The difference between SMT steel mesh and copper mesh?

Solder paste printing is a crucial step in PCB assembly, where solder paste is applied to the PCB pads using an SMT stencil to prepare for subsequent soldering processes. While many are familiar with steel stencils, copper stencils are less well-known. Both serve the same purpose in solder paste printing, but there are some key differences between them. Let's take a closer look at the distinctions between SMT steel stencils and copper stencils.

Differences Between SMT Steel and Copper Stencils:

1,Durability:

Copper Stencils: Copper has a lower hardness, making it more susceptible to wear, deformation, and corrosion. Consequently, copper stencils have a shorter lifespan and lower durability. Steel Stencils: Made from stainless steel, these stencils exhibit excellent hardness and corrosion resistance, resulting in a longer lifespan and greater durability.

2,Precision:

Steel Stencils: These stencils offer high precision in aperture creation, making them suitable for high-demand, high-density, and high-precision solder paste printing. Copper Stencils: Due to the material properties, copper stencils have lower precision in aperture creation and are typically used for lower-demand solder paste printing applications.

3,Cost:

Copper Stencils: Made from copper, these stencils are less expensive, making them a cost-effective choice for applications with limited budgets and lower precision requirements. Steel Stencils: Constructed from stainless steel, these stencils are more costly, but they are ideal for products requiring high quality and precision.