Cookson Electronics’ MPM Gel-Flex tooling is a conformal board-support system that is far easier to use and costs less than traditional support options. In addition, it significantly reduces both initial set-up and board changeover times, particularly for boards with bottom-side components, and will not damage parts or leads. The benefit of this tooling concept lies in its simplicity. Since it does not incorporate pins, there is no reason to be concerned about the location of components or leads on the bottom sides of boards.The tooling uses compressible polyurethane gel for gentle compliance for components, while providing firm support for the board itself. The only decision to be made during set-up is to ensure that support blocks are spread consistently across the board. Stencil printing requires board-level support for consistent results and high yields. Without such support, squeegee or print head pressure across the board will vary and prevent proper gasketing between stencil and board, resulting in inconsistent paste deposition, particularly with BGA and fine-pitch devices.
