It is the Mission of StenTech to provide our customers with unparalleled customer service, technical expertise, exceptional quality and on-time delivery with a kaleidoscope of product offerings supporting their Surface Mount Technology (SMT) requirements.

StenTech began in the stencil industry in 1999. Through hard work and challenges, many acquisitions and dedicated employees, StenTech is now a top North American SMT manufacturer. We supply to all Tier 1 North American Contract Manufacturers and currently service over 1,000 customers.

StenTech offers a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise in designing stencils, wave solder pallets and SMT carriers. In addition, StenTech manufactures press fit fixtures, vacuum support fixtures, hand soldering fixtures and router fixtures, as well as in-circuit test fixtures and functional test fixtures.

StenTech employees are the key to our success.

We currently offer our customers 27 CAD engineers who have, on average, over 10 years’ experience in CAD engineering! Our CAD engineers are conversant with all popular file formats: Gerber, Gerber-X, Barco DPF, ODB++, DXF, HPGL. This ensures that your requirements are readily understood and your products are reliably supplied in a timely manner.

The CAD engineers’ experience is gained from making over half a million stencils, so as a company, we have a wealth of design and manufacture expertise. Our CAD personnel combine modification rules, honed by customer feedback and experimental development, with your own specific and unique design requirements and preferences to produce state-of-the-art stencils. We are able to accurately predict the transfer efficiency of paste/stencil aperture combinations and apply design rules to the stencil in order to optimize paste deposit repeatability.

Frequently asked questions, abbreviated to FAQ, are listed questions and answers, all supposed to be commonly asked in some context, and pertaining to a particular product line.

Here you will find some commonly asked questions that we receive for our many products. We hope they help you with questions you may have. If not, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service representatives or technical directors for more information.

Stencils:

How fast can we get the stencil?
We ship the job with in 24 hours. We accommodate faster turn around when needed.

What edits do we recommend?
We recommend IPC standard edits.

What other materials do you offer stencils in?
Fine grain, PHD, nickel, stainless steel, brass and copper. If you have another material you are interested in for your stencil, please ask us.

What do you need to generate a stencil?
We require a paste or copper layer, but we prefer to have as much info as possible, such as the silk, mask and drill layers, to ensure the stencil is accurate to your needs

Electroform Stencils:

Can you do Step and Recess on the same stencil?
Yes, it is possible to do Step (on squeegee side) and Recess (on board side) of the same stencil. It depends on the thickness of the stencil, step and recess areas, as well as step and recess depth. Also, it is possible to have multi-step (different thicknesses) on the same stencil.

What is the thinnest measurement possible with Electroform?
We could go down to 0.0005" (0.5 mil) for stencil foil 12" x 12".
Note: Thickness range for Electroform stencil: 0.0005" to 0.008" with 0.0003" increments.

Can you etch brass and copper?
We can etch a wide range of metals including brass and copper.
Note: Other metals include stainless steel, Invar, beryllium copper, nickel silver, etc.

Inspection Templates:

Can the entire silk layer be engraved on the template?
In most cases, no. We need to oversize each component to the extents of the silk outline to ensure the template clears the component when placed on the board. The reference designators need to be a minimum of 0.100" in order to infill with ink and be legible.

Will each component have its own cutout?
This will depend on how dense the board is. In order for each component to have its own cutout, there needs to a be a minimum of 0.030" between components during the template design phase in order to hold a thick enough web for each component. Groups of components that are less than 0.030" will be cut out as a group instead of individual components.

What is the maximum size?
The ESD material comes in sheets that are 32x24". This is large enough for most applications. If we need to create larger templates, we can cut multiple pieces that have "dovetail" designs on the ends, which allow them to piece together like a puzzle.

What is the turnaround time?
Depending on the complexity of the board, it could take up to 24 hours to be engineered. Generally, templates are shipped next day. In some cases, this may take longer depending on the complexity, quantity and size ordered. Each customer will be notified if we need longer than 24 hours to ship.Our laser is capable of cutting most plastic materials up to a thickness of 0.5". Custom orders are always reviewed to see if we can meet customer requirements.

At StenTech, we pride ourselves on our Quality, Delivery & Service. With these come our association memberships and industry involvement certifications.

Our Certifications include:

ISO Registered 9001:2008

ISO 9001:2008 sets out the criteria for a quality management system and is the only standard in the family that can be certified (although this is not a requirement). It can be used by any organization, large or small, regardless of its field of activity. In fact, ISO 9001:2008 is implemented by over one million companies and organizations in over 170 countries.

This standard is based on a number of quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach and continual improvement. These principles are explained in more detail in the PDF “Quality Management Principles.” Using ISO 9001:2008 helps ensure that customers get consistent, good quality products and services, which in turn brings many business benefits.

ITAR Registered

All manufacturers, exporters and brokers of defense articles, related technical data and defense services as defined on the United States Munitions List (Part 121 of the ITAR) (PDF, 7MB) are required to register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Registration is primarily a means to provide the U.S. Government with necessary information on who is involved in certain manufacturing, exporting and brokering activities. Registration does not confer any export rights or privileges, but is a precondition for the issuance of any license or other approval for export.

CGD - Controlled Goods Directorate

The Controlled Goods Program (CGP) is a registration and compliance program that regulates access to controlled goods, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) items, in Canada. The CGP plays a vital role in the prevention and detection of the unlawful examination, possession or transfer of controlled goods in Canada. Under the authorities of the Defence Production Act (DPA) and the Controlled Goods Regulations, the CGP's mandate is to strengthen Canada's defence trade controls through the mandatory registration and regulation of businesses and individuals who examine, possess and/or transfer controlled goods.

Industry Memberships:

SMTA   

The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) is an international network of professionals who build skills, share practical experience and develop solutions in electronic assembly technologies, including microsystems, emerging technologies and related business operations.

EPTECH 

EPTECH regional professional electronics shows are produced in major high-technology centers across Canada. EPTECH is the only series of coast-to-coast national electronics shows in Canada. The series is sponsored by EP&T, Canada’s largest professional electronics trade publication, and is produced by Business Information Group, a leading technology and information provider.

IPC

The global trade association serving the printed board and electronics assembly industries, their customer and suppliers.

Customer Commitment – the only way to produce high quality product, deliver it on time, and provide exceptional service is to have exceptional team members, and StenTech's team is 100% committed to our customers.

Read what some of our customers are saying about us:

"We have been doing business with StenTech for over 3 years and have never had a complaint. StenTech has always provided a quick and prompt on time delivery. The employees are always a pleasure to communicate with and their professionalism and quality-first mentality definitely carry over to their product. StenTech's knowledge of stencil technology and applications have helped us with DOE projects and provided ideas that have improved our processes. Their willingness to work with us and their quality has created a long lasting relationship."

- Billy Klinger, Circuit Technology Inc.

"A+++ Excellence Service! Best overall service we have had when ordering any of StenTech product line over the past 5 years of dealing with them. Next day delivery on stencils, this is superior against other stencil houses I have ordered from."

- Mark Martin, Assistant Engineering Mananger, BEI Electronics

"I would like to express what a great job StenTech in Austin has done for Silicon Hills Design over last few years. All stencils orders have been on time and some times I can get a stencil the same day. All the guys have performed detailed work and have been able to create paste layers when customers cannot provide them. We also started using StenTech SMT fixtures and we have been pleased with the quality of the work."

- Mark Estorga, Silicon Hills Design, Inc.

"StenTech service and customer focus are unparalleled. Very fast turnarounds, even when rushed, and prices that are very competitive. Your ability to solve our cutting plate problems (CNC milling services) was impressive. Thank you for being so courteous even when we are often very demanding."

- R. Doucet, Process Engineer, CAE Inc.

"StenTech has a history of quick turnaround and dependable quality. They have always been helpful with diligent and professional service on special requests such as rush orders, custom stencil framing, reframing, and special designs for glue printing or pin through paste applications. We love doing business with StenTech."

- Christian Morining. M.Sc.A., President, Optimont Inc.

"I'm happy to tell you that your service thus far has been excellent. The quality of your stencils have helped tighten our processes and your turnaround time has kept our customers happy. Overall, the experience has exceeded our expectations. Keep up the good work."

- Tom Ferrin, Techfabrik, Inc.