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Photocad SMT stencils

With over 20,000 stencils produced annually and nearly 600 customers in the electronics industry, Photocad is one of Germany’s leading manufacturers of high-precision, laser-cut SMT stencils for solder paste printing—an essential process in electronics production for industries such as aerospace and robotics. Using state-of-the-art laser technology, innovative coating processes, and comprehensive quality management, Photocad guarantees the highest product quality for world-class PCB assembly.

Photocad SMT stencils for samples & prototypes

When assembling prototypes and small series, the cost of SMT stencils is an important consideration. Photocad addresses this with an affordable option: a fully-featured, laser-cut SMT stencil available at a fixed price of EUR 49. Photocad also produces sample stencils with a special holder compatible with standard printers.

Advantages:

  • Cost-effective SMT stencil for assembling samples, prototypes, or small series
  • Inspected with LPKF Scan-Check and verified for 3,600 pads
  • Free stencil storage bag included
  • Postal delivery included within Germany
  • Optional stencil surface finishing available (electropolishing, nanocoating)
  • Sample print results are identical in quality to series production
SMT stencils for samples & prototypes

Photocad SMT step stencils

In many modern applications, a variety of components are placed on a single PCB. This requires applying different amounts of solder paste within a single printing process. Therefore, SMT stencils with varying thicknesses are essential for mixed assembly. Some of these stencils feature thickness gradations, such as stepped, step-up/down, and multi-level designs.

Advantages:

  • High precision with minimal tolerances
  • Various step heights available
  • Compatible with many quick-clamping systems
  • Fast production tailored to customer requirements
  • Excellent price-performance ratio

 

SMT step stencils

Photocad Electropolished SMT stencil

Laser cutting of SMD stencils produces melting residues on the inner walls of the openings, which can impair print quality. For particularly fine applications, standard surface treatment (brushing on both sides) is insufficient. Instead, surface refinement through electropolishing and/or nano refinement is recommended. In a single process, electrochemical polishing and deburring (electropolishing) enhance several properties of metallic surfaces. For example, the micro-roughness of the stencil surface is significantly reduced, aperture walls are smoothed, and the finest burrs are removed.

 
Advantages of electropolishing:
 
  • Electropolishing works only at the micro level, without altering shapes or macrostructures, thus protecting the SMT stencil from mechanical and thermal stress
  • The quality of the solder paste print improves, as the smooth walls enhance release behavior
  • The stencil becomes easier to clean
  • Results are reproducible with high accuracy
Electropolished SMT stencil

Photocad Nano-coated SMT stencils

The nano-enhancement process for SMT stencils is an effective and affordable method that provides additional protection against contamination and significantly extends the service life of printing stencils. Fine metal stencil structures, in particular, can be printed stably and reliably over many printing cycles without the need for frequent cleaning. Furthermore, the nanocoating seals the SMT stencil, making it resistant to dirt particles, solvents, and alkaline cleaners.

Advantages of nano refinement:
 
  • Once cured, the nanocoating is UV-stable and highly resistant to chemicals, mechanical stress, heat, and frost
  • No health risks if applied correctly
  • Surface strength and scratch resistance are significantly improved; consequently, mechanical abrasion from normal use has virtually no effect
  • Aggressive environmental influences have no negative impact
  • Surfaces treated with nanocoating repel liquids much more effectively and reduce dirt adhesion
Nano-coated SMT stencils