Custom Stainless Steel Stencils for Solder Paste Printing
Laser-Cut SMT Stencils
Precision laser-cut stainless steel stencils for prototype builds and production printing. Choose framed or frameless formats, custom foil thicknesses and finishing options to match your PCB layout and printing setup.
Stencil inquiries: sales@pcbelec.com
Custom Steel Foils, Frames & Printing Layouts
Custom Laser-Cut Stencils for Your Printing Setup
A laser-cut SMT stencil uses precision-cut openings in stainless steel foil to print solder paste onto the specified areas of a PCB.
PCBELEC supplies framed stencils and frameless foils with custom thicknesses, printing layouts and finishing options. Configure the stencil around your board or panel, printer and mounting system.
Compare Thickness, Aperture & Finish Options
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Framed Stencils
Laser-cut foil supplied in a frame configuration matched to the required printer and working layout.
- Specified frame and working-area dimensions
- PCB or panel aperture layout
- Fiducial and image-position requirements
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Frameless Foils
Custom-cut foils for the specified tensioning, clamping or printing fixture, with format details defined for your setup.
- Foil outline and usable layout
- Required mounting or locating features
- Orientation and printing-side identification
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Custom Layouts & Finishing
Configure top- or bottom-side patterns, panel layouts and fiducials, with electropolishing and optional nano-coating.
- Thickness and aperture requirements
- Single-board or panel printing data
- Specified polishing and coating options
Comparing the wider stencil range? Explore the SMT stencil overview for product formats and related manufacturing options.
Explore SMT Stencil OptionsThickness, Aperture & Surface Options
Choose the Right Thickness, Apertures and Finish
Configure the foil and aperture pattern around your printing requirements. PCBELEC combines laser-cut openings with custom formats, electropolishing and optional nano-coating for your selected stencil configuration.
Swipe horizontally if needed to compare all stencil options.
| Selection | What We Provide | Match It to Your Project |
|---|---|---|
| Foil Thickness | Stainless steel foil in a range of thicknesses, manufactured to the selected stencil configuration. | Review paste-volume needs, critical apertures and the component mix together rather than choosing thickness from pitch alone. |
| Aperture Geometry | Laser-cut openings from the approved paste pattern, including specified reductions, segmentation and special shapes. | Identify critical pads, top or bottom side, panel layout and any requested aperture modifications before cutting. |
| Electropolishing | Electropolishing as a finishing option for the laser-cut foil and aperture surfaces. | Specify the required finish with the foil thickness and opening pattern so the completed stencil matches the intended printing setup. |
| Optional Nano-Coating | A coating option available with the selected stencil specification and finishing requirements. | Identify the required coating, application side and any process-specific conditions. Keep the coating choice connected to the complete printing configuration. |
| Mixed Paste-Volume Requirements | Aperture-layout review and access to related step-stencil options for designs requiring local thickness differences. | Identify the areas with different deposition needs. Review aperture changes and thickness structure together before selecting the final stencil route. |
Laser Cutting & Foil Specifications
Laser-Cut SMT Stencil Specifications
PCBELEC manufactures laser-cut stencils using 304HTA stainless steel, with multiple foil thicknesses, precision cutting and a choice of polishing and coating processes.
- ±0.003 mm Cutting tolerance
- 0.06–0.30 mm Available foil thicknesses
- 304HTA Stainless steel foil
Swipe horizontally to view the full specification table.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing Method | Laser cutting |
| Foil Material | 304HTA stainless steel |
| Minimum Opening | >0.08 mm |
| Cutting Tolerance | ±0.003 mm |
| Common Foil Thicknesses | 0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18 and 0.20 mm |
| Additional Foil Thicknesses | 0.06, 0.08, 0.25 and 0.30 mm |
| Design Data | Gerber and PCB design data Include the paste pattern, outline, units and top- or bottom-side identification. State the CAD format and version for native files. |
| Polishing Options | Electropolishing, etching polishing and grinding polishing |
| Optional Nano Process | Vacuum coating Include the required coating and application details in the stencil specification. |
| Stencil Formats | Framed stencils and frameless foils See the frame and inner-size options below for format selection. |
| Laser Equipment | 22 laser machines |
| Order Turnaround | 6 hours to 2 days, depending on order status Include your required date and delivery destination when requesting the order schedule. |
Turn Your Stencil Specification into a Quote
Send the aperture data, selected thickness, mounting format, finish and quantity. Include critical features or drawing notes with the files.
Frame, Foil & Printer Compatibility
Find the Right Frame and Foil Size
Choose from framed, frameless and simple-frame formats. Match the outer dimensions and inner size to your PCB panel, mounting system and printer layout.
Standard Framed Formats
Width × length · All dimensions in mm
Swipe horizontally to view all size details.
| Frame Size (mm) | Inner Size (mm) | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| 370 × 470 | 190 × 290 | Framed |
| 300 × 400 | 140 × 240 | Framed |
| 420 × 520 | 240 × 340 | Framed |
| 450 × 550 | 270 × 370 | Framed |
| 584 × 584 | 380 × 380 | Framed |
| 550 × 650 | 340 × 440 | Framed |
| 736 × 736 | 500 × 500 | Framed |
| 400 × 600 | 220 × 400 | Framed |
| 400 × 800 | 220 × 600 | Framed |
| 400 × 1000 | 220 × 760 | Framed |
| 400 × 1200 | 220 × 1000 | Framed |
| 400 × 1400 | 220 × 1200 | Framed |
| 500 × 700 | 320 × 500 | Framed |
| 500 × 800 | 320 × 600 | Framed |
| 500 × 1000 | 320 × 800 | Framed |
| 500 × 1200 | 320 × 1000 | Framed |
| 500 × 1400 | 320 × 1200 | Framed |
| 500 × 1500 | 320 × 1300 | Framed |
Frameless Formats
Width × length · All dimensions in mm
Swipe horizontally to view all size details.
| Overall Size (mm) | Inner Size (mm) | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| 280 × 380 | 200 × 360 | No aluminum frame |
| 280 × 380 | 260 × 300 | No aluminum frame |
| 320 × 420 | 240 × 400 | No aluminum frame |
| 320 × 420 | 300 × 340 | No aluminum frame |
| 460 × 460 | 380 × 430 | No aluminum frame |
| 600 × 600 | 520 × 560 | No aluminum frame |
For formats with more than one inner-size option, include both the overall and inner dimensions in your inquiry.
Simple-Frame Formats
Width × length · All dimensions in mm
Swipe horizontally to view all size details.
| Frame Size (mm) | Inner Size (mm) | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| 370 × 470 | 190 × 290 | Simple frame |
| 300 × 400 | 140 × 240 | Simple frame |
Need a format matched to an existing stencil or printing fixture? Send the dimensional drawing with the paste-layer data and selected foil thickness.
Request a Size-Matched QuoteData Review, Manufacturing & Inspection
From Stencil Data to a Finished Printing Tool
PCBELEC connects file review, laser cutting, specified finishing and final inspection in one manufacturing workflow. Your aperture pattern, foil specification and mounting format guide the finished stencil.
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Define the Manufacturing Data
Review the paste pattern, units, outline, printing side and revision together with foil thickness and format. Requested aperture changes are documented for approval before manufacture.
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Manufacture the Selected Configuration
Laser-cut the approved aperture pattern in the selected stainless steel foil. Apply the specified polishing, coating and frame or foil-format requirements.
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Check the Finished Stencil
Check the aperture pattern, key dimensions, surface condition and format against the order specification. Review designated critical features with the drawing requirements.
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Identify and Protect the Order
Match the finished stencil to its project, revision and printing side. Package the frame or foil for handling and shipment.
Inspection Focus
Quality Checks That Follow the Stencil Specification
Inspection focuses on the features that define your printing tool: the aperture data, selected foil, physical format and finished condition.
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Aperture Pattern & Position
Pattern completeness, designated critical openings and image position relative to the approved layout.
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Foil & Format Dimensions
Selected thickness, outer dimensions, inner-size requirements and mounting or locating features.
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Surface & Finished Condition
Aperture-edge condition, visible surface defects, cleanliness and the specified finishing requirements.
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Revision & Identification
Project reference, data revision, printing side and any requested marking or documentation.
For orders with designated critical dimensions or inspection documentation, include those requirements with the drawing so they become part of the order specification.
Prepare Your Stencil InquiryStart Your Stencil Project
Request a Laser-Cut SMT Stencil Quote
Send your stencil files and configuration to PCBELEC. We quote the laser-cut foil, mounting format and finishing options around your project requirements.
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Paste Pattern & Reference Data
Attach the paste-layer Gerber or approved aperture data, plus the board or panel outline. Identify units, revision and printing side.
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Thickness & Mounting Configuration
State the foil thickness, framed or frameless format, outer and inner dimensions, and relevant printer or mounting requirements.
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Finishing & Drawing Notes
Include polishing, optional nano-coating, fiducials, marking and any specified aperture changes or critical inspection requirements.
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Quantity, Timing & Destination
Provide the quantity, required date and delivery destination. Note whether the order is a new layout or an existing revision.
Need help choosing the configuration? Send the available files with your printing setup and tell us which selections you would like reviewed.
Stencil Ordering & Configuration
Laser-Cut SMT Stencil FAQ
Practical answers about manufacturing files, foil thickness, mounting formats, finishing and order timing.
Have a drawing or an existing stencil specification? Include it with your project files for a configuration-based quote.
Prepare Your Stencil InquiryWhat can I specify in a laser-cut SMT stencil order?
Specify the stainless steel foil thickness, aperture pattern, framed or frameless format, overall and inner dimensions, fiducials and finishing. Include the printing side, data revision and quantity with the files.
PCBELEC manufactures the selected configuration, with polishing and optional nano-coating included when specified in the order.
How do I choose the foil thickness?
Choose thickness together with the aperture pattern and paste-volume requirements. PCBELEC offers common foil thicknesses of 0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18 and 0.20 mm, plus additional 0.06, 0.08, 0.25 and 0.30 mm options.
If the thickness is not yet selected, send the paste-layer data and identify the critical printing areas for review. See the stencil specification table for the available options.
Should I submit paste-layer data or copper-pad data?
Submit the approved paste-layer Gerber or aperture data for the intended printing side, together with the board or panel outline. This identifies the actual openings to manufacture.
When requesting aperture changes, include the relevant pad references and modification notes. Changes are documented for approval before cutting.
Can laser-cut stencils be framed or frameless?
Yes. PCBELEC supplies both framed laser-cut stencils and frameless foils. Select the format around your printer, tensioning system or mounting fixture.
Include the required outer dimensions, inner size, locating features and image orientation. The frame and foil size tables list the available configurations on this page.
What information is needed to match my printer?
Provide the printer model or mounting drawing, frame or foil dimensions, panel outline and required aperture-pattern position. Include clamping, tensioning and fiducial details where applicable.
For an existing setup, a dimensional drawing of the current stencil or fixture helps define the replacement format.
Are electropolishing and nano-coating available?
Yes. Electropolishing is available as a finishing option, and nano-coating can be specified with the selected stencil configuration. Include your preferred treatment in the quotation request.
For a coated stencil, identify the coating requirement and application details. Explore the nano-coated stencil page for the related product.
How are turnaround and shipping confirmed?
Include the quantity, selected configuration, required date and delivery destination in your inquiry. PCBELEC confirms the order schedule around the files and manufacturing requirements.
Production timing and transport timing are addressed separately so you can plan around the expected arrival of the stencil.
When should I consider a step stencil?
Consider a step stencil when different regions of the layout require different foil thicknesses. Identify those areas and the intended deposition requirements with your data.
Review the step-stencil options alongside aperture changes when selecting the final printing-tool configuration.
Technical Guides & Practical Resources
SMT Stencil Guides & Further Reading
Learn more about stencil manufacturing, solder paste printing and routine cleaning with these practical guides.
Manufacturing & Specifications PCB SMT Stencil Production Process
Explore the manufacturing process and specification considerations behind PCB SMT stencils.
Read the Manufacturing GuideStencil Use & Printing How to Use a PCB Stencil
Follow an introduction to preparing and using a PCB stencil for solder paste printing.
Read the Stencil Printing GuideCleaning & Maintenance Cleaning Solder Paste from SMT Stencils
Read about removing solder paste residue and cleaning SMT stencils after use.
Read the Stencil Cleaning Guide