Applying solder paste using a stencil
Properly transferring solder paste to the PCB, how is it done in practice? In the EMS industry where we talk about automated SMD streets, solder paste stencils are used that are fabricated using screen printing technique.
What is a solder paste stencil?
Another name for a solder paste stencil is a Surface Mount Technology (SMT) stencil, or a PCB Stencil or Solder Paste Stencil. The purpose is to be able to transfer solder paste to a bare PCB, in the right place and in the right amounts. These stencils are designed PCB specific and manufactured using screen printing technique. At Confed, we do not do this in-house. We design the layout of the stencil and have specialists produce it for us. The essential components of a high-end solder paste stencil that we include for consideration when designing a stencil are:
- Thickness of the stencil;
- Stencil alignment;
- Mounting the stencil;
- Material of the stencil;
- The size of the openings through which the paste passes.
Using a "Solder Paste Stencil"
These stencils, as mentioned, are used within the electronics industry. They are designed to ensure that there is enough solder paste in the right place to solder the components after placing them on the circuit boards. As a result, they therefore play an important role in the production of circuit boards.
To assemble successfully, the quality of stencils plays a major role. This means that both the slots and dimensions of a stencil should be very precise. This allows the solder paste to be spread better and more evenly. During the soldering process, this can prevent problems such as short circuits.
Confed and the use of a solder paste stencil
So within Confed, we use solder paste stencils on a daily basis. Every day every effort is made to deliver the best quality to our customers. The moment you would like to reduce process costs in the area of PCB production, we can see what we at Confed can do for you. If you have any questions about using a solder paste stencil or you would like to know more about the possibilities we can offer you in this area, please contact us.
Choose Confed. Choose fast, reliable and quality.
Got curious?
Have you become curious about what we can do for you in this area? We would like to invite you to contact us. This can easily be done by phone or via our general email address. You can also send us a request via the contact page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Contact via:
info@confed.eu or tel: +31(0) 33 454 1340
