Nov 29 2009
Guests were treated to an action-packed and informative day that included demonstrations of Gerber data file manipulation, stencil cutting on the DEK T8 laser, aperture verification using the ScanCAD system, screen printing advancements on the DEK Horizon 03i platform and a presentation from DEK that provided valuable information regarding stencil metallization and manufacturing techniques. Both new and established customers were on-hand and felt the day was time well-spent.
In fact, DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc., a Maryville, Tennessee-based electronics firm that manufactures products for the automotive industry, really put its hosts to the test when company representatives brought in their own boards, solder paste and stencil Gerber data. DENSO's Daniel Jones, Advanced Specialist, thought the Open House would be the perfect opportunity for an evaluation. "What better way to display the DEK-AGI technology capabilities than by seeing our product in-process," comments Jones. "The DEK-AGI team transferred our Gerber files, precisely cut the stencil and then loaded the stencil into the Horizon 03i where it was printed. It was impressive to see the stencil cutting process first-hand."
But, satisfaction with the new DEK-AGI arrangement isn't limited to new clients. Long-time DEK stencil customer and Horizon 03i user, Bob Felder, who is the Vice-President of Technical Services at EMS firm United Circuits, is delighted with the new AGI franchise. "We've been a DEK customer for a long time and have been immensely satisfied with both the company's stencil products and printing equipment technology. For us, the franchise with AGI is a real benefit as we now have stencil support and local equipment representation from the same source. With AGI's knowledge base in combination with the adoption of DEK's stencil manufacturing processes and procedures, we have no doubt our quality, delivery and performance metrics will continue to be met."
In an effort to deliver greater access to its technology at the local level, DEK has recently expanded its dedicated stencil operations through the addition of several America-based franchises. AGI, one of the most recent additions to the DEK stencil network, will provide Southeastern U.S. customers with access to proven DEK manufacturing techniques and stencil products, which include traditional mesh-mount stencils in a variety of sizes and metallizations, as well as the award-winning DEK VectorGuard frameless stencil system.
"Becoming a DEK stencil franchise allows us to broaden our product line, thus delivering more value to customers in this region," explains Doug Williamson, AGI Sales Manager. "DEK's screen printing process expertise goes far beyond their leadership in the equipment arena and we are delighted to have their stencil know-how at the foundation of our operation. We anticipate great things from this franchise agreement; last month's Open House was just the beginning."