Introduction to Stencils:
Steel mesh is also known as SMT templates (SMT Stencil). It is a specialized SMT mold designed to assist in the application of solder paste, ensuring precise placement on the empty PCB.
The Evolution of SMT Process:
Originally made from wire mesh and referred to as a mask, steel mesh has evolved over time. Initially utilizing nylon (polyester) mesh, advancements led to the use of wire meshes, copper meshes, and ultimately stainless steel meshes. Despite these improvements, all types of wire mesh suffered from poor molding and low precision.
As SMT technology continued to progress, the demand for more precise stencils arose. Thus, the original steel mesh made from iron or copper plates was ultimately replaced by stainless steel mesh due to its resistance to rust, becoming the standard in SMT Stencils.
Classification of Steel Mesh:
SMT steel mesh can be categorized based on production methods, including laser templates, electropolishing templates, electroforming templates, step templates, bonding templates, nickel-plating templates, and etching templates. Among these, the laser template is widely used in the SMT steel mesh industry. Notably, laser templates offer high accuracy in SMT template openings and feature geometric patterns that aid in solder paste application.
Materials Required for Laser Steel Mesh Production:
To produce laser steel mesh, the following materials are needed:
1. PCB
2. Data files containing accurate PCB versions without deformations or damage, in CAD data formats such as GERBER, HPGL, JOB, PCB, GWK, CWK, PWK, DXF, PDF, as well as design software data like PAD2000, POWERPCB, GCCAM 4.14, PROTEL, AUTOCAD R14 (2000), CLIENT98, CAW350W, V2001. Additionally, the data should be compressed if too large, using formats like ZIP, ARJ, LZH. The data should include the SMT solder paste layer with Fiducial Mark data, PCB shape data, and character layer data for verification of component categories and orientation.
Steel mesh is also known as SMT templates (SMT Stencil). It is a specialized SMT mold designed to assist in the application of solder paste, ensuring precise placement on the empty PCB.
The Evolution of SMT Process:
Originally made from wire mesh and referred to as a mask, steel mesh has evolved over time. Initially utilizing nylon (polyester) mesh, advancements led to the use of wire meshes, copper meshes, and ultimately stainless steel meshes. Despite these improvements, all types of wire mesh suffered from poor molding and low precision.
As SMT technology continued to progress, the demand for more precise stencils arose. Thus, the original steel mesh made from iron or copper plates was ultimately replaced by stainless steel mesh due to its resistance to rust, becoming the standard in SMT Stencils.
Classification of Steel Mesh:
SMT steel mesh can be categorized based on production methods, including laser templates, electropolishing templates, electroforming templates, step templates, bonding templates, nickel-plating templates, and etching templates. Among these, the laser template is widely used in the SMT steel mesh industry. Notably, laser templates offer high accuracy in SMT template openings and feature geometric patterns that aid in solder paste application.
Materials Required for Laser Steel Mesh Production:
To produce laser steel mesh, the following materials are needed:
1. PCB
2. Data files containing accurate PCB versions without deformations or damage, in CAD data formats such as GERBER, HPGL, JOB, PCB, GWK, CWK, PWK, DXF, PDF, as well as design software data like PAD2000, POWERPCB, GCCAM 4.14, PROTEL, AUTOCAD R14 (2000), CLIENT98, CAW350W, V2001. Additionally, the data should be compressed if too large, using formats like ZIP, ARJ, LZH. The data should include the SMT solder paste layer with Fiducial Mark data, PCB shape data, and character layer data for verification of component categories and orientation.
