I am finally at the point of trying to stencil print solder paste and have watched or read a lot of tutorials and threads on the subject. One example: https://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/58
For those that have done it, did you use tape and so forth or a stencil printer? If a stencil printer, was it of commercial quality or one of the many DIY types that are about $70 USD delivered such as this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/300x240mm-Manual-Solder-Paste-Printing-Machine-PCB-SMT-Stencil-Printer/124173098390?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Any opinions how whether a printer helps for one offs.
Details:
Stencil is SS, 4 mil from Oshstencil, no frame
Components are: 805 size; MCU is 44-pin TQFP (0.8 mm pitch); smallest pitch is 0.5 mm for an FPC connector with exposed pins (Molex)
Solder paste: Kester EP256 (leaded)
PCB: Oshpark purple
I am hoping for the best with the Molex connector, but chose the specific one being used, because I have hand soldered it with success.
For those that have done it, did you use tape and so forth or a stencil printer? If a stencil printer, was it of commercial quality or one of the many DIY types that are about $70 USD delivered such as this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/300x240mm-Manual-Solder-Paste-Printing-Machine-PCB-SMT-Stencil-Printer/124173098390?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Any opinions how whether a printer helps for one offs.
Details:
Stencil is SS, 4 mil from Oshstencil, no frame
Components are: 805 size; MCU is 44-pin TQFP (0.8 mm pitch); smallest pitch is 0.5 mm for an FPC connector with exposed pins (Molex)
Solder paste: Kester EP256 (leaded)
PCB: Oshpark purple
I am hoping for the best with the Molex connector, but chose the specific one being used, because I have hand soldered it with success.
