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GB2513320A - Table support system and table platen therefor - Google Patents

Table support system and table platen therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2513320A
GB2513320A GB1307247.5A GB201307247A GB2513320A GB 2513320 A GB2513320 A GB 2513320A GB 201307247 A GB201307247 A GB 201307247A GB 2513320 A GB2513320 A GB 2513320A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
body part
recesses
optionally
table platen
platen
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1307247.5A
Other versions
GB2513320B (en
GB201307247D0 (en
Inventor
Michael Westlake
Simon Stuart Pape
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ASM Assembly Systems Switzerland GmbH
Original Assignee
DTG International GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by DTG International GmbH filed Critical DTG International GmbH
Priority to GB1307247.5A priority Critical patent/GB2513320B/en
Publication of GB201307247D0 publication Critical patent/GB201307247D0/en
Publication of GB2513320A publication Critical patent/GB2513320A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2513320B publication Critical patent/GB2513320B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F15/00—Screen printers
    • B41F15/14—Details
    • B41F15/16—Printing tables
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M11/00—Testing of optical apparatus; Testing structures by optical methods not otherwise provided for
    • G01M11/02—Testing optical properties
    • G01M11/04—Optical benches therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/02—Platens

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Handling Of Sheets (AREA)
  • Container, Conveyance, Adherence, Positioning, Of Wafer (AREA)

Abstract

A table platen 5 comprises: a main body part 61 having upper and lower surfaces, wherein the main body 61 part includes a plurality of recesses 71, 73 open to the upper surface thereof; an upper body part (67, fig 14), in the form of a sheet, which is disposed to the upper surface (63) of the main body part 61 and closes the recesses 71, 73 at the upper surface of the main body part 61; wherein bonding agent within each of the recesses 71, 73 bonds the main body part 61 to the upper body part (67). A table support system including a raising and lowering system and a method of manufacturing a platen table are also disclosed.

Description

--
TABLE SUPPORT SYSTEM AND TABLE PLATEN THEREFOR
The present invention relates to a table support system of adjustable height for supporting workpieces in a processing operation, such as in a screen printing machine in performing a printing operation, and a table platen for such a table support system.
Workpiece support tables are used in screen printing machines to support tooling which is adapted to receive a workpiece and support the same in a printing operation.
Such workpiece support tables represent an expensive part of a screen printing machine, and it is an aim of the present invention to provide a workpiece support table which is of ower cost.
It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a workpiece support table which provides for greater flexibility, in accommodating tables of different size and construction.
Conventionally, tab'e p!atens. by virtue of being required to present a flat surface with very little deflection, are formed as an integral part of the workpiece support table. Whilst this arrangement provides for a flat support surface as required, the table assembly is not conveniently re-configurable by an operator to allow for the interchangeable use of alternative table platens.
It is a further aim: of the present invention to provide a table platen which has an improved flatness. Existing table platens, such as used in screen printing machines, have a flatness deviation of about IOD pm across the extent thereof, and the table platen of the present invention provides a flatter support surface.
in one aspect the present invention provides a table platen for supporting workpieces in processing operations, the tab'e platen comprising: a main body part having upper and ower surfaces, wherein the main body part includes a plurahty of recesses which are disposed in spaced relation and open to the upper surface thereof; an upper body part, in the form of a sheet, which is disposed to the upper surface of the main body part and doses the recesses at the upper surface of the main body part; and bonding agent within each of the recesses which bonds the main body part to the upper body part.
In one embodiment a major portion of the upper surface of the main body part, which is in direct contact with the upper body part, has no bonding agent applied thereto.
In one embodiment at east ones of the recesses are arranged in a regular array over the upper surface of the main body part.
in one embodiment a plurality of the recesses comprise bores, optionally circular.
in one embodiment at east one of the recesses comprise channels, optionafly encircling one or more fixtures in the main body part.
In one embodiment a plurality of the recesses comprise channels, optionafly encircling one or more fixtures in the main body part.
in one embodiment the recesses each include at least one port which is vented to atmosphere, optionally to the lower surface of the main body part) by which bonding agent is charged into the recess.
in one embodiment the recesses each include at least one supplemental aperture which is associated with the at east one port, whereby a visible indication of complete charging of the respective recess Is provided, by the bonding agent being present at the supplemental aperture.
In one embodiment the recesses are fluidly isolated.
In one embodiment one or more groups of two or more recesses are fluidly connected.
In one embodiment the main body part is formed of an aluminium alloy.
In one embodiment the upper body part is formed of ferritic stainless steel.
In one embodiment the bonding agent comprises an adhesive, optionally an acrylic adhesive, more optionally a methacrylate structural adhesive.
In one embodiment an upper surface of the upper body part opposite to the main body part has a plain surface.
In one embodiment an upper surface of the upper body part opposite to the main body part has a patterned surface, which presents a planar surface over an averaged area.
In one embodiment the table platen Includes a plurality of locator elements, optionally arranged in spaced relation along a length of each of a pair of opposite edges thereof, which allow for the table platen to be located in a fixed position, both in horizontal and vertical orients.
In one embodiment the main body part Includes a plurality of fixtures, optionally threaded apertures, in the upper surface thereof which provide for the fixing of components thereto.
In one embodiment the main body part includes at least one fixture at at least one edge thereof, optionally comprising an elongate channel, which allows for the attachment of ancillary equipment to the table platen.
In one embodiment the main body part includes fixtures at each of two opposite edges thereof.
In one embodiment an upper surface of the upper body part opposite to the main body part has a flatness deviation of less than about 50 pm, optionally less than about 40 pm, and more optionally less than about 35 pm.
In one embodiment the main body part includes at least fifteen of the recesses, optionally at least twenty of the recesses, and more optionally at least twenty-five of the recesses.
The present invention also extends to a processing machine, optionally a screen printing machine, which incorporates the above-described table platen.
The present invention further extends to an optical bench which Incorporates the above-described table platen.
In another aspect the present invention provides a table support system for 4.
supporting workpieces in processing operations, the system comprising: a platform which supports a table platen or the above-described table platen, optionally in a horizontal orient; and a raiser unit for raising and lowering the platform, optionally in a vertical orient.
In one embodiment the platform comprises a body member, and first and second support members which are fixed to the body member, optionally to the respective ends of the body member, and support the table platen therea bove.
In one embodiment the body member is formed of an extrusion, optionally an aluminium alloy extrusion, of a first profile.
In one embodiment the support members each comprise a plurality of locator elements, optionally arranged in spaced relation along a length thereof, which are located in counterpart locator elements in the table platen, such as to locate the table platen in a fixed position, both in horizontal and vertical orients, relative to the platform.
In one embodiment the first support member has a width which is greater than a width of the table platen, such that the first support member extends laterally beyond the extent of the table platen, and includes first and second support elements at the respective ends thereof, which support ancillary equIpment.
In one embodiment the first support member is formed of an extrusion, optionally an aluminium alloy extrusion, of a second profile.
In one embodiment the platform further comprises a third support member which Is slideabiy disposed to the body member between the first and second support members.
In one embodiment the third support member has a width which Is greater than a width of the table platen, such that the third support member extends laterally beyond the extent of the table platen, and includes first and second support elements at the respective ends thereof, which support ancillary equipment.
In one embodiment the first and third support members are formed of an extrusion, optionally an aluminum ahoy extrusion, of the same profile. 4 In one embodiment the platform further comprises an actuator unit which comprises at least one guide, optionally in the form of a linear bearing, which is disposed between the body member and the third support member, and an actuator which Is coupled between the body member and the third support member and is operative to move the third support member, optionally in a horizontal orient, whereby a spacing between the support elements of the first and third support members is adjustable.
In one embodiment the raiser unit comprises first and second body members, one, lower body member being fixed and providing a base of the table system, and the other, upper, body member being slideably disposed to the lower body member and having the platform fixed thereto, whereby, on actuating the raiser unit, the platform is raised and lowered.
In one embodiment the lower body member is formed from an extrusion, optionally an aluminum alloy extrusion.
In one embodiment the lower body member is formed from the same extrusion as the body member of the platform.
In one embodiment the raiser unit further comprises an actuator unit which comprises at least one guide, optionally in the form of a linear bearing, which is disposed between the lower and upper body members, and an actuator which is coupled between the lower and upper body members and is operative to move the upper body member, optionally in a vertical orient, whereby a height of the piatform is adjustable.
In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of fabricating a table platen, comprising the steps of: providing a first body part, in the form of a flat sheet or plate, to a planar surface; providing a second body part, having at least one flat surface and Including a plurality of recesses which are disposed in spaced relation and open to the flat surface thereof; disposing the flat surface of the second body part on the first body part, such that the recesses are closed by the first body part; and providing a a bonding agent within each of the recesses to bond together the first and second body parts.
In one embodiment each of the recesses is charged with the bonding agent, such that the bonding agent fills, or at least substantially fills, the cavity as defined by the recess and the first body part.
In one embodiment the pot-don of the flat surface of the second body part, other than that defined by the recesses, Is in direct contact with the first body part and has no bonding agent applied thereto.
In one embodiment the main body part includes at least fifteen of the recesses, optionally at least twenty of the recesses, and more optionally at least twenty five of the recesses.
In one embodiment at least ones of the recesses are arranged in a regular array over the flat surface of the second body part.
In one embodiment a plurality of the recesses comprise bores, optionally circular bores.
In one embodiment at least one of the recesses comprises a channel, optionally encircling one or more fixtures In the second body part.
In one embodiment a plurality of the recesses comprise channels, optionally encircling one or more fixtures in the second body part.
In one embodiment the recesses each include at least one port which is vented to atmosphere, optionally to a surface of the second body part which is oppositely directed to the flat surface thereof, by which bonding agent is charged into the recesses.
In one embodiment the recesses each include at least one supplemental aperture which Is associated with the at least one port, whereby, on charging the recesses with bonding agent, a visible indication of complete charging of the respective recess is provided, by the bonding agent being present at the supplemental aperture.
In one embodiment the recesses are fluidly isolated, whereby each of the recesses is individually charged.
In one embodIment one or more groups of two or more recesses are fluidly connected, whereby the recesses in each of the groups is charged by a single charging operation.
In one embodiment the first body part is formed of ferritic stainless steel.
In one embodiment the second body part is formed of an aluminium alloy.
In one embodiment the bonding agent comprises an adhesive, optionally an acrylic adhesive, more optionally a methacrylate structural adhesive.
In one embodiment a surface of the first body part opposite to the second body part has a flatness deviation of less than about 50 pm, optionally less than about 40 pm, and more optionally less than about 35 pm.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinbelow by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a table system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates one side view of the table system of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates the other side view of the table system of Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates one end view of the table system of Figure 1; Figure 5 Illustrates the other end view of the table system of FIgure 1; FIgure 6 illustrates a plan view of the table system of Figure 1, wIth the table platen removed; Figure 7 illustrates a first vertical sectIonal view (along section I-I in Figure 2) of the table system of Figure 1; Figure 8 illustrates a second vertical sectional view (along section II-!! in Figure 4) of the table system of Figure 1; Figure 9 illustrates a horizontal sectional view (along section 111-Ill In Figure 4) of the table system of Figure 1; FIgure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the table platen In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 illustrates a plan view of the table platen of Figure 10; Figure 12 illustrates an underneath view of the table platen of Figure 10; illustrates one side view of the table platen of Figure 10 (other opposite edge corresponds); Figure 14 illustrates a sectional view (along section IV-IV in Figure 11) of the table platen of Figure 10; Figure 15 illustrates a perspectIve view of the main body part of the table platen of Figure 10; -10 -Figure 16 Illustrates a plan view of the main body part of the table platen of Figure 10; Figure 17 Illustrates an underneath view of the main body part of the table platen of Figure 10; Figure 18 illustrates one side view of the main body part of the table platen of Figure 10 (other opposite edge corresponds); Figure 19 Illustrates one end view of the main body part of the table platen of Figure 10 (other opposite edge corresponds); Figure 20 Illustrates a perspective view of the upper body part of the table platen of Figure 10; Figure 21 illustrates a plan view of the upper body part of the table platen of Figure 20 (underneath view corresponds); and Figure 22 illustrates one edge view of the upper body part of the table platen of Figure 20 (other edge views correspond).
The table system comprises a platform 3, a table platen 5 which is supported by the piatform 3, In this embodiment in a horizontal orient, and a raiser unit 7 for raising and lowering the platform 3, in this embodiment in a vertical orient.
In this embodiment the platform 3 comprises a body member 11, and first and second support members 15, 17 which are fixed to respective ends of the body member 11 and support the table platen 5 thereabove.
In this embodiment the body member 11 is formed of an extrusion, here an aluminium alloy extrusion, of a first profile.
-11 -In this embodiment the support members 15, 17 each comprise a plurality of locator elements 21, here three locator elements 21, which are arranged in spaced relation along a length thereof, and are received by counterpart locator elements 69 in the table platen 5, such as to locate the table platen S in a fixed position, both In horizontal and vertical orients, relative to the platform 3.
In this embodiment the first support member 15 has a width which is greater than a width of the table platen 5, such that the first support member 15 extends laterally beyond the extent of the table platen 5, and includes first and second support elements 23 at the respective ends thereof, which support transport rails (not illustrated) which convey In this embodiment the first support member 15 is formed of an extrusion, here an aluminium alloy extrusion, of a second profile.
The platform 3 further comprises a third support member 31 which is slideably disposed to the body member 11 between the first and second support members 15, 17.
In this embodiment the third support member 31 has a width which is greater than a width of the table platen 5, such that the third support member 31 extends laterally beyond the extent of the table platen 5, and includes first and second support elements 33 at the respective ends thereof, which support ancillary equipment together with the support elements 23 of the first support member 15.
In this embodiment the third support member 31 is formed from the same extrusion as the first support member 15. By forming the first and third support members 15, 31 from a common extrusion, cost Is reduced.
-12 -The platform 3 further comprises an actuator unit 35 which comprises at least one guIde 37, here in the form of a linear bearing, which is disposed between the body member 11 and the third support member 31, and an actuator 39 which is coupled between the body member 11 and the third support member 31, such as to move the third support member 31, in this embodiment in a horizontal orient, whereby a spacing between the support elements 23, 33 of the first and third support members 15, 31 can be adjusted1 In this embodiment the actuator 39 comprises a motor 41 and a lead screw 43 which is threadedly engaged to the third support member 31 and driven by the motor 41.
In this embodiment the raiser unit 7 comprises first and second body members 51, 53, one, lower body member 51 being fixed and providing the base of the table system, and the other, upper body member 53 beIng slideably disposed to the lower body member 51 and having the platform 3 fixed thereto, whereby, on actuating the raiser unit 7, the platform 3 is raised and lowered.
In this embodiment the lower body member 51 is formed from an extrusion.
In this embodiment the lower body member 51 Is formed from the same extrusion as the body member 11 of the platform 3. By forming the body member 11 of the platform 3 and the lower body member 51 from a common extrusion, cost is reduced.
The raiser unit 7 further comprises an actuator unit 55 which comprises at least one guide 57, here In the form of a linear bearing, which is disposed between the lower and upper body members 51, 53, and an actuator 58 which is coupled between the lower and upper body members 51, 53, such as to move the upper body member 53, in this embodiment in a vertical orient, whereby a height of the platform 3 can be adjusted. -13'
In this embodiment the actuator 58 comprises a motor 59 which is fixed to the lower body member 51 and a lead screw 60 whIch Is threadedly engaged to the upper body member 53 and driven by the motor 59, here by a toothed belt.
Figures 10 to 24 illustrate the table platen 5 In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present Invention.
The table platen 5 comprises a main body part 61 having upper and lower surfaces 63, 65, and an upper body part 67, in the form of a sheet, which is bonded to the upper surface 63 of the main body part 61.
In this embodiment the table platen 5 includes a plurality of locator elements 69, here three locator elements 69, which are arranged in spaced relation along a length of each of a pair of opposite edges thereof, and are received by counterpart locator elements 21 of the first and second support members 15, 17, such as to locate the table platen 5 In a fixed position, both in horizontal and vertical orients, relative to the platform 3.
In this embodiment the table platen S further includes a plurality of fixtures 70, here threaded apertures, which provide for the fixing of components, such as tooling, thereto.
In this embodiment the main body part 61 includes a plurality of recesses 71, 73 which open to the upper surface 63 thereof, and, when closed by the upper body part 63, receive a bonding agent 83, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
In this embodiment ones of the recesses 71 comprise bores, here circular, which are arranged in a regular array over the upper surface 63 of the main body part 61.
-14 -In this embodiment the main body part 61 includes twenty five of the recesses 71, here arranged in a regular array. In one embodiment the main body part 61 includes at least fifteen of the recesses 71, optionally at least twenty of the recesses 71, and more optionally at least twenty five of the recesses 71.
In this embodiment others of the recesses 73 comprise channels, here encircling one or more fixtures 70 In the main body part 61.
In this embodiment the recesses 71, 73 each include at least one aperture 77 which is vented to atmosphere.
In this embodiment the recesses 71, 73 each include at least one supplemental aperture 79 which is associated with the at least one primary aperture 77. With this configuration, an operative is provided with a visible indication of complete charging of the respective recess 71, 73, by the bonding agent 83 filling the supplemental aperture 79.
In an alternative embodiment the supplemental apertures 79 could be omitted, and the charging tool instead provided with an adapted nozzle which aliows for backflow when charging is complete.
In another alternative embodiment, where the recess 71, 73 includes a plurality of primary apertures 77, the supplemental apertures 79 could be omitted.
In this embodiment the recesses 71, 73 are fluidly isolated.
In an alternative embodiment groups of two or more recesses 71, 73 can be fluidly connected. In this way, charging of the recesses 71, 73 with bondIng agent requires fewer repeated charging operations.
In this embodiment the main body part 61 further includes at least one fixture 80 at at least one edge thereof, which allows for the attachment of ancillary equipment to the table platen 5.
In this embodiment the main body part 61 further includes fixtures 80 at each of two opposite edges thereof.
In this embodiment the fixture 80 comprises an elongate channel.
As discussed hereinabove, each of the recesses 71, 73 is charged with a bonding agent 83, such that the bonding agent 83 fills, or at least substantially fills the cavity as defined by the recess 71, 73 and the upper body part 63.
In the charging operation, the upper body part 63 is laid on a flat bench, and the main body part 61 Is overlaid in an inverted orient, on the upper body part 63, such that all of the recesses 71, 73 are closed by the upper body part 63.
In this embodiment a load is applied to the main body part 61, such as to maintain the upper body part 63 fiat. In one embodiment the main body part 61 is maintained flat to the upper body part 63 by a vacuum or magnetic clamp.
The present inventors have recognized that this configuration of bonding provides for a strong fixing of the upper body part 67 to the main body part 61 and also a remarkably fiat surface at the upper body part 67, as compared all conventional bonding processes in which a bonding agent is applied between the main body part 61 and the upper body part 67, even when using spacers therebetween, typically glass spheres. It is postulated that the bonding agent 83 cures to its core, and thus acts to draw the surrounding surfaces, including the lower surface of the upper body part 67 at the recesses 71, 73, towards the respective recesses 71, 73.
-16 -In this embodiment the upper body part 67 has an upper surface with a flatness deviation of about 30 pm over its lateral extent. In a preferred embodiment the upper surface has a flatness deviation of less than about pm, optionally less than about 40 pm, and more optionally less than about 35 pm.
In this embodiment the main body part 61 is formed of an aluminium alloy, which provides for a lightweight structure, enabling an operative to change the table platen 5, as required. As discussed above, in conventional table systems, the table platen 5 is an integral part of the table system.
Furthermore, in this embodiment the flatness of the table platen 5 is not compromised by removal and/or replacement thereof, as alignment of the table platen 5 is achieved by the locator elements 21 of the first and second support members 15, 17 being located in the locator elements 69 in the
table platen 5.
In this embodiment the upper body part 67 Is formed of ferritic stainless steel, which enables the use of magnetic tooling supports.
In this embodiment the upper surface of the upper body part 67 has a plain surface. In an alternative embodiment the upper surface of the upper body part 67 can have a patterned surface, which is effective In concealing marking, and yet presents a planar surface over an averaged area.
In this embodiment the bonding agent is an adhesive, here an acrylic adhesive, such as a methacrylate structural adhesive. In this embodiment the adhesive is a Crestabond Mi adhesive, optionally a Crestabond Mi-OS adhesive (as supplied by Scott Bader, Wollaston, UK).
Finally, it will be understood that the present invention has been described In its preferred embodiments and can be modified In many different ways -17 without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (56)

  1. -18 -CLAIMS1. A table platen for supporting workpieces in processing operations, the table platen comprising; a main body part having upper and lower surfaces, wherein the main body part includes a pluraflty of recesses which are disposed in spaced relation and open to the upper surface thereof; an upper body part, in the form of a sheet, which is disposed to the upper surface of the main body part and closes the recesses at the upper surface of the main body part; and bonding agent within each of the recesses which bonds the main body part to the upper body part.
  2. 2. The table platen of claim 1, wherein a major portion of the upper surface of the main body part, which is in direct contact with the upper body part, has no bonding agent applied thereto.
  3. 3. The tabie platen of claim I or 2, wherein at least ones of the recesses are arranged in a regular array over the upper surface of the main body part.
  4. 4. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 3. wherein a plurality of the recesses comprise bores, optionally circular.
  5. 5. The table platen of any of claims I to 4, wherein at least one of the recesses comprise channels, optionally encircling one or more fixtures in the main body part.
  6. 6. The table platen of claim 5, wherein a plurality of the recesses comprise channels, optionally encircling one or more fixtures in. the main body part.
    -19 -
  7. 7. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the recesses each include at least one port which is vented to atmosphere, optionally to the lower surface of the main body part, by which bonding agent is charged into the recess.
  8. 8. The table platen of claim 7, wherein the recesses each Include at least one supplemental aperture which is associated with the at least one port, whereby a visible indication of complete charging of the respective recess Is provided, by the bonding agent being present at the supplemental aperture.
  9. 9. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the recesses are fluidly isolated.
  10. 10. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein one or more groups of two or more recesses are fluidly connected.
  11. 11. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main body part is formed of an aluminium alloy.
  12. 12. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the upper body part is formed of ferritic stainless steel.
  13. 13. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the bonding agent comprises an adhesive, optionaily an acrylic adhesive, more optionally a methacrylate structural adhesive.
  14. 14. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein an upper surface of the upper body part opposite to the main body part has a plain surface.
    -20 -
  15. 15. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein an upper surface of the upper body part opposite to the main body part has a patterned surface, which presents a planar surface over an averaged area.
  16. 16. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 15, whereIn the table platen includes a plurality of locator elements, optionally arranged in spaced relation along a length of each of a pair of opposite edges thereof, which allow for the table platen to be located In a fixed position, both in horizontal and vertical orients.
  17. 17. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 16, whereIn the main body part Includes a plurality of fixtures, optionally threaded apertures, in the upper surface thereof which provide for the fixing of components thereto.
  18. 18. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the main body part includes at least one fixture at at least one edge thereof, optionally comprising an elongate channel, which allows for the attachment of ancillary equipment to the table platen.
  19. 19. The table platen of claim 18, wherein the main body part Includes fixtures at each of two opposite edges thereof.
  20. 20. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 19, wherein an upper surface of the upper body part opposite to the main body part has a flatness deviation of less than about 50 pm, optionally less than about 40 pm, and more optionally less than about 35 pm.
  21. 21. The table platen of any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the main body part includes at least fifteen of the recesses, optionally at least twenty of the recesses, and more optionally at least twenty five of the recesses.
    -21 -
  22. 22. A processing machine, optionally a screen printing machine, Incorporating the table platen of any of claims 1 to 21.
  23. 23. An optical bench Incorporating the table platen of any of claims 1 to 21.
  24. 24. A table support system for supporting workpieces in processing operations, the system comprising: a platform which supports a table platen or the table platen of any of claims 1 to 21, optionally in a horizontal orient; and a raiser unit for raising and lowering the platform, optionally In a vertical orient.
  25. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the platform comprises a body member, and first and second support members which are fixed to the body member, optionally to the respective ends of the body member, and support the table platen thereabove.
  26. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the body member is formed of an extrusion, optionally an aluminium alloy extrusion, of a first profile.
  27. 27. The system of claim 25 or 26, wherein the support members each comprise a plurality of locator elements, optionally arranged in spaced relation along a length thereof, which are located in counterpart locator elements in the table platen, such as to locate the table platen in a fixed position, both In horizontal and vertical orients, relative to the platform.
  28. 28. The system of any of claims 25 to 27, wherein the first support member has a width which is greater than a width of the table platen, such that the first support member extends laterally beyond the extent of the table platen, and includes first and second support -22 -elements at the respective ends thereof, which support ancillary equipment.
  29. 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the first support member Is formed of an extrusion, optionally an aluminium alloy extrusion, of a second profile.
  30. 30. The system of any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the platform further comprises a third support member which is slideably disposed to the body member between the first and second support members.
  31. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the third support member has a width which Is greater than a width of the table platen, such that the third support member extends laterally beyond the extent of the table platen, and includes first and second support elements at the respective ends thereof, which support ancillary equipment.
  32. 32. The system of claim 30 or 31, wherein the first and third support members are formed of an extrusion, optionally an aluminum alloy extrusion, of the same profile.
  33. 33. The system of any of claims 30 to 32, wherein the platform further comprises an actuator unit which comprises at least one guide, optionally in the form of a linear bearing, which is disposed between the body member and the third support member, and an actuator which is coupled between the body member and the third support member and is operative to move the third support member, optionally in a horizontal orient, whereby a spacing between the support elements of the first and third support members isadjustable.
  34. 34.. The system of any of claims 24 to 33, wherein the raiser unit comprises first and second body members, one, lower body member -23 -being fixed and providing a base of the table system, and the other, upper body member being slideably disposed to the lower body member and having the platform fixed thereto, whereby, on actuating the raiser unit, the platform is raised and lowered.
  35. 35. The system of claim 34, whereIn the lower body member is formed from an extrusion, optionally an aluminum alloy extrusion.
  36. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the lower body member Is formed from the same extrusion as the body member of the platform.
  37. 37. The system of any of claims 34 to 36, wherein the raiser unit further comprises an actuator unit which comprises at least one guide, optionally In the form of a linear bearing, which is disposed between the lower and upper body members, and an actuator which Is coupled between the lower and upper body members and Is operative to move the upper body member, optionally in a vertical orient, whereby a height of the platform is adjustable.
  38. 38. A method of fabricating a table platen, comprising the steps of: providing a first body part, in the form of a flat sheet or plate, to a planar surface; providing a second body part, having at least one flat surface and including a plurality of recesses which are disposed in spaced relation and open to the flat surface thereof; disposing the flat surface of the second body part on the first body part, such that the recesses are closed by the first body part; and providing a bonding agent within each of the recesses to bond together the first and second body parts.
  39. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein each of the recesses is charged with the bonding agent, such that the bonding agent fills, or at least -24 -substantially fills, the cavity as defined by the recess and the first body part.
  40. 40. The method of claim 38 or 39, wherein the portion of the fiat surface of the second body part, other than that defined by the recesses, is In direct contact with the first body part and has no bonding agent applied thereto.
  41. 41. The table platen of any of claims 38 to 40, wherein the main body part includes at least fifteen of the recesses, optionally at least twenty of the recesses, and more optionally at least twenty five of the recesses.
  42. 42. The method of any of claims 38 to 41, wherein at least ones of the recesses are arranged in a regular array over the flat surface of the second body part.
  43. 43. The method of any of claims 38 to 43, wherein a plurality of the recesses comprise bores, optionally circular bores.
  44. 44. The method of any of claIms 38 to 43, wherein at least one of the recesses comprises a channel, optionally encircling one or more fixtures in the second body part.
  45. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein a plurality of the recesses comprise channels, optionally encircling one or more fixtures In the second body part.
  46. 46. The method of any of claims 38 to 45, whereIn the recesses each include at least one port which is vented to atmosphere, optionally to a surface of the second body part which is oppositely directed to the flat surface thereof, by which bonding agent is charged into the recesses.
    -25 -
  47. 47. The method of claim 46, whereIn the recesses each include at least one supplemental aperture which is associated with the at least one port, whereby, on charging the recesses with bonding agent, a visible indication of complete charging of the respective recess Is provided, by the bonding agent being present at the supplemental aperture.
  48. 48. The method of any of claIms 38 to 47, wherein the recesses are fiuid!y isolated, whereby each of the recesses is individually charged.
  49. 49. The method of any of claims 38 to 47, whereIn one or more groups of two or more recesses are fluidly connected, whereby the recesses in each of the groups is charged by a single charging operation.
  50. 50. The method of any of claims 38 to 49, wherein the first body part is formed of ferritic stainless steel.
  51. 51. The method of any of claims 38 to 50, whereIn the second body part is formed of an aluminium alloy.
  52. 52. The method of any of claims 38 to 51, wherein the bonding agent comprises an adhesive, optionally an acrylic adhesive, more optionally a methacrylate structural adhesive.
  53. 53. The method of any of claims 38 to 52, wherein a surface of the first body part opposite to the second body part has a flatness deviation of less than about 50 pm, optionally less than about 40 pm, and more optionally less than about 35 pm.
  54. 54. A table platen for supporting workpieces in processing operations substantially as hereinbefore described wIth reference to the accompanying drawings.
  55. 55. A method oF fabricating a tab'e platen for supporting workpieces in processing operations substantiafly as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  56. 56. A table support system: for supporting workpieces in processing operations substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB1307247.5A 2013-04-22 2013-04-22 Table support system and table platen therefor Active GB2513320B (en)

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GB2513320A true GB2513320A (en) 2014-10-29
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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5962104A (en) * 1997-05-01 1999-10-05 Kinetic Systems, Inc. Optical table
US6111691A (en) * 1997-12-23 2000-08-29 Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung Positioning table

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5962104A (en) * 1997-05-01 1999-10-05 Kinetic Systems, Inc. Optical table
US6111691A (en) * 1997-12-23 2000-08-29 Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung Positioning table

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GB2513320B (en) 2020-07-29
GB201307247D0 (en) 2013-05-29

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