What Role Does Steel Mesh Play in SMT Production

PCBA is what we call it when mounting components with a specific electrical performance onto PCB in accordance with the BOM, position numbers, etc. To improve productivity,
the solder paste is used to position the electronic components , followed by wave soldering.

Red Glue and SMT Solder Paste

Solder pastes and red glues are fluids that have a thixotropic viscosity. Steel mesh is laser-cut and
designed according to Gerber files of the PCB. Through the mesh holes, the solder paste can be printed
onto the PCB pad (or red glue can be printed and fixed to the front of the component).

When the scraper moves at a certain speed and angle, force is created to push the paste in front of it,
creating the pressure needed to inject the paste into the mesh. The solder paste’s viscous friction
causes a shear at both the scraper and stencil junction. The shear forces reduce the viscosity and allow
the paste to be injected smoothly into the mesh on the PCB or the leak hole.

SMT Steel Mesh

The SMT steel grid is a precision fixture that can be used to print solder paste on PCB pads , or to
glue components between pads and to weld to create the electrical properties specified by PCBA.