Apart from all types of PCBs, HighqualityPCB also manufactures solder paste stencils to
meet SMT requirements.
Stencils, also called SMT stencils, play a key role in transferring accurate amount of
solder paste to correct positions on bare circuit boards ready for assembly. In other
words, stencils can fast and efficiently ensure the most accurate solder paste amount
and optimal electrical connection. With solder stencils, it is possible to use metal
squeegee blades to apply solder paste easily over the openings on PCBs and make stencil
to be well aligned with the surface of the advanced circuit board.
According to SMT stencil manufacturing technologies, we provide two types of stencils:
laser-cut stencils and chemical-etch stencils.
Laser-cut Stencils
The openings are lasered on 100% stainless steel. Generally speaking, this kind of
stencil can be produced with high quality and a high degree of precision within a short
time.
• Advantages: high accuracy; barely influenced by objective elements; trapezoid
opening beneficial for demoulding; suitable for accurate cutting; reasonable price;
• Disadvantages: relative low manufacturing speed.
Chemical-etch Stencil
The openings are etched into the metal using acid. Usually this kind of stencil offers
better protection on material temper and hardness.
• Advantages: one-time formation; relatively high manufacturing speed; low cost;
• Disadvantages: tending to form sand clock shape or large openings; numerous
manufacturing stages and accumulating errors; unsuitable for fine pitch stencils; bad
for environmental protection.
How to Determine the Size of the Stencil?
PCB stencil size is composed by two parts: internal size and overall size. Internal size
is the size compatible with that of PCB ready to be assembled while overall size refers
to the size compatible with printer parameter limit. As long as both sizes are
accurately designed, stencil will be able to make full use of its functions.
Internal size of stencil can be figured out conforming to the following rule:
• Width of Framed Stencil = width of PCB +
100mm while its Length = length of PCB + 100mm
• Width of Frameless stencil = width of PCB + 200mm while its Length =
length of PCB + 200mm
For example, if one circuit board size is 50*50mm, then the size of its framed stencil
should be around 150*150mm and the size of its frameless stencil should be around
250*250 mm.
It's easy to remember and operate so it worked for manual solder paste printing in SMT
assembly prior to the advent of automatic printer. It can be said that different PCB
sizes lead to generations of different internal sizes of stencil.
When it comes to automatic solder paste printer, however, it's relatively solid. Overall
size of stencil has to be determined by parameter limit of the equipment, that is,
printer, because stencil has to work within the range of printer with a frame. Different
printers feature different parameter regulations. As far as HighqualityPCB is concerned,
the stencil size compatible with our printer can be either 650mm*650mm or 736mm*736mm.
PCB designers have to focus on internal size of stencil, they don't need to care about
its overall size since it is generally determined by the parameters of printer in your
contract assembler workshop.
How to Quote Stencils
Here at HighqualityPCB, you can quote stencil alone or quote together with PCBs.
• Quote stencil together with PCBs. Enter Standard PCB Quote page or Prototype PCB Quote page, fill
in your custom PCB spec, then check the Laser
Stencil option at the bottom part, and enter your required stencil
parameters. As soon as these gaps end up being filled, the stencil will be contained in
your quote list.
Once all necessary parameters are filled in, please input your name and your email and
the other contact info and then Click the Submit button. Then we will contact with you
as soon as possible and tell you the price;If you are satisfied with the price,we will
send you the PI file and then you can make the payment.We will manufacture the goods for
you at once after we receive your deposit.
• Quote laster stencil only.Click the
following button to submit your stencil spec, then Submit the info.Once the info has
been submitted, we will contact with you as soon as possible.We will be in touch to
confirm stencil production file before manufacturing.
Quote for Laser Stencil within
Seconds
If your demands go beyond the parameters displayed on line, Please feel free to contact us for detailed quote.