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.

• Laser Stencil 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.

• Solder Paste Stencils Supplier 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.