Hello folks,
thought I'd post some more details here on making SMD stencils.
I'd let you guys who aren't sure what I'm talking about do a google for them. (for the sake of keeping this post shorter...)
Yes, I could get them laser cut and wait a few days for one to arrive in the post. But I'm too impatient.
Here's the background story
- I have a design for a SMD tool controller that I've recently had PCB's made for.
- I want to make (and sell) these as an assembled board for folks on groupdiy and other forums to use, when assembling future expat audio boards
- I have the design already done in Eagle - and have the ability to export the Solder Paste locations (known as Top Cream in Eagle) as a gerber file, or print to a lazer printer.
Experiments already done.
- I purchased some laminating pouches for ID cards, like these:
- I printed out the image on my lazer printer on to regular paper.
- I removed one side of the pouch (the thinner side that has the adhesive... the other side is clean, thin plastic.
- I taped the paper beneath the plastic, and cut through the plastic to make the apertures with a sharp blade.
This worked, but the holes aren't clean, and solder paste tends to collect and stick to the uneven edges. - annoying.
Pictures to be uploaded soon.
Next Experiment
- Use my CNC machine to drill small holes for each SMD pad.
Questions
- Will a circular deposit of paste be just as effective as a deposit of paste that fits perfectly over the pad?
Cheers
/R
thought I'd post some more details here on making SMD stencils.
I'd let you guys who aren't sure what I'm talking about do a google for them. (for the sake of keeping this post shorter...)
Yes, I could get them laser cut and wait a few days for one to arrive in the post. But I'm too impatient.
Here's the background story
- I have a design for a SMD tool controller that I've recently had PCB's made for.
- I want to make (and sell) these as an assembled board for folks on groupdiy and other forums to use, when assembling future expat audio boards
- I have the design already done in Eagle - and have the ability to export the Solder Paste locations (known as Top Cream in Eagle) as a gerber file, or print to a lazer printer.
Experiments already done.
- I purchased some laminating pouches for ID cards, like these:
- I printed out the image on my lazer printer on to regular paper.
- I removed one side of the pouch (the thinner side that has the adhesive... the other side is clean, thin plastic.
- I taped the paper beneath the plastic, and cut through the plastic to make the apertures with a sharp blade.
This worked, but the holes aren't clean, and solder paste tends to collect and stick to the uneven edges. - annoying.
Pictures to be uploaded soon.
Next Experiment
- Use my CNC machine to drill small holes for each SMD pad.
Questions
- Will a circular deposit of paste be just as effective as a deposit of paste that fits perfectly over the pad?
Cheers
/R