Patent ID: 7458151

Claim:
A method of forming an external electrode of an electronic component having an element, the element having first and second faces opposed to each other, and third and fourth faces extending so as to connect the first and second faces and opposed to each other, comprising: a preparatory step of preparing a jig having a groove capable of insertion of the element and filling an interior of the groove of the jig with a conductive paste: a removal step of causing the conductive paste with which filling is performed to remain along at least first and second side faces opposed to each other and a bottom face of the groove, and removing residual conductive paste: a step of holding the element to a holding member in a condition in which the fourth face is in contact with the holding member; a first forming step of forming a first electrode portion on the first face of the element by inserting the element in the groove, moving the element such that the first face thereof approaches the first side face of the groove, bringing the first face of the element into contact with the first side face of the groove, and applying the conductive paste remaining on the first side face from a direction facing the first face, in the condition in which the fourth face is in contact with the holding member; a second forming step of forming a second electrode portion on the second face of the element by moving the element such that the second face thereof approaches the second side face of the groove, bringing the second face of the element into contact with the second side face of the groove, and applying the conductive paste remaining on the second side face from a direction facing the second face, in the condition in which the fourth face is in contact with the holding member; a third forming step of forming a third electrode portion after the first and second electrode portions are formed so as to connect the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion on the third face of the element by moving the element such that the third face thereof approaches the bottom face of the groove, bringing the third face of the element into contact with the bottom face of the groove, and applying the conductive paste remaining on the bottom face, in the condition in which the fourth face is in contact with the holding member; and an electrode forming step of forming an external electrode comprising the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion and the third electrode portion by drying the element.