Dorset based TSL (Tecan Stencils Limited) has further enhanced its comprehensive surface-mount solder paste stencil manufacturing service - with the installation of the most up-to-date laser stencil cutter in Europe, the SL 800 from LPKF.

Employing advanced linear motors to replace traditional load-screw drives, the new machine combines speed with highly-accurate aperture formation - producing a burr-free finish which eliminates the need for any further cutting process. Stencils can also be re-mounted for modification or next-generation upgrading, offering positional accuracy of +/- 5 microns - and metals other than stainless steel can be cut. Improved paste release for finer pitch printing results from the technology, due to the smoothness of the aperture walls.

This major advance, coupled with TSL’s unprecedented wider knowledge of stencil manufacture and surface-mount production requirements, provides the industry with access to the most cost-effective and relevant solutions for optimum performance, says the company. Using this new technology, Meshed, Tecfoil, Micromount, Vector, Tetra and other re-mountable stencils can be readily produced. Standard stencil despatch period is two days, with same-day or half-day turnaround on request.

“We remain dedicated to providing the most up-to-date and appropriate solutions available to stencil users today,” said Tony Weldon, TSL product manager. “The new laser machine extends and enhances our capability, but laser cutting should not necessarily be seen as a global panacea to suit all stencil production needs. Other manufacturing techniques (PCM, electroforming and multi-level electroforming) can be used in their own right, or in combination with the laser technology to offer greater benefits than when using them in isolation. In fact, TSL is the only company able to offer combinations of all these techniques as part of a total capability serrvice.”

With multi-level stencils for example, it is no longer necessary for engineers to compromise on the thickness of a stencil, so as to accommodate large and small paste deposits for different components and pitches. These multi-level, or multi-height stencils feature step-ups and recesses, allowing the optimum amount of paste to be deposited exactly where it is needed. The optimised stencils can be produced from etch/laser or electroform/laser hybrid combinations - where the raised or recessed surfaces are produced prior to laser cutting, accurately producing the necessary profiles across the stencil.

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