If you’re in the electronics industry and you are dealing with stencils on a daily basis, then you’ll certainly need to make sure that the ones you have are of the highest possible quality. You need to have Rework Stencils that ensure repeatable and accurate printed results of single components footprints, like SM, uBGA, BGA, PLCC and QFP connectors during the PCB rework operations.
These types of stencils will basically mimic the aperture and footprint sizes that correspond to the initial stencil that’s being used in production and the device requirements. Alignment becomes simple when combined with a re-work station, so the result can only be a controlled process that’s right from the first time. Also, one thing you’ll have to keep in mind is the fact that Rework Stencils are quite rigid, so you should keep that in mind when you’re going to purchase them.
In what regards the compact designs, they feature a low stencil projection beyond what you need to print, which means that they can be used in all situations, especially when it comes to component areas of high density. Run off, run on and accurately folded areas guarantee effective containment and paste roll without having you worried about interferences to other components on the populated PCB. When you’ll get Rework Stencils, you should know that they will be provided as full assemblies with all the required interfaces to suit your existing system or rework station.
Regardless if you’re using solder paste or paste flux the Rework Stencils will simplify the rework process so much, that you will start wondering why you didn’t consider them before. As a result, you’ll benefit from a more reliable connection. With that being said, these are the main aspects you should know about Rework Stencils, so good luck with getting them!