DEK Announces New ProFlow® Supply Agreement


DEK has confirmed that it has signed an agreement to license patented ProFlow® enclosed print head technology to Ekra, permitting the screen printing specialist to integrate ProFlow into new machines.

The agreement, which also covers printers sold under the Asys name, is for an initial period of five years and will be reviewed at the end of this time. Under the terms of the license, DEK will supply patented ProFlow technology for incorporation into Ekra machines. The new contract with Ekra is part of DEK's commitment to sharing its leading-edge, patented technology with the market where possible by means of specific license agreements.

"We realise that by permitting certain competitors to use our technology, this will prevent costly intellectual property disputes while simultaneously benefiting the industry in general," explains DEK's Chairman, John Knowles. "ProFlow in particular represents a significant advance in high accuracy mass imaging, rising to the challenges set by modern manufacturing through repeatable aperture filling, low paste wastage and high throughput capabilities. The use of ProFlow technology by companies such as Ekra will ultimately serve to optimise the manufacturing environment for everyone, creating conditions conducive to the technological advance so often associated with DEK."

ProFlow is primed to deliver greater accuracy in high accuracy mass imaging, making it ideal for environments such as lead-free. By maximising the process window in comparison to conventional squeegee blades, the greater transfer force of the enclosed print head maximises stencil aperture fill and paste release efficiency for high yield, high productivity assembly. "I anticipate that ProFlow will be an extremely valuable addition to our machine range," comments Werner Kreibl CEO of EKRA. "As manufacturers increasingly make the switch from squeegees to enclosed print head technology, ProFlow is ideally positioned to optimise the high accuracy mass imaging market for the unique challenges faced by today's industry."

About DEK
DEK is a global provider of advanced pre-placement manufacturing solutions and innovative deposition technologies for a wide range of electronic materials. For more information, visit DEK at www.dek.com.

Company Contact

Rich Heimsch
DEK International GmbH.
Hardturmstrasse 101
CH-8005
Zurich
Switzerland

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