station, respectively, prior to fully docking the movable cart.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the mobile cart comprises an imager to identify an item by obtaining an image of the item and verifying whether the item is a correct item based on a predetermined identification mark.

15. A method for recovering solder paste from a stencil printer, the method comprising:

removing excess solder paste from the stencil printer with the aid of a movable cart;

conveying the excess solder paste to a solder paste recycling station with the movable cart;

removing the excess solder paste from the movable cart;

delivering the excess solder paste to the solder paste recycle bin; and

the excess solder paste is stored for future use.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the excess solder paste is contained in a paste tray.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the movable cart comprises an interface configured to interact with a docking station associated with the stencil printer and the solder paste recycling station.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the movable cart includes at least one pin received within at least one guide associated with the stencil printer and the solder paste recycling station to register the movable cart with the stencil printer and the solder paste recycling station, respectively, prior to fully docking the at least one delivery device.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising identifying the item by obtaining an image of the item and verifying whether the item is a correct item based on a predetermined identification mark.

20. A system for recovering solder paste from a stencil printer, the system comprising:

a stencil printer;

a solder paste recycling station; and

a movable cart configured to:

removing excess solder paste from the stencil printer;

conveying the excess solder paste to the solder paste recycling station;

removing the excess solder paste from the movable cart; and

and delivering the excess solder paste to the solder paste recycling station.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the excess solder paste is contained in a paste tray.

22. The system of claim 20, further comprising at least one additional stencil printer.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein the movable cart is configured to transport other items, including templates and trays configured to support doctor blades and tools.

24. The system of claim 20, wherein the movable cart comprises an interface configured to interact with a docking station associated with the stencil printer and a docking station associated with the solder paste recycling station.

25. The system of claim 20, wherein the movable cart includes at least one pin received within at least one guide associated with the stencil printer and at least one guide associated with the solder paste recycling station to register the movable cart with the stencil printer and the solder paste recycling station, respectively, prior to fully docking the movable cart.

26. The system of claim 20, wherein the mobile cart comprises an imager to identify an item by obtaining an image of the item and verifying whether the item is a correct item based on a predetermined identification mark.