SMT Stencil for Reliable PCB Assembly

• SMT stencil from $3, 12h build time• 304 HTA stainless steel, ±0.003mm laser precision• Nano-coating, electropolishing, step stencil options
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What is an SMT Stencil?

SMT stencil, also called PCB stencil, is a precision stainless-steel stencil used in PCB assembly. It features laser-cut apertures aligned with PCB pads to ensure accurate and consistent solder paste deposition, minimizing defects such as bridging or misalignment and enabling reliable, high-quality PCB assembly.

JLCPCB Stencil Overview

JLCPCB stencil service is the earliest and most mature manufacturing lines developed after our PCB prototyping service, trusted by millions of engineers worldwide. To ensure consistent and accurate SMT printing, we continuously invest in advanced manufacturing equipment, including over 30 high-precision laser cutting machines, and use 304 HTA stainless steel with tolerances as tight as ±0.003mm.

We specialize in precision laser-cut stencil technology, supporting both solder paste and adhesive (red glue) applications for high-quality PCB assembly. JLCPCB offers a wide range of circuit board stencil customization options, such as framed and frameless stencils, step stencils, nano-coating, electropolishing and ultrasonic-resistant adhesive. These enhancements improve solder paste release, increase first-pass SMT yield and optimize printing performance for mixed-technology and high-density PCBs.

Types of JLCPCB Stencils

Surface mount stencil can be categorized by stencil frame and manufacturing process.

Classification by Stencil Frame

This category focuses on whether the stencil has a frame or how it is supported.

Non-Framework (Frameless Stencil)

  •  Standalone stainless-steel sheet without a frame
  • More flexible and space-saving

  • Ideal for small batches or manual assembly

Framework (Framed Stencil)

  • The stencil is fixed in an aluminum or steel frame
  • Easy to handle and position accurately

  • Suitable for automated pick-and-place machines

Classification by Process & Surface Finish

Nano Coating

Faster solder paste release, more uniform paste deposits, less cleaning—ideal for BGA, QFN and other fine-pitch components.

Learn more about nano-coated stencil >

Electropolishing

Removes micro burrs, smooths aperture walls, and enhances solder paste release, a perfect match with nano-coating.

Step Stencil

Step stencil features varying thicknesses across the stencil, allowing precise solder paste deposition for fine-pitch and high-density components.

Ultrasonic-Res. Adhesive

Ensures framed stencil stability during printing and prevents vibration or shifting—strong bond, heat resistance, corrosion resistance.

JLCPCB Stencil Manufacturing Capabilities

Stencil Types

Framework & Non-Framework

Stencil Material

304 HTA stainless steel

Minimum Aperture Size

>0.08mm

Cutting Tolerance

±0.003mm

Cutting Technology

Precision Laser Cutting

Manufacturing Capabilities

Over 30 laser cutting machines in operation

Stencil File Formats

Gerber files (with solder paste layers), DXF

Nano-Coating

Available for all types of stencils

Step Stencil

Only available for stencils with framework

Ultrasonic-Resistant Adhesive

Only available for stencils with framework

Build Time

Fastest build time: 12 hours

Note: The final build time may vary based on the selected stencil specifications and order confirmation time.

Stencil Delivery

If you order a stencil together with PCBs, stencil size within 280mm × 280mm can be shipped together with the PCBs.

However, if you choose express shipping (e.g., DHL, FedEx), stencil size exceeding 280mm × 280mm will be shipped separately.

How Our PCB Layout Design Service Works

How to Order JLCPCB FR4 PCBs in 3 Easy Steps

Step 1: Click the "Instant Quote" Button

Click the “Instant Quote” button on the JLCPCB homepage to get started.

Step 2: Upload & Customize Your FR4 PCB

Easily upload your Gerber file, select FR4 as the base material, choose your required parameters, and click “Save to Cart.”

Step 3: Checkout & Track with Ease

Complete your payment securely and follow real-time production and delivery updates online.

How to Order JLCPCB FR4 PCBs in 3 Easy Steps

Why Choose Surface Mount Stencil from JLCPCB?

Excellent Print Quality

Manufactured using 30+ high-precision laser cutting machines, the stencils feature clean, burr-free apertures with consistent quality. Made from 304 HTA stainless steel with tolerances as tight as ±0.003mm for accurate solder paste deposition and offers optional nano-coating and electropolishing to improve paste release, reduce bridging, and increase first-pass SMT yield.

Competitive Pricing & Fast Turnaround

Precise laser-cut stencil starts at just $3 (100 × 100mm) . Premium nano-coating and electropolishing are available at highly competitive, industry-leading prices.

Fully automated laser cutting ensures production in as fast as 12 hours. Most stencil orders are shipped within 24 hours of confirmation.

Full Custom Support

Available in framed and frameless stencils, supporting extensive customization—including size, outline, thickness, panelized designs, and splitting large frameless stencils into multiple pieces—plus advanced process options such as nano-coating, electropolishing, step stencils, and ultrasonic-resistant adhesive to meet diverse PCB assembly requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About PCB Stencil

1. Can I order my first SMT stencil for free?

Yes. If you’re a new user and order an SMT stencil (size≤ 380 × 280 mm), your new-user stencil coupon will fully cover the stencil cost. You’ll only need to pay the shipping cost and a $1 customs-required charge.

2. If I order PCBs together with an SMT stencil, will they be shipped together?
It depends on the stencil size:
Stencil size ≤280 × 280mm: Can be shipped together with your PCBs.
Stencil size >280 × 280mm (with express shipping such as DHL/FedEx): Will be shipped separately.
3. I forgot to order an SMT stencil when placing my PCB order. What should I do?
You can reorder a stencil in two ways:
Option 1: Order a Stencil Only
Visit JLCPCB’s ordering page and select "SMT Stencil" from the top menu to upload gerber file and get started.
Option 2: Order an SMT Stencil from PCB Order History
If you previously ordered bare PCBs, you can return to Order History and add a stencil directly to that PCB order. Click "Show all", and select "Need Stencil" to add a stencil to match your PCBs.
4. Can I customize my PCB stencil size or outline?
• Size Customization
Yes, for non-framework (frameless) stencils, you can customize any dimensions within 650 × 580mm.
Framed stencils do not support size customization.
• Outline Customization
Yes. Frameless stencils also support custom outlines, including special shapes similar to those used by other stencil manufacturers. Framed stencils currently do not support outline customization.
5. I have multiple different PCBs. Can I place them on one stencil?

Yes. Find the option "Multiple PCBs on one stencil", select "Yes", and remember to add a stencil remark describing your panelization or placement requirements.

6. Which kind of PCB stencil technology is highly recommended at JLCPCB?

Nano-coating matches with electropolishing; they together can improve solder paste release and offer the best result for your PCB assembly, which has got a lot of good feedback from our customers. We highly recommend that you try it.

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