Our FAQ section is updated on a regular basis. If you have a specific question that you would like posted, please email it to us and we'll do our best to include it in our next update. If your question requires a confidential response only, include this request in your email.
Q. We’d like to do in-house tracking of our screens. Does MicroScreen offer a bar code label on their screens?
A. Users of screens and stencils can now request that MicroScreen apply bar code labels. These bar code labels
offer the advantage of tracking for identification, inventory, warehousing, and shipping, to name a few.
The bar codes are scanner and human readable and can be decoded with virtually any barcode reader. The adhesive used on the labels has been tested with the majority of solvents used in the industry with no negative effect.
The bar code symbology used by MicroScreen is Code 39 which meets ISO/EC16388.
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Q. Once we send our Gerber data to you, how do you check the design for aspect ratio and width of apertures,
especially on 20 mil pitch or finer?
A. When we receive your Gerber files, we run them through our EtchGuard software. The software monitors a
number of things, including aspect ratio—the ratio between the size of the aperture and the thickness of the
stencil. For optimum paste release, the preferred aspect ratio is greater than 1.5 and greater than .66 for area
ratio.
In addition, the software checks all apertures to ensure that they are the correct size for a given pitch based on IPC-7525A. If an aperture is too small for a given metal thickness, it is automatically red flagged by the software.
IPC-7525A Stencil Design Guidelines, is available from IPC Customer Service at 847.597.2862 or thru their website bookstore at www.ipc.org
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Q. Our typical stencil use consists of short runs and prototypes…high mix, low volume. What are your suggestions for
cost savings on stencils and floor space?
A. We offer the Wizard Frame System. This frame assembly offers significant cost savings on your stencil, reduces
shipping costs, condenses storage space on your production floor, and eliminates frame recycling and internal
documentation.
MicroScreen provides the Wizard Frame System in the 20”x20” and 29”x29” size. When you place your stencil orders with MicroScreen, we will give you “free” the Wizard frame size of your choice. Just let us know how many lines you have and we’ll make sure you’re covered!
This system is ideal for quick changeover on prototype and small runs— while reducing the stencil price and storage space on the floor. For further information on the Wizard Frame System, look under “Our Products –Stencils – More Information – Wizard Frame System”.