Stenchill: Generate 3D Printable Solder Paste Stencils from Gerber Files in Seconds
Stenchill: 3D Printable Solder Paste Stencil Generator
I built Stenchill to help makers create custom 3D-printable solder paste stencils instantly. Simply upload your Gerber files from KiCad, Eagle, or Altium, preview the design, and download an STL file for same-day printing. This free tool replaces expensive professional stencils, making precise SMD component assembly accessible for prototyping and small batches right from your home workshop.
A chat discussion convinced me the idea was worth building and that I had the skills to ship it.
- giantg2
This looks great! I've ordered stencils and do 3D printing... kicking myself for not thinking of it.
On the other hand, it gave me a great idea. What if you could 3D print the solder paste right onto the PCB using a tool that swaps out the hot end?
- throwa356262
Cheap 3d printers are not terribly accurate, and the hot filament moves a bit (e.g. elephant foot). This method might not work well if your board is large or has very small components.
Also, even after ironing the surface will not be fully flat and some paste can end up in the space between the lines and go wasted.
A cheap low-power laser cutter is about the same price as a very cheap printer, which may be a better option if you can dial in the accuracy needed.
- junon
For those of us without the cash/apartment space for a PNP, has anyone experimented with a stencil system for populating passives? Is that even a thing?
My PCB project's population time is currently 11 hours the last time I did it, from blank to tested, for one unit. The largest amount of time spent is on the resistors and capacitors - over 200 of them.