Apart from all types of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) such as Prototype PCB, Standard PCB, Aluminum PCB, HDI PCB, Flex PCB, Flex-Rigid PCB, High-Frequency PCB, Thick copper PCB, High-Tg PCB and Halogen-Free PCB, Pcbmain also manufactures solder paste stencils to meet Surface Mount Technology  (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.

General specification for SMT-Stencil

Type Specification (mm)(width x length) Valid area (mm)(width×length ) Thickness(mm) Frame (mm)(height x width)
Framework 300×400 140×240 0.08, 0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18, 0.20, 0.30 20*30
370×470 190×290 0.08, 0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18, 0.20, 0.30 20*30
420×520 240×340 0.08, 0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18, 0.20, 0.30 20*30
450×550 270×370  0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18, 0.20 25*38
584×584 380×380  0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18 25*38
550×650 350×450  0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18, 0.20 30*40
736×736 500×500  0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18 30*40
400×600 220×400  0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18, 0.20 25*38
400×800 220×600  0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18 25*38
400×1000 220×760  0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18 25*38
400×1400 220×1200  0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18 30*40
500×800 320×600  0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18 25*38
400×1200 220×1000  0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18 30*40
500×700 320×500  0.10, 0.12, 0.15 25*38
500×1200 320×1000  0.12, 0.15, 0.18 30*40
500×1400 320×1200  0.12, 0.15, 0.18 30*40
500×1500 320×1300  0.12, 0.15, 0.18 30*40
Non-Framework 280×380 190×290 0.08, 0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18, 0.20, 0.30 N/A

 

How to Determine Stencil Size?

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 Pcbmain 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.

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