SMT STEPPED STENCIL FOILS
SMT stepped stencils provide practical, workable solutions in a number of different applications
SMT stepped stencils can be created by a variety of manufacturing processes. Chemical milling (Chemical Etching), Laser Welding & Micromachining. Datum produce multi-level, micro-machined step stencil foils in one continuous operation creating stepped stencils without distortion or burrs. Micro-Milling is the most flexible stepping method, able to create unlimited shapes, patterns, wall profiles and cavities.
SMT Stepped Stencil Applications
- Multilevel SMT stepped stencils vary the foil thickness locally to improve paste release on fine features or increase volumes on large or through-hole prints.
- 3-D cavity stencils have topographies on the contact side to fit down into PCB cavities.
BGA ball drop stencils often have “standoffs” built into the contact side to prevent sticky flux build-up on the stencil or in the apertures. - Semiconductor ball drop stencils are similar to BGA ball drop stencils, but far more precise due to their small scale
MICRO MILLING
Micromachining, or micromilling, uses a very precise CNC positioning system with very small, hard cutting tools to remove steel without distortion or burrs. It is the most flexible stepping method, able to create unlimited shapes, patterns, wall profiles and cavities. It is the most economical method of creating stencils with -multiple steps, or stencils that need contact side relief for board snuggers or labels.
All Datum materials are compatible with micro milling; for walls as thin as 20 µm, Datum Tension is suggested.
Chemical milling
Welding
Welding locally changes the thickness of the foil by cutting identical slugs from the base stencil foil and the same material of a different thickness to step up or step down as required. The replacement piece is then welded into place in the base stencil before laser cutting. All Datum materials are compatible with laser welding processes.
Quality Control
Our Quality Control department performs robust quality checks. Datum is ISO 9001 certified.
Why Choose Datum?
Quality
Oil, grease and scratch free foils and components, produced to tight tolerances
Experience
With decades of experience, Datum leads the way in innovation and technology development
Efficiency
Rapid prototyping and production, short lead times and fast delivery
Precision
Our tolerance controls ensure you receive precision foils and components