which stencil size ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: harry4516
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 08:28:04 am
content: there are many different names for stencils like:Quattroflex, Stencilman, VectorGuard, Metz, Zellflex, Alpha Tetra, Micromount, Platefix, Heeb and many more.what is the right stencil for this machine:http://www.aliexpress.com/item-img/YX3040-Manual-Stencil-Printer-Solder-Paste-Printer-T-shirt-Screen-Printing-Machine/32602856059.htmlor if these stencils are too expensive, what are the options to build a frame for a cheaper stencil ?

author: l0wside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 11:18:58 am
content: This looks to me like it was using frameless stencils. The screws on the right seem to clamp the stencil.In the description, it says "Template Size:370×470(mm)" which I would consider to be the stencil size. Why don´t you just ask the seller?Max

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 11:32:48 am
content: Quote from: l0wside on June 01, 2016, 11:18:58 amThose screws are to clamp the frame

author: janekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 11:39:29 am
content: This type of stencil printer uses the standard (in China) stencils with aluminium frame. The screws on the right clamp down onto the frame. As l0wside pointed out the stencil size to order is given in the description (and no surprise that's also one of the standard sizes in China). Looks like the one on this site, just smaller:http://www.pcbquick.com/pid12144763/Stainless+steel+pcb+stencil+with+aluminum+frame.htmYou can forget all of those names and just order a stainless steel stencil of size 370x470 from your Chinese factory of choice, with aluminium frameIf you need to use that kind of high precision stencil printer you may also need to take some care in ordering the right kind of stencil, in particular you will need an electro-polished stencil if you need to print more than one PCB (if you have smaller than about 0.5mm pitch QFN) and you may need to consider the metal thickness (0.12mm is standard but 0.1mm and smaller are available).The stencil will be quite cheap (<$25 for a high quality one) but shipping can be a bit expensive due to the awkward size.

author: harry4516
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 09:24:03 pm
content: thanks a lot, janekm, for the good answer.

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2016, 08:57:44 pm
content: I bought a similar printer. I don't want to have to order framed stencils. For one, they are more expensive, and second, I don't have space to store many frames. So I built a smaller frame to fit those small printers, and a hardware that will allow me to mount frameless stencils onto it.

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 05, 2016, 10:15:36 pm
content: HiAbout the only thing worth adding:You *may* be able to get away with a smaller stencil and frame for some boards. The clamp is pretty non-specific in that regard.Bob

author: l0wside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 08:35:33 am
content: Just checked about the cost of framed stencils at Elecrow (my currently preferred supplier).USD 18 for a framed stencil (i.e. USD 36 for two). Wow. Shipping is another USD 30, total cost USD 66 or about EUR 60 when shipped with FedEx. Delivery should be within a week.Max

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 12:23:11 pm
content: Quote from: l0wside on June 06, 2016, 08:35:33 amHiIf you combine shipping with the pc boards that can often drop the total cost. It doesn't work with all suppliers (they don't all make both).Bob

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 02:12:36 pm
content: Quote from: l0wside on June 06, 2016, 08:35:33 amWOw indeed, I used to pay close to a 100 for a frameless stencil....

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 11:31:43 pm
content: I have an adjustable length tension frame printer which uses a stencil shim only without a frame..

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2016, 11:49:55 am
content: Quote from: IconicPCB on June 06, 2016, 11:31:43 pmCould you please post a pic? Thanks

author: janekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 08, 2016, 07:16:00 am
content: Quote from: l0wside on June 06, 2016, 08:35:33 am+$12 for electro-polishing... Don't skimp on this, you'll thank me later! Especially if you're paying $30 for shipping and have to wait a week for a new stencil...On a not well polished stencil the solder-paste gets stuck in the apertures, meaning you don't get a good print and the stencil gets gunked up, and then you'll try cleaning it, probably with some kind of paper tissue so you're now adding tissue lint to the mess... (you want ethanol / isopropanol and lint-free cleaning cloths for cleaning the stencils).

author: l0wside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2016, 09:39:01 am
content: I´ll try electro-polishing next time. So far, I have been printing down to 0.5mm pitch without major hassle. Cleaning is a pain, though.Max