Is it possible that the squeegee may get stuck in the step area?
With our special technology, which is a combination of a laser cut and laser welding process, we guarantee smooth transition on the patch edges. The squeegee blade can easy adjust to step heights or depths.
Are design rules available for step stencils?
There are design guidelines available form IPC for step stencils, see IPC-7525B (2011), which can be ordered direct through IPC.org or through FED (Fachverband Elektronik-Design e.V.)
What are the delivery times for step stencils?
The standard delivery time is: 3 working days (ex works).
Express services are possible in 6- or 24-hours.
Which step heights/depths can be realized?
Generally are step height differences possible with our technology to max. 2 mm. However
design guidelines for the printing process should be considered, especially the distances from the step edge to the aperture in the step area. Eventually it is necessary to adjust the squeegee blade of the printer as well. As a thumb rule you can say: for every 25µm step height difference, the distance in the step area to the aperture might be 0,9mm. That means a step height difference of 0,1mm causes a distance in the step area from the step edge to the aperture of 3,6mm. In most cases a step height differences of more than 80µm is rarely applied in the SMD-Technology
Are subsequent changes of steps in height/depth possible?
Even if the step stencil is already in use in your production, subsequent modifications in step heights are possible. However, a prerequisite is that the stencil is in good order and condition.
Are multiple steps in one stencil possible?
Yes, multiple steps with different step heights and depths are possible in one stencil.