When to Choose Electroformed Stencils

A high-quality PCB stencil is necessary for accurate solder paste application.  Ordering PCB stencil is simple with JLCPCB, no matter whether you're working on small-scale production or prototypes. The method of electroforming involves depositing atoms one after the other to create metal, stencils, or pieces. This method turns a mandrel or master surface into an extremely exact duplicate.

Another notable feature of electroforming is its repeatability. With 0.01-mil increments, electroform stencils can be produced in any thickness between 2 and 7 mil. The selection of stencil technology is crucial because it guarantees that solder paste is applied precisely. Crafted using the electroforming method, electroformed stencils have special benefits that make them essential for particular uses.

What is an SMT Stencil?

Depending on the procedure, there are three sorts of stencils: chemical etching, laser cutting, and electroforming. Compared to the other two types of stencils, the laser stencil is more accurate and often consists of a thin sheet of stainless steel. The output from standard laser cutting is frequently finer, which contributes to increased precision. In comparison to chemical etching methods, it also yields more consistent results. JLCPCB offers high-precision laser-cut stencils made from durable stainless steel, with optional features such as step designs, electropolishing, and nano-coating to improve solder paste release and printing accuracy. since the process is independent of the chemical environment, no moisture barrier is necessary.

When placing an order, you have the option of selecting between non-framework or framework stencils. Automated and semi-automated stencil machines use framework stencils, which come in a variety of standard sizes. For hand soldering, non-framework stencils are usually utilized, and you can alter the stencil sizes to suit your needs. We recently wrote an essay that goes into great detail about all of them; you can read it here.

Electroformed SMT Stencil:

This involves an additive method in which nickel electroforming is used to create stencil foils. His E-FAB is another name for this procedure. The purchase cost of this procedure is considerable. Nickel-based stencils that are permanently fixed on a stencil frame by a mesh. Which extends the foil within the frame are known as electroformed SMT stencils or electroformed foils. One of the best qualities for releasing paste is provided by electroformed stencils.

Thus, it used in printed circuit boards  which have fine-pitch (15 mils to 18 mil pitch). Flip chips, wafer bumping, and micro BGAs (8 mils to 10 mil pitch) are also covered. Furthermore, these SMT stencils come with smooth trapezoidal sidewalls which enhance the application of solder paste. Furthermore, any lengthening of processing time in this fabrication or manufacturing process is seen negatively. Although it offers more precision and is available for all thicknesses, it comes with a hefty upfront cost and takes longer to process.

How Does Electroforming Work?

1) A master photo plot is used to image the resist on the mandrel.

2) Pillars of developed resist remain after undeveloped resist is removed.

3) The nickel atoms are deposited onto the mandrel after dipping in the nickel solution, named electroformed because the atoms will follow the electrical current.

4) Now we have a ready nickel stencil after removing it from the mandrel and any leftover resist.

Optimal Scenarios for Electroformed Stencils:

Design engineers should consider electroformed stencils in the following situations:​

• Fine-Pitch Components: Electroformed stencils' smooth aperture walls improve paste release, lower the chance of bridging, and guarantee dependable connections when working with components with pitches as fine as 10 mils or fewer.

• Micro Ball Grid Arrays (µBGAs) and Flip-Chip Applications: Flip-chip applications and micro ball grid arrays (microBGAs) require extremely precise paste deposition. This requirement is satisfied by electroformed stencils, which offer precise and constant paste volumes.

• Wafer Bumping: Electroformed stencils' accuracy and homogeneity make them appropriate for wafer-level packaging procedures where reliable solder bump creation is essential.

Considerations Before Selection:

Despite their many advantages, electroformed stencils are more expensive than other kinds of stencils. As a result, evaluating the particular needs of your project is crucial. The purchase of electroformed stencils is warranted for designs with ultra-fine pitches, high-density interconnects, or applications where print quality is crucial.​

Advantages Over Other Stencil Types:

Compared to polished laser or etched stencils, electroformed stencils have smoother trapezoidal side walls, enabling easier paste release. Electroform stencils minimize bridging and offer fine and ultra-fine pitch apertures. They came with solder paste transfer efficiencies up to 90% and higher. The aperture tolerances are in the micron range because the manufacturing process takes place at the atomic scale. The typical result is +/- 10 microns (.0004). With a hardness of 500 Hv and above, electroform foils have a longer stencil life than full hard stainless steel of the same thickness. High-volume runs benefit from this durability.

An electroformed stencil's smooth trapezoidal sidewalls improve paste release. Stainless steel has a higher coefficient of friction than nickel. Compared to full hard stainless steel of the same thickness, electroform foils are harder which gives long life in comparison.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, electroformed stencils are an excellent option for applications in which we need a high accuracy. Design engineers can improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency by making well-informed judgments based on their knowledge of the unique requirements of your PCB design and the benefits of electroformed stencils.JLCPCB does not offer electroformed stencils, but you can get high-quality laser-cut stencils at an affordable price.