Post : DIY solder stencils from soda cans
URL : http://hackaday.com/2013/02/04/diy-solder-stencils-from-soda-cans/
Posted : February 4, 2013 at 4:00 am
Author : Brian Benchoff
Tags : solder paste, stencil, toner transfer
Categories : tool hacks

http://hackadaycom.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/smd_stencil_done_w.jpg

Even if you've overcome your fear diddling about with tiny SMD components, applying solder paste - especially if you're populating more than one board at a time - is still a chore. The pros use very expensive laser cut stainless steel solder paste stencils, something still a bit out of reach to the casual hobbyist. [Felix] solved this problem by making his own solder paste stencils (http://lowpowerlab.com/blog/2013/01/23/diy-home-made-metal-stencils-step-through/) very cheaply using empty soda cans.

The process begins just like any other home etching tutorial by lightly sanding the un-bent aluminum can and applying the etch resist via the toner transfer method. Etching is done with off-the-shelf HCl and hydrogen peroxide, resulting in an amazingly clean stencil comparable in quality with a professional stencil.

Sure, going through a dozen-step process to make a solder paste stencil may not be as convenient as [Cnlohr]'s toothpick and tweezers method (http://hackaday.com/2013/02/01/populate-smd-boads-using-a-toothpick-and-tweezers/) , but [Felix]' method is just about up to par with extraordinarily expensive laser cut stainless steel stencils. Not bad for something that came from the recycling bin.

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