3D-PatchWork®-Stencil

3D-PatchWork®-Stencil – Precision and flexibility for complex printed circuit boards

The 3D step stencil opens up new possibilities in solder paste printing—even for printed circuit boards with pre-assembled components or other raised components. Precisely cut-out recesses are closed with perfectly fitting covers. This creates a precisely defined cavity between the stencil and the printed circuit board, which reliably protects sensitive components during the printing process.

This technology ensures consistently high print quality, even in hard-to-reach places. The only limitations are the height of the pre-assembly and the dimensions of the available space, but your design freedom remains maximised.

We provide everything from design to production from a single source, offering precisely fitting 3D PatchWork® stencils that can handle even the most demanding layouts reliably.

Precise solder paste printing

Another special application of the PatchWork® technique is the recess on the PCB side (bottom) of the stencil. For this purpose, a thinner sheet metal is welded flush on the squeegee side. This technique is mainly used when identification labels, barcode labels, etc., are already applied to the PCB surface.

Cross-section of a step-down on the stencil's underside:

Cross-section step-down on the top and bottom of the stencil with a smooth transition for optimal printing results

The 3D PatchWork stencil can be used to achieve a uniform printing result on printed circuit boards with different height levels.

Sectioning the area where the solder paste height is to be modified
Manufacturing the patch with the appropriate sheet metal thickness
Welding the patch into the base stencil
Cutting out all apertures in a single operation, thereby maintaining the high precision of the template

Advantages of this manufacturing process

rounded step edges due to welding technology + smooth surface = optimal solder paste discharge properties
retrospective insertion of patches, both step-up and step-down, even possible in modified patch thicknesses
express service available starting at 6 hours / ExW

About our know-how

We are pioneers in laser-welded step stencils

precisely fitting steps in 10-micrometer increments, material thicknesses from 50 to 500 micrometers possible
exact material thickness with a tolerance of ±2% of the sheet thickness
steps possible on squeegee and circuit board sides
retrospective fitting of steps in SMD stencils and PatchWork® stencils
step within step possible, both upward and downward
high repeat accuracy and permanent dimensional stability thanks to precise laser cutting and welding technology
later adjustment of material thickness and patch-in-patch applications possible
the special manufacturing process ensures clean removal behavior and increased service life

3D-PatchWork®-Stencil variants

Stencil material:

Stainless steel 1.4301
Hardness (Hv): min. 370
Tensile strength (N / mm²): > 1100

Tolerances

Sheet metal thickness tolerance: ± 2 %

Stainless steel sheet dimensions:

PatchWork®-Stencils in material thicknesses (μm):
50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 130, 140, 150, 180, 200, 250, 300, 400
PatchWork®-Stencils in VectorGuard- clamping system in material thicknesses (μm):
80, 100, 120, 130, 150, 180, 200, 250
Maximum sheet thickness: 2 mm
Maximum machining area: 800 x 600 mm

Your benefits

Adjusted solder paste volumes in a single printing process
Simultaneous printing on multiple levels
Different paste heights on multiple levels
Available with NanoWork® coating

Stencil variants

Our other services

Why chose LaserJob?

adept knowledge

Through our customized data preparation solutions and the optimization of your CAD data in collaboration with our specialists, we guarantee maximum efficiency and quality for your project.

direct contact

Your immediate access to us: Personal contact – fast, easy, and reliable.

all from one provider

We combine a wide variety of technologies and processes to achieve the best results: cutting, welding, marking, ablating, coating, etc.

express delivery

6-hour express service ex works:
Orders received by 1:00 p.m.
shipped on the same working day.

Let's get your project started!

To ensure that your order is processed quickly,

please send us your order, including the relevant data, by email to mail@laserjob.de

Please send us your Gerber files for the templates by email to mail@laserjob.de

We also process your ODB++, DWG, or DXF data.

Transportation is usually carried out by TNT, GO, UPS, DHL, FedEx (all delivery types), as well as by express delivery and courier delivery with partner companies.

We are happy to ship your stencil with the carrier of your choice using your customer number.

3D-PatchWork® stencils are available ex works within three working days, or even within six hours with our express service – no compromises on quality or durability.

LaserJob is a pioneer in laser-cut SMD stencils, with developments ranging from the first standard stencil to the state-of-the-art nano-coated PatchWork® stencil. Get in touch with us and let's discover together how we can best support you. Your reliable partner for SMD stencils for over 30 years.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Unlike a conventional step stencil, a 3D stencil allows printing areas to be located at different levels on the printed circuit board.

The standard squeegee of an SMD printer cannot adapt to step differences >100µm because it is made of stainless steel and is rigid. Additionally, the distance between steps should be maintained at a considerable level, often leaving insufficient space on the circuit board. For this reason, a slotted squeegee must be used and adapted to the steps.

With our special cutting and welding process, we automatically create rounded edges in the step area. This allows the squeegee to gently adapt to any height or depth in the template.

The design guideline IPC-7525B (2011) for printing stencils can be ordered directly from IPC.org or from the FED association. If you are unsure, please give us a call! We will be happy to work with you to find individual solutions.

Generally speaking, step differences of up to 3 mm can be achieved with our technology. However, the design recommendations for the printing process should be taken into account, particularly the distances between the steps across the squeegee direction.

As a rule of thumb, for every 25 µm step difference, the distance from the step edge to the aperture in the step should be at least 0.9 mm. This means that for a step difference of 0.1 mm, the distance in the step should be at least 3.6 mm. In practice, however, step differences of more than 80 µm are rarely used in the SMD range.

For large steps, slotted squeegees are used to match the layout. These can be ordered from ourselves together with the stencil.

The standard delivery time is 3 business days. Additionally, 6 and 24-hour express service is available.

Even if the step template has already been used in your production, further modifications to the step height can be made. The requirement is that the template is still in proper condition.

Multiple steps can be created, even with different depths and heights. Steps can also be inserted within other steps.