In a message dated 3/18/99 5:20:58 AM Pacific Standard Time, edward-
[log in to unmask] writes:

>   Hi,
>       Has anyone done any studies for the change of depth of solder paste
>       with wear on the stencil. Metal blade squeegees damage the stencil
>       over a period of time, yielding an uneven surface in the form of
>       furrows in the direction of travel. Any uneveness in the stencil is
>       going to hold the blades that much further off the board giving more
>       solder paste.
>       Any comments?
>       Regards
>       Edward Brunker

Hi Edward,

     I was told once by a gentleman named Bob Jillings, the owner of a stencil
company called Screen Manufacturing Technologies (since bought by Alpha
Metals), that he would guarantee his stencils for at least 10,000 prints. Not
quite sure if the guarantee was based on the bond of the mesh to the foil and
frame, or the foil itself...but that's all I've ever heard. I'll admit after
thinking about it though, I've used stencils for more than 10,000
prints...stencil did look pretty used after that many prints. I don't know if
this helps or not...

-Steve Gregory-

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