Solder Stencils

Sunstone Circuits is now offering stencils as part of PCBExpress, Full Feature and PCB123 orders. Simply place your PCB order as usual, and choose from a variety of stencil types and sizes, one to fit each of your stencil requirements. See the chart below for more details on the stencils available. Download the new whitepaper - Using Stencils to Simplify the Printed Circuit Board Assembly Process today!

Introduction to SMT Stencils:

The sole purpose of an SMT stencil is to transfer solder paste to a bare circuit board. A stainless steel foil is laser cut creating an opening for every surface mount device on the board. Once the stencil is properly aligned on top of the board, solder paste is applied over the openings (making a single pass, using a metal squeegee blade). When the stainless steel foil is separated from the board, solder paste will remain, ready for placement of the SMD. This process, as opposed to hand soldering methods, ensures consistency and saves time.

Stainless steel foil thickness and aperture opening size control the volume of paste deposited on the board. Too much solder paste causes solder balling, bridging, and tomb-stoning. A lack of solder paste creates insufficient solder joints. All of which compromise the electrical functionality of the board.

Proper foil thickness is chosen based on the types of devices being loaded on the board. Component packages such as 0603 capacitors or 0.020” pitch SOIC’s, will require a thinner solder paste stencil than larger packages such as 1206 capacitors or 0.050” pitch SOIC’s. Solder paste stencil thickness ranges from 0.001” to 0.030”. The typical foil thickness used on the majority of boards is anywhere from 0.004” to 0.007”.

Learn how to you use prototype stencils or read PCB stencil FAQ for more information.

Solder Stencil types and sizes

Avoid the time consuming task of hand soldering your surface mount components, when you choose one of our SMT stencils below, for your printed circuit board.

Prototype SMT Stencil Prototype SMT Stencil (up to 10” x 12”), squeegee, and board holder
Oversized Prototype Stencil Prototype SMT Stencil (exceeding 10” x 12”), squeegee, and board holder.
Prototype Stencil Kit- Leaded Prototype SMT Stencil (up to 10” x 12”), leaded solder paste, pick & place tool, temperature marker (331° thru 379°), 1 pair of gloves, and 2 alcohol wipes.
Oversized Prototype Stencil Kit-Leaded Prototype SMT Stencil (exceeding 10” x 12”), leaded solder paste, pick & place tool, temperature marker (331° thru 379°), 1 pair of gloves, and 2 alcohol wipes.
Prototype Stencil Kit- Lead Free Prototype SMT Stencil (up to 10” x 12”), lead free solder paste, pick & place tool, temperature marker (390° thru 450°), 1 pair of gloves, and 2 alcohol wipes.
Oversized Prototype Stencil Kit-Lead Free Prototype SMT Stencil (exceeding 10” x 12”), lead free solder paste, pick & place tool, temperature marker (390° thru 450°), 1 pair of gloves, and 2 alcohol wipes.
Hand Stencil Single component rework stencil, bent up on two sides for handling
Metal Charge Solder paste stencil thickness less that 0.004” and over 0.008”
Frameless Stencil for use in a Universal Frame Frameless stencil to fit an interchangeable plate system. Includes SMT, PRO 2, QTS, SPR
Surface Finishes Tin/Lead, Silver, Gold fingers, ENIG, OSP, Hard Gold, Soft Gold
29 x 29 Low Profile Framed Solder Stencil Low Profile (1/2” thick frame) 29 x 29 framed stencil
8 x 10 Framed Stencil ast Aluminum 8 x 10 framed solder stencil - maximum squeegee area 5”x7”
12 x 12 Framed Stencil Cast Aluminum 12 x 12 framed solder stencil- maximum squeegee area 9”x9”
12 x 17 Framed Stencil Cast Aluminum 12 x 17 framed solder stencil - maximum squeegee area 9”x14”
15 x 15 Framed Stencil Cast Aluminum 15 x 15 framed solder stencil - maximum squeegee area 12”x12”
20 x 20 Framed Stencil Cast or Extruded 20 x 20 framed solder stencil - maximum squeegee area 17”x17”
29x29 Framed Stencil Extruded Aluminum 29 x 29 framed solder stencil - maximum squeegee area 22”x22”
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