Automatic system for exposing and handling double-sided printed circuit

Abstract

An automatic system for exposing and handling double-sided printed circuit boards without scuffing either side, which effects precise positioning of the circuit boards at exposure stations, and which holds the circuit boards firmly clamped on a planar stage during exposure. The system includes a first apparatus to expose one side of each circuit board, and a second apparatus to expose the other side thereof. Air-bearing and mechanical-engagement means cooperate with each other to float and actuate the circuit boards from one station to the other, and coarse and fine positioning means are provided at each station to effect accurate locating of the boards thereat followed by vacuum clamping onto the exposure stage. Means are provided for automatically inverting each board as it moves from the first exposure station to the second, the inverting means incorporating air-bearing and mechanical-actuating means to insure that there is no scuffing at the inverting station.