The Model 6000 is designed for the SMT assembler requiring high quality, full automation, EPA compliance, flexibility and guaranteed performance. The Model 6000 enhances the technology of its predecessor, the Model 5000 in several ways. The overall profile is shorter to facilitate easy loading and unloading at a height of only 39-inches (99 cm). (See Fig. 3) The wash tank capacity is only 34-gallons which reduces wastewater and chemistry consumption by 40%, while increasing ultrasonic cleaning efficiency by 40%. The modular tank design allows the purchase of the standard Model 6000 for cleaning a single application such as stencils. Or, configure the machine for cleaning multiple applications by adding a second ultrasonic wash tank for cleaning such items as pallets, oven radiators, SMT adhesives, etc. The optional second ultrasonic tank could also be used as a dedicated rinse for ultrasonic rinsing of misprinted populated PCB's.

The Model 6000 comes standard with a built-in drying rack to allow stencils to dry naturally without dripping water in the work area. A low-pressure Dry Air Gun is available to expedite drying when necessary. While it is recommended that stencils dry naturally to conserve energy and prevent potential heat-induced damage, the Model 6000 is also available with an optional Low-Temperature Dryer to automatically dry stencils and other items.

Operation of the Model 6000 could not be easier. The operator simply places the stencil in the carrier basket and selects one of the preprogrammed cleaning profiles on the touch-screen controller. The stencil is automatically carried throughout the individual cleaning steps. The wash cycle for cleaning solder paste is usually only one or two minutes. The stencil is then indexed to the rinse tank where low-pressure water sprays rinse the stencil (5-10 seconds is all that is required). The stencil then waits over the rinse tank until the operator presses the load/unload button to return the stencil to the original position. When using the optional low-pressure dry air gun to expedite drying, a 29-inch stencil can be washed, rinsed and dried in approximately 4 minutes! There is no faster or safer way to clean a stencil.*

For multiple cleaning applications, the process engineer can program and custom label several profiles into the touch-screen controller. Users then simply select the appropriate cleaning profile for their application and cleaning is performed automatically. (See Fig. 2)

Maintenance of the Model 6000 is also very easy. When cleaning solder paste, the 440-R SMT Detergent wash solution is drained only once every two weeks to the optional wastewater evaporator or customer's waste treatment facility. The waste solder paste is "flushed" out and contained in a gravity trap where it is easily removed for recycling or disposal. Fresh wash solution is then added to the wash tank and the system is ready for another two-week cycle. The maintenance procedure can be accomplished by the touch of one button with the purchase of the Automatic Fill option. When using an optional wastewater evaporator, there is no liquid hazardous waste disposal and no filters because nothing is discharged to drain.