Custom PCB & Solder Paste Stencils
SMT Stencil Manufacturing
Custom solder paste stencils for prototype and production printing. PCBELEC supplies framed and frameless formats, precision aperture manufacturing, step structures and nano-coating options for your PCB layout and printing setup.
Manufacturing inquiries: sales@pcbelec.com
PCB Stencil Manufacturing
Custom PCB Stencils for Solder Paste Printing
An SMT stencil, also called a PCB or solder paste stencil, uses a defined aperture pattern to print solder paste onto the intended areas of a PCB.
PCBELEC manufactures custom stencils for prototype builds and production printing. Combine the aperture manufacturing route, foil thickness, mounting format and surface treatment around your board or panel layout.
- Manufactured to Your Data. Approved aperture patterns, board outlines and revision requirements.
- Configured for Your Printer. Framed or frameless formats, image position and locating features.
- Options for Your Printing Needs. Foil thickness selection, step structures and specified surface treatments.
Manufacturing, Mounting & Surface Options
Choose Your Stencil Configuration
Configure the stencil through four connected choices: aperture manufacturing, mounting format, thickness structure and surface treatment. Combine them around your printing requirements.
Swipe horizontally to compare all configuration options.
| Selection | Available Direction | Match It to Your Project |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture Manufacturing |
Laser-Cut or Electroformed
Explore laser-cut stencils and electroformed stencils as manufacturing routes for the required aperture pattern. | Identify aperture dimensions, critical features, foil requirements and the intended printing layout. Review the route together with the complete specification. |
| Mounting Format |
Framed or Frameless
Select a framed stencil or a foil format for the specified tensioning, clamping or printing fixture. | Match outer dimensions, inner size, locating features and image position to the printer and mounting system. |
| Thickness Structure |
Uniform Thickness or Step Structure
Choose one foil thickness or explore step stencils for local thickness differences across the layout. | Consider the component mix, aperture geometry and paste-volume requirements. Identify regions that need different deposition conditions. |
| Surface Treatment |
Specified Polishing & Nano-Coating
Define the finishing requirements and consider nano-coating as a surface-performance option. | Include paste-release, residue-control and cleaning requirements alongside the aperture pattern and selected foil. |
For a prototype, repeat order or new production layout, start with the available aperture data and printer requirements. PCBELEC can help review the configuration.
View Full Stencil CapabilitiesProduct Range & Specialist Options
Explore Our SMT Stencil Products
Explore the product pages for aperture manufacturing, surface treatment and thickness-control options. Each page provides configuration details for the selected printing tool.
- Precision Aperture Manufacturing
Laser-Cut SMT Stencils
Stainless steel stencils with precision-cut apertures for prototype and production printing. Configure the foil, layout and mounting format around your PCB and printer.
- Framed and frameless configurations
- Selected foil thickness and aperture pattern
- Polishing and optional surface treatments
- Surface Performance
Nano-Coated SMT Stencils
Combine laser-cut foil with a surface treatment designed to reduce paste adhesion and support cleaner release at treated surfaces.
- Fine-aperture and dense-pattern configurations
- Foil, mounting and coating selection
- Surface requirements and cleaning considerations
- Local Thickness Control
Step Stencils
Use local thickness differences when regions of the PCB layout call for different paste-volume requirements. Review the step areas alongside the aperture pattern.
- Step-up and step-down configurations
- Defined local thicknesses and transition regions
- Options for mixed deposition requirements
- Nickel Electroforming
Electroformed Stencils
Custom nickel foils manufactured by electroforming. Explore this route for fine-feature printing requirements, with thickness and aperture specifications selected for the layout.
- Electroformed nickel printing foils
- Thickness-dependent aperture and spacing options
- Framed or frameless product configurations
Already have a defined stencil configuration? Review the capability summary below, then include the selected product and requirements with your inquiry.
Compare Manufacturing CapabilitiesMaterial, Thickness & Configuration
Manufacturing Capabilities at a Glance
Compare core material and thickness options across the product range. Follow each product reference for aperture, format and finishing details.
Swipe horizontally to compare all capability columns.
| Product | Foil Material | Foil Thickness / Levels | Capability Highlight | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser-Cut Stencils | Stainless steel | 0.06–0.30 mm Multiple nominal thickness options | Framed and frameless configurations, fiducials and panelized aperture layouts | Laser-Cut Specifications |
| Nano-Coated Stencils | SUS304 / SUS301 stainless steel | 0.02–0.10 mm Foil thickness, not coating-film thickness | Minimum aperture size: 0.04 × 0.05 mm Fine-pattern and LED / Mini-LED configurations | Nano-Coated Specifications |
| Step Stencils | Stainless steel | 0.10–0.20 mm Selected local thickness levels | Step-up and step-down regions for different deposition requirements across the layout | Step-Stencil Options |
| Electroformed Stencils | Nickel | 0.06, 0.08, 0.10, 0.12, 0.13, 0.15, 0.18, 0.20 and 0.30 mm Listed nominal thickness options | Electroformed apertures with thickness-dependent opening, spacing and foil-size options | Electroformed Options |
Select the foil thickness, aperture geometry and physical format together. Product references provide the detailed specifications for the selected manufacturing configuration.
Review the complete capability reference for detailed product specifications and frame-size information when preparing your stencil order.
View Full Stencil SpecificationsManufacturing, Inspection & Delivery Preparation
From Manufacturing Data to a Finished Stencil
PCBELEC brings file review, selected manufacturing processes, finishing and inspection together around the approved stencil configuration. The aperture data and physical format guide the finished printing tool.
-
Review the Manufacturing Inputs
Check the aperture data, revision, units, printing side and outline. Connect them with the selected thickness, mounting format and finishing. Document requested changes for approval.
-
Build the Selected Configuration
Manufacture the foil and aperture pattern using the selected product route. Complete the specified thickness structure, surface treatment and frame or foil format.
-
Inspect the Defined Features
Review the pattern, critical dimensions, physical format and finished condition against the order requirements. Include designated inspection points from the approved specification.
-
Prepare the Stencil for Shipment
Match the finished stencil to its project and revision. Apply requested identification and package the frame or foil for handling and transport.
Include critical dimensions, acceptance requirements and requested inspection records with the manufacturing data so they become part of the stencil specification.
Prepare Your Stencil InquiryFiles, Configuration & Quotation
Prepare Your Custom Stencil Order
Send PCBELEC your stencil data and selected configuration. We quote the manufacturing route, foil, mounting format and finishing around your project requirements.
-
Aperture Data & Outline
Approved paste-layer Gerber or aperture data, board or panel outline, units, printing side and file revision.
-
Foil & Mounting Requirements
Selected product, thickness, framed or frameless format, dimensions, image position and printer or fixture details.
-
Steps, Finishing & Inspection
Local thickness regions, fiducials, polishing, nano-coating, identification and any designated critical features or inspection records.
-
Quantity, Timing & Destination
Required quantity, target date and delivery destination. Identify repeat orders and any changes from the previous configuration.
Not all selections are finalized? Send the available files and printing requirements, and identify the product or configuration choices you would like reviewed.
Product Selection & Ordering
SMT Stencil Manufacturing FAQ
Practical answers about stencil configurations, manufacturing files, thickness selection and order preparation.
Already have a stencil specification? Send it with your aperture data, quantity and required date.
Prepare Your Stencil InquiryHow do I choose the right stencil configuration?
Start with the aperture pattern and printing setup. Select the manufacturing route, mounting format, thickness structure and surface treatment as connected choices.
For example, a stencil can be laser-cut, framed and nano-coated at the same time. Use the configuration guide to compare these selection dimensions.
Do you manufacture stencils for prototypes and production?
Yes. PCBELEC supplies custom stencils for prototype builds and production printing. The configuration follows the aperture pattern, printer, mounting system and project requirements.
Identify whether the inquiry is for a new layout, a repeat order or a revised printing tool.
Should I choose a framed or frameless stencil?
Choose the format around the printer, tensioning system or mounting fixture. A framed stencil includes the specified frame configuration; a frameless foil is defined for the selected clamping or tensioning arrangement.
Include outer dimensions, inner size, image position and locating features. Production volume alone does not define the required mounting format.
How should foil thickness be selected?
Select thickness together with aperture geometry, the component mix and paste-volume requirements. Identify critical openings and areas with different deposition needs.
Available thicknesses vary by product. Review the capability summary and corresponding product specifications rather than applying one thickness to every layout.
When should I consider a step stencil?
Consider a step stencil when different regions of the layout call for different local foil thicknesses and deposition requirements.
Identify the step regions, desired thicknesses and critical apertures in the drawing. Explore our step-stencil options for the related product configuration.
Is nano-coating available with laser-cut stencils?
Yes. Laser cutting defines the aperture pattern, while nano-coating provides a surface-treatment option designed to reduce paste adhesion at treated surfaces.
Include the coating requirements with the foil, format and finishing specification. See our nano-coated SMT stencils for more details.
What information is needed for a stencil quote?
Send the approved paste-layer Gerber or aperture data, board or panel outline, units, printing side and revision. Include the selected product, thickness, dimensions and mounting requirements.
Add finishing, fiducials, critical inspection points, quantity, required date and delivery destination. The stencil inquiry section provides the preparation checklist.
How are manufacturing time and delivery confirmed?
PCBELEC confirms the order schedule around the selected product, configuration, quantity and manufacturing data. Include your required date when requesting a quotation.
Manufacturing timing and shipping are addressed separately so the delivery plan reflects both production and transport to the destination.
Selection, Manufacturing & Practical Use
Stencil Guides & Further Reading
Continue with guides to stencil selection, manufacturing, solder paste printing and routine cleaning.
Types & Selection SMT Stencil Types and Selection
Explore stencil types, uses and selection considerations when preparing your printing project.
Read the Selection GuideManufacturing & Specifications PCB SMT Stencil Production Process
Read an introduction to manufacturing processes and specification considerations for PCB SMT stencils.
Read the Manufacturing GuideStencil Use & Printing How to Use a PCB Stencil
Follow a practical introduction to preparing and using a stencil for solder paste printing.
Read the Printing GuideCleaning & Maintenance Cleaning Solder Paste from SMT Stencils
Learn about removing solder paste residue and cleaning SMT stencils after use.
Read the Cleaning Guide
SMT Stencil Gallery
