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The Short Scoop: 10 Common Stencil Questions

There are a wide range of stencils and stencil technologies available and many questions arise when the time comes to select one. This month’s The Short Scoop answers the 10 most common questions our customers ask.

1. What type of stencil do I need?

The need to satisfy more rigorous printing requirements due to finer pitch components leads to a natural hierarchy of stencil technologies based on the application. A few general stencil technologies are available on the market today. They include stencils that are laser-cut on some form of stainless steel material, laser cut stencils on 100% nickel foils, and electroformed stencils for the most challenging applications. With each of these basic stencil types there are many coatings and post-process steps available to tailor the basic stencil further. The specific stencil types and options available are dependent on the supplier selected. Each of the key technologies and secondary processing options has its qualitative benefits for specific applications, and it is not uncommon in the industry today to see stencil users deploying a combination of all three stencil types in their factories. There are three main questions to ask and answer to help determine the correct stencil:

1. What is the smallest pitch to be printed?
2. What is the mix of components being placed on the board?
3. What is the area ratio calculation of the smallest component?

Stencil users who optimize the correct stencil technology for their specific application and processing parameters typically enjoy greater yields and significantly lower rework. As always, it is about selecting the right tool for the job.Read the full column here.Editor's Note: This column originally appeared in the March 2014 issue of SMT Magazine.