Nanocoating an SMT Stencil:

I-Source-Technical-Services-Expert-Technical-AdviceNanocoating is a chemical wipe that coats an smt stencil in order to reduce friction. Nanocoating enhances paste release, reduces cleaning frequency during the printing process, and provides a higher quality print. Any SMT Stencil can be Nanocoated but there is a fee. So the question becomes: Is the extra expense worth it? That answer is dependant upon a number of factors, but here is everything you will need to know to make that decision.

The Cost/Benefit Analysis

The reality is, not every smt stencil should be nanocoated. Here are the things that need to factor into your nanocoating decision:

  • What kind of paste are you running? The denser the paste (type 3 versus type 5), the higher the benefit of nanocoating.
  • What is the smallest pitch and aperture on the stencil, and how thick is your foil? You need to look at the overall density of the image. If you’ve got a large board with large openings, nanocoating doesn’t really provide any benefit. But if you’re looking at small pitch and apertures, nanocoating can make a significant difference in SMT stencil performance.
  • What volume are you running? How many prints are you trying to pull – will this be a short prototype run or a longer run? One of the big benefits of nanocoating is that it cuts down on cleaning cycles. But if you’re only doing a short prototype run, this doesn’t really benefit you.
  • Nanocoating is not permanent – Eventually it will need to be reapplied. The lifespan of a Nanocoat depends on a number of factors including how many prints are made, how frequently the SMT stencil is cleaned, and the chemicals used cleaning.

Conclusion

The bottom line is, for some SMT stencils,  Nanocoating is definitely worth the expense. But for others it may be more beneficial to review your SMT stencil. By ensuring that your stencil is of the correct thickness, the apertures are correctly cut, and that you are using the right paste can allow for SMT stencils to work more efficiently in cases where Nanocoating may not be a benefit.

Need help?

If you still aren’t quite sure whether or not Nanocoating will provide the best solution for you, please call I-Source toll free at (877) 697-8362 and one of our seasoned professionals will assist you.