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July 1997

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Subject:
From:
David Ricketts <[log in to unmask]>
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Date:
Wed, 09 Jul 1997 12:00:24 -0700
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Thomas Kropski wrote:
> 
> What is the smallest reasonable text size for silkscreen text. Text
> height, width, and thickness. With design density increasing, we would
> still like to have as many ref des possible.  From a PCB designer,
> what tooling parameters are acceptable for good resolution on the
> finished products.


The only real limitation to silkcreen is your PCB fabricator. We have
successfully used 40 mil high by 6 mil stoke width with the right
vendor. Older eyes may require help, but the text is completely readable
and clear. Our typical text size is 60 x 10 and 50 x 8. Our software
does not control the width.

As to the suggestion of eliminating silkscreen altogether by Tom Coyle,
that is a tempting but limited view. Every company will have different
products and priorities. Saving $1 per panel could cost $thousands in
assembly and rework errors. If your engineers get everything right every
time, and you use pick and place machines for assembly with every single
part, including through-hole parts on both sides of the PCB, and do not
add discrete wiring at a later assembly, who needs silscreen? :)

David

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