Instructable: SMT Reflow soldering using Kapton Solder Stencil

Placing an LED on some fresh solder paste

I wrote a guide on instructables.com about my experiences with using cheap laser cut Kapton sheet solder stencils for solder paste stencilling, and subsequent re flow soldering with hot air. All by hand under a microscope.

 

Prototyping

For low volume production and prototyping use, the short life of these stencils is perfectly fine, and I find them fast to produce and easy to use. The results are pretty good too, but you do need quite a bit of practice to make your soldering look really professional.

Rear side shot of the prototype design showing SMT and through-hole parts for debug