The simple answer to the question is who specified dry film resist. Next who specified a mask which is 0.003" thick it will give you problems all the way down the line. First in the ideal situation a resist should be level or below the level of the pad surface. This provides contact of the stencil with the pad surface. It prevents paste squeezing under the stencil and it reduces under stencil wiping. It will also give you nearly the maximum paste transfer with a metal blade. I would suggest that you change your mask!!! Bob Willis Electronic Presentation Services 2 Fourth Avenue, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 4HA. England. Tel: (44) 01245 351502 Fax: (44) 01245 496123 Home Page: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bwillis Email: [log in to unmask]