Ovation Products has been awarded a SMT VISION Award in the category of Dispensing Equipment for its Smart-stencil ™ technology. The crystal glass award will be presented to Charles Moncavage, GM, during a Monday, February 19, 2007 ceremony that will take place at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles before the start of APEX.

This patent-pending system enables users to transform any in-line screen printer (with 29 x 29" frame capabilities) into a highly accurate fluid dispensing machine in just minutes and back to screen printer just as easily. With Smart-stencil ™, dispensing capabilities may be added to an existing SMT assembly line without using additional floor space and single unit may be used across multiple lines.

Ovation uses its proprietary servo robot cassette that is inserted into the printer in the same way as an ordinary stencil. Once the Active Stencil cassette is loaded into the host printer, setup personnel operate the printer as in a normal operation without any specialized training. The dispense routines are programmed via the Windows-based software that allows the user to import, edit and convert DXF, STL, HPGL, Gerber, Excellon and many common image files. Because of its complete mobility, users may program, setup and test-run the system at a remote location before loading it into the host printer at production time.

Included with the system is a HD stainless steel roll cabinet that also serves as home to the PC and 17" LCD display as well as a storage rack for the robot and all related dispensing supplies. The precision dispense valve assembly accommodates a variety of SMT adhesives and solder pastes, and is equipped with quick-disconnect features to allow for ease of maintenance.

Although the system is aimed at “full auto” and in-line SMT applications, the company plans to offer a docking station for use with the system to enable it for use in benchtop applications and in smaller facilities where capacity expansion may be anticipated.

Ovation will offer a full line of Active Stencil modules for use in pick-and-place and product identification applications such as ink-jetting. The product is available through Ovation’s worldwide rep network, and more information can be found at www.grid-lok.com.

Now in its 15th year, the SMT VISION Awards program is an annual celebration of product excellence in electronics surface mount assembly. Premier products based on the finest examples of creative advancement in technology in 22 key areas are chosen by a distinguished panel of industry experts. www.grid-lok.com