Ed, I tried to answer all your questions, hope it helps. See below. Brad Kendall Hella Electronics Corp. [log in to unmask] on 07/14/98 12:21:01 PM Please respond to [log in to unmask]; Please respond to [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] cc: (bcc: Brad Kendall/Hella North America Inc.) Subject: [TN] solderpaste screen Hi all, I have a few quick questions regarding solder paste stencils. 1. What do most of you use as a stencil? I've seen what appears to be a 6 to 7mil aluminum type material when I visit our customers. Is that somewhat standard. *6 mil is good. The material is Stainless Steel, this is pretty much the standard. 2. What is the cost of a typical paste stencil? What could I use a guideline to determine what one will cost? *Cost depends on what technology you get. If you do not have fine pitch or BGA, use chem etch, about $300-$500 depending on frame and supplier. If fine pitch or BGA is used, use a Laser Cut with electropolish- cost $600-&1000 depending on apperture count, frame, and vendor. You can also use Selective etch. This is where they laser cut the BGA and FP parts, but chem etch the rest, saves a little money. 3. Where can I get them? Is there any located in the Oklahoma, Texas or Mo. Area? *You may have a supplier near you, but it is best to go with a reputable stencil manuracturer and have it shipped. I get my stencils from IRI INT.at 607-729-4031. I am in Mich and I have had stencils shipped in from New Jersey (IRI), Colorado, and even California. 4. What process is used to generate the clearances on the stencil. Are they etched or machined? *Chem etching is obviously chemicals that etch out the material where the pads are, laser cut is when they cut the openings with a laser. Laser is much more accurate and can hold a tighter tolorance, but overkill for non fine pitch boards. There are also some manufacturers of stencils who use and additive process. In other words the do not start with a plate of SS, but rather with a mold and add metal around it for an accurate and smooth walled stencil. These are generally more expensive then laser and again, way overkill for non FP assemblies. If you are getting into Micro BGA or Ultra fine pitch then consider this technology, otherwise don't waste your money. 5. What are standard lead times for a Stencil. Any help would be appreciated. *IRI is next day turn standard on Chem etch, 2 days on Laser. Some others are longer. Thank you, Ed Cosper Graphic Electronics Inc. Tulsa OK ################################################################ TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ################################################################ To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TechNet ################################################################ Please visit IPC's web site (http://www.ipc.org) "On-Line Services" section for additional information. For technical support contact Hugo Scaramuzza at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.312 ################################################################ ################################################################ TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ################################################################ To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TechNet ################################################################ Please visit IPC's web site (http://www.ipc.org) "On-Line Services" section for additional information. For technical support contact Hugo Scaramuzza at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.312 ################################################################