Invar Stencils
 

Global Stencil is offering an alternative to electro-formed stencils. Invar stencils have comparably smooth sidewalls and offer excellent paste release when aspect ratios are reduced. While a standard, laser-cut stainless steel stencil provides an extremely effective stencil in most cases, micro-bga and extremely fine pitch components may need a smoother cutting material to print effectively.

Invar is the material of choice at Global Stencil to provide an extremely smooth cut aperture, which allows superior paste release in demanding printing situations. Many of our customers have tested these stencils on applications normally requiring electro-formed stencils with great results. As you will note in the pictures on this page, the aperture walls of the Invar stencil have a less pronounced striation from the laser pulse than in the electro-polished stainless steel stencil. The accepted theory is that smoother sidewalls provide better paste release. Testing is in progress on comparisons with paste release profiles, hardness of material, and general side-by-side differences between stainless steel and Invar stencils.

Our goal is to explore alternative materials to provide an affordable stencil with truly superior release. We will be updating this page showing profiles and release information from our studies as they become available.