(February 16, 2010) — The VectorGuard stencil portfolio from DEK now includes the double layer Platinum stencil, a stencil technology that is said to offer performance benefits over conventional screens. VectorGuard Double Layer Platinum stencils suit semiconductor applications and component manufacture, solar cell manufacture, low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) manufacture, as well as other production challenges requiring fine line or mixed feature sizes.

The double-layer stencil is fabricated through a two-step lithography and nickel electroforming process then mounted on VectorGuard tensioning technology. The mesh layer of the two-layer structure serves to hold the stencil intact while accurately controlling the flow of paste to the second layer. The circuit layer determines the thickness and shape of the print deposits to deliver high tolerance, fine-dimension printing. The stencils can print long conductive lines without losing strength.

The product is said to generate a tenfold increase in product lifetime over screens.  It reduces the two-step process for multi-layer technologies such as LTCC to one by combining filling and inner-layer printing stages. It is also reportedly easier to clean and maintain than a screen. Dimensional accuracy reaches better than 0.1 µm/mm. The new DEK stencil also incorporates all the operational advantages of the reusable, recyclable VectorGuard system, including ease-of-use, system rigidity and operator safety.

For more information on DEK, visit www.dek.com.