When ordering stencil(s) it is necessary to have one stencil per side of the PCB that has SMT parts, for example if a PCB has SMT parts on both sides it will be necessary to order two separate stencils. Historically a single stencil would have been ordered with both images (size permitting) but this is no longer the case as the SMT team have advised that a single image per stencil results in better paste application.

The majority of PCB designs use a 0.125mm thick stencil, however, there are certain components that require a 0.1mm thick stencil. Check Mechanical-2 for notes relating to the stencil thickness.

Typical lead-time for stencil(s) is 3-days but a premium 1-day delivery is usually available if required.

As stencils are available quicker than PCBs there is the option to wait for the front-end checks to be completed by the PCB fabricator before ordering the stencil. Care should be taken to ensure that by waiting for the front end checks to be completed that the stencil is still ordered so that it is available for when the PCBs arrive.