Dimatix has added software capabilities to its DMP-2800 materials deposition system. Aimed at providing increased flexibility for designing printed patterns, Dimatix Drop Manager software adds the capability to print standard Windows bitmap (BMP) image files with an optional Gerber File Import (GFI) feature.
 
Martin Schoeppler, VP, strategic business development, saic, “This software release dramatically increases the complexity of patterns that technology professionals can print. Developers of jetted electronics in particular will benefit from the easy-to-use Gerber converter.”
 
The new capability allows designers to utilize image editors, such as Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Paint, to directly edit files for precise single drop placement. Third-party conversion programs can be used to create BMP files from AutoCAD, PDF or other vector-based applications.
 
With the GFI option, DMP-2800 users can print Gerber files from all popular PCB layout packages at resolutions up to 5080 dots per inch (5 µm droplet pitch). The GFI option also includes a copy of GerbMagic, a popular Gerber file viewer and manipulation tool. GerbMagic allows rotations, mirroring, panelization and compositing of multiple Gerber images into one.
 
 
The Dimatix DMP-2800 series printer is a bench-top precision digital materials deposition system for high-precision patterned jetting of functional fluids – including nanoparticle-based metallic and organic materials – on any type of surface, such as plastic, glass, metal sheets, silicon, membranes, gels and paper.
 
The system is an easy-to-use tool to quickly develop and test processes and prototypes, as well as to conduct low-volume manufacturing of a broad range of products – from PCBs, RFID tags and flexible or rigid displays to DNA arrays, optical microlenses and wearable electronics.
 
By directly printing on their substrates, customers can develop prototypes and keep process technology in-house. Customers can fill the single-use cartridges with any type of fluidic material to perform print and deposition functions without having to become fluid jet experts.
 
Dimatix, www.dimatix.com

Cognex has added new features to its VisionPro machine vision systems to accelerate development of PC-based machine vision solutions for automated inspection and quality assurance applications.
 
“VisionPro’s new interactive tools make it fast and easy to evaluate, implement, and deploy multi-camera applications completely without programming,” said Marilyn Matz, senior VP, PC Vision. “With VisionPro, customers can maintain the power and flexibility of a fully programmable PC vision system, yet significantly reduce setup time and development cost. VisionPro provides a vision development environment with something for everyone…interactive drag and drop, .NET scripting, and a full programming toolkit.”
 
The system now offers a set of interactive tools for creating vision applications without programming:
QuickBuild environment quickly defines image acquisition, vision tools, and accept/reject criteria.
Communications Explorer sends inspection results to input/output lines and communication devices, such as PLCs or reject mechanisms.
Optional Scripting extends QuickBuild without programming the entire application.
Application Wizard automatically generates a runtime application with an operator interface in minutes.
 
Cognex Corp., cognex.com

Transition Automation will showcase Permalex SMT printing squeegee blades and holder products in booth 9-634 at the SMT/Hybrid/Packaging exhibition this week in Germany.  The products will be showcased by PB Technik, GmbH. 
 
The company is also releasing many new holder designs based on a patented pin-reference alignment system. The lightweight, feature-packed SMT blade holder allows users quick change of blades, high visibility and light mass for user comfort. The lightweight design is important to eliminate handling damage to squeegee edges.  The holder integrates a reference “window” through which users can confirm the proper seating of the squeegee blade. Can be easily updated with a new or repositioned blade, and is easy to clean and maintain. 
 
PB Technik will also demonstrate The Permalex Paste Manager, a self-cleaning squeegee system.

Transition Automation, transitionautomation.com
SMT/Hybrid/Packaging Booth 9-634 (with PB Technik)

DX-200 Series of Digital Dispenser/Controllers are affordable, accurate and repeatable micro-air dispensing systems.
 
DX-200 offers an operating pressure of 0 to 100 Psi, (0 to 6.9bar), and is configured for general dispensing applications; DX-215 has an operating pressure of 0 to 15 Psi, (0 to 1 bar), and is designed for specific low viscosity fluids. Applications range from the precision deposition of surface-mount solder paste and adhesive to semiconductor under-fill.
 
The units are supplied with a power adapter, air hose, sample tips, barrel, syringe adapter and syringe stand. Operating from a 24V DC supply, the CE-certified dispensers feature a timer range of 0.008 to 99.99 sec.
 
Specified for manufacturing environments where accuracy and repeatability take priority, features a digital timer and adjustable vacuum for controlling drips between dispense cycles.
 
The contemporary, robust housing is designed with a small footprint to conserve workspace, and can be easily carried between work locations. Units can also be stacked and fastened on top of each other for further bench top efficiency.