DEK & STORK join forces to develop electroformed stencils for SMT industry
DEK has signed an exclusive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partner agreement with Stork Veco, Europe’s leading manufacturer of electroform stencils. The companies have joined forces to develop electroform stencils for the SMT industry, with particular focus on the semiconductor market.
Customers will benefit from DEK and Stork’s combined manufacturing and engineering expertise, and the high level of customer service DEK is able to provide as the number one stencil manufacturer in Europe.
"Electroform stencils are a niche product, and there are only a small number of manufacturers in Europe. But customers still expect fast lead times, and a high level of support in areas like design," says Michael Zahn of DEK. "With our global network of distribution centres, and superior service in areas like tooling, we’re able to give them the customer service they want. This agreement also means that DEK customers can now buy every type of stencil they need from one place."
Electroformed stencils are particularly effective in applications that require stencils with high volumes of apertures, and demand better printing characteristics that can be achieved using laser-cut or chemical etched stencils. The growing semiconductor industry is a key market, and DEK’s commitment to invest in the future has been a key driver behind the company’s decision to expand its involvement in the manufacture of electroform stencils.
The first fruit of the co-operation between DEK and Stork will be the VectorGuard Electroformed stencil, which is in the final stages of development. It is the first VectorGuard stencil to be manufactured through the electroforming process, and brings all the benefits of using interchangeable foils to electroformed stencils, including enhanced user-friendliness and handling, convenient storage and rapid changeover.
Under the terms of the OEM agreement, DEK will take full ownership for front-end orders, enquiries and on-site reports. Stork will then manufacture the stencil, before delivering it to DEK for final assembly and delivery to the end customer. Stork will no longer sell directly to end customers.
DEK’s OEM with Stork reflects DEK’s Combined Strength strategy, which aims to support customers in all areas of the printing process by combining its technologies and expertise with partner organizations, to create innovative solutions to tomorrow’s business and technical challenges.
For more information see WWW.DEK.COM