INTRODUCTION

Solder paste stencil are mainly used to print solder paste on the surface of circuit boards. In this process, the solder paste is uniformly applied to the pad locations on the circuit board to provide precise and even distribution of the paste for the subsequent soldering process. This step is critical to improving solder quality, product reliability and productivity.

In this article, we will share practical tips to help creators improve the efficiency and quality of prototype proofing.

I. Overview of manual solder paste stencil

1. What is a manual solder paste stencil?

A manual solder paste stencil is a device used to accurately print solder paste on PCBs. It is operated manually, using a squeegee to funnel the solder paste through the stencil onto the corresponding pads of the PCB, thus realizing the precise placement of the solder paste. Manual solder paste printing table usually consists of operation table, stencil, squeegee and positioning table, etc. It is easy to operate and suitable for small batch production and R&D stage.

2. Comparison with automatic solder paste stencil

2.1 Manual solder paste printer

Working principle

Manual solder paste printer requires the operator to hold the squeegee and scrape the solder paste from the stencil, so that the solder paste passes through the holes or gaps on the stencil and is printed onto the PCB.

Application Areas

Research laboratories: for research and development of electronic components and prototyping.

Small batch production: for electronic products with small production quantities, such as customized smart home devices and automotive electronics.

Repair and rework: for repairing damaged circuit boards or reworking defective products.

2.2 Automatic solder paste printing machine

Working Principle

Automatic solder paste printing machine adopts advanced vision system and motion control system to realize automatic printing of solder paste. The operator only needs to put the circuit board and stencil into the equipment, set the relevant parameters, and the equipment can automatically complete the printing process.

Application Fields

Mass production: used for electronic products with large production volume, such as smart phones, tablet PCs, TVs, etc.

High-precision electronic products: for the production of electronic products with high precision requirements, such as automotive electronics, aerospace electronics, etc.

Production line integration: can be integrated with other production equipment to form a complete production line and realize automated production.

3. Advantages of manual solder paste stencil

• High flexibility: Manual solder paste stencil press is suitable for small batch production and prototyping, the squeegee pressure and angle can be adjusted according to the actual need to achieve personalized printing needs.
• Lower cost: The price and maintenance cost of manual solder paste stencil are relatively low.
• Easy to operate: Easy to operate, only need to carry out basic training to get started.

II. Choose the right manual solder paste stencil

1. Description of NeoDen FP2636 Frameless Stencil Printer

• T screw rod regulating handle, ensure adjustment accuracy and levelness of PCB fixed plane, minimum lead pitch achieved 1mm.
• Adjustable rubber footing, ensure the flatness while operating.
• Letter mark for each regulating handle, better and easier to operate.
• Rulers of stencil fixed frame for reference lines, ensure the levelness between stencil and PCB.
• Straight damping shaft, ensure the stencil fixed frame can be fastened at random angles, to improve convenience while operating.
• L supports and pins to fix PCB, applicable for multiple types PCBs’ fixation and printing, more flexible and convenient.
• The mechanical fixation frame for quick installation and replacement of frameless stencils, ensure high-efficiency but low-cost.
• Support for single sided as well as double sided PCB.

2. Considerations when purchasing

• Printing accuracy: Users should choose the machine with high positioning accuracy, overprinting accuracy and repeat accuracy according to the demand for product accuracy. Generally speaking, the printing accuracy of the printing machine should reach ± 0.025mm, and the repeat positioning accuracy should reach ± 0.01mm.
• Printing range and adaptability: ensure that the machine can adapt to different sizes and shapes of printed circuit boards. Users should be based on the actual need to print the size and shape of the circuit board, select the appropriate machine model, in order to avoid the situation that can not be adapted.
• Operational convenience and maintenance: easy to operate the machine can improve efficiency and save labor costs; easy to maintain and repair the machine can reduce downtime and improve equipment utilization. Users should choose the machine with friendly operation interface, easy to start, and consider its maintenance and maintenance convenience.
• After-sales service and support: Good after-sales service and support is an important guarantee for the normal operation of the equipment. When choosing the right printing machine, users should select a manufacturer with an experienced team to provide services and perfect after-sales support.

III. Practical skills

1. Pre-treatment and preparation

Clean PCB: Make sure the surface of PCB is clean and dust-free, you can wipe it with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry completely.

2. Selection of solder paste

• Soldering process requirements: You need to select the appropriate solder paste according to your soldering process (such as manual soldering, wave soldering, lead-free soldering, etc.).
• Welding materials: according to the welding material to choose the appropriate solder paste, such as the need to weld small electronic components can choose fine-grained solder paste, the need to weld large components can choose coarse-grained solder paste.
• Soldering environment: For example, in a high-temperature environment, you need to choose a solder paste with good high-temperature tolerance.
• Flux type: According to the composition of the flux to determine the need to use alcohol-based, washable or non-washable solder paste.
• Viscosity: according to their own soldering requirements and equipment to choose the right viscosity.

3. Best Practices in the Printing Process

• Setting pressure: Adjust the printing pressure appropriately according to the type of solder paste and the characteristics of the PCB. It can be tested on the discarded PCB before starting the printing.
• Move evenly: Keep your hand steady when printing stencils, push and pull the squeegee at an even speed to avoid being too fast or too slow.
• Multiple printing: For complex or large area pads, multiple printing can be done if necessary to ensure even solder paste coverage.

4. Checking and processing after printing

• Check the printing of solder paste: After printing, carefully check the height and shape of the solder paste to ensure that the amount of solder paste is appropriate and evenly spread.
• Repairing solder joints: manual patch soldering can be performed on unqualified solder joints to ensure a good circuit connection.

Conclusion

Manual solder paste printer in prototyping not only improves efficiency and reduces costs, but also enhances design flexibility and control. For creators and startup teams, it is an important tool for realizing creativity and technology.

Company profile

Zhejiang NeoDen Technology Co., LTD., founded in 2010, is a professional manufacturer specialized in SMT pick and place machine, reflow oven, stencil printing machine, SMT production line and other SMT Products. We have our own R & D team and own factory, taking advantage of our own rich experienced R&D, well trained production, won great reputation from the world wide customers.

In this decade, we independently developed NeoDen4, NeoDen IN6, NeoDen K1830, NeoDen FP2636 and other SMT products, which sold well all over the world. So far, we have sold more than 10,000pcs machines and exported them to over 130 countries around the world, establishing a good reputation in the market. In our global Ecosystem, we collaborate with our best partner to deliver a more closing sales service, high professional and efficient technical support.