SparkFun Forums

[smdFan]

Is there any stencil maker with reasonable prices?

Long time ago, I chose paste dispenser over stenciling method for PCB assembly. The reason I chose that was the high price of the stencils. That works only for prototyping small quantities of PCB. But for larger quantities, depositing solder paste on PCB with stencil is better than paste dispensing machines.


Is there a reasonable priced stencil maker?


Is there any way I can make good quality stencils at home? What kind of machines are around for making stencils?



Regards

[leon_heller]

PCB-Pool makes SS ones quite cheaply:

http://www.pcb-pool.com/ppuk/info.html

Cheaper mylar stencils are available:

http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/446

You will need an SS stencil for fine-pitch devices, the mylar ones aren't suitable.

You need a CO2 laser to make them at home, unless you make them chemically.

Leon

[silic0re]

Hi there,

One of the forum members here makes them very inexpensively as well:

http://ohararp.com/Stencils.html

[smdFan]

Hi there,

One of the forum members here makes them very inexpensively as well:

http://ohararp.com/Stencils.html

Is that member you?

[silic0re]

No, it's Ohararp Though I don't think I've seen him post in a while. I keep trying to think of a reason to get a stencil from him since they're so inexpensive, but I haven't come up with one yet -- I only make one or two boards at a time

[ohararp]

Hey all, I am still around. Just been really busy with projects lately. Feel free to drop me a line anytime. We make it a point to get stencils out fast and cheaply.