SMT, PCB Electronics Industry News

SMT Stencil Cleaning Roll Tape Test

Jul 16, 2020

The goal of this test is to select an SMT stencil cleaning roll that is free of weak linty paper fibers that can break ways. Using a lint-free roll such as the GREEN MONSTER can help prevent damage to equipment, defects, bridges, blocked apertures, low transfer efficiency, and solder contamination.

Contaminated PC boards are a common problem. While the contamination itself is often thought of as a mystery, the cause may actually come from the stencil wiping roll itself. This is largely due to the sticky solder paste and sharp edges of the stencil’s apertures.

The stencil wiping roll is supposed to clean the stencil in an attempt to prevent contamination. However, some stencil wiping rolls often leave behind pieces of its material on the stencil, subsequently contaminating the PC board. When these contaminants pass through the oven, voids will occur.

One can determine the probability of contamination with an easy test of the stencil wiping roll. The test is called the “Tape Test”. It is a quick and simple experiment that will save any company money by not having to repair contaminated boards. It will also help any company in determining which stencil wiping rolls are acceptable.

Stencil Cleaning Roll Tape Test Procedure

  1. First, cut off a piece of scotch tape or black electrical tape about 2 inches in length.
  2. Place the strip of tape along the surface of the stencil wiping fabric.
  3. Once the tape has adhered to the surface, pressure must be applied. The pressure should
  4. be applied in an even fashion. To ensure that the pressure is equally applied roll a 1,000gm calibration weight over the taped surface. If a weight of this size is not available, a seam pro (used for wallpaper seam attachment), a full can of soda or any tool that will provide equal weight distribution can be used. In some cases, simply using a finger will be acceptable. 
  5. If Scotch tape is used, place it on a black surface and observe the mount of fibers pulled off with the naked eye or better yet a magnifier. This test can easily be quantified by counting fibers and particles under magnification.
  6. For the best determination, repeat this step for front and back sides of the wiping roll’s

Important! This test is only valid when comparing fabrics. 

Aug 03, 2022 -

High-Tech Conversions Adding JNJ Industries

Apr 20, 2021 -

New and Improved GRAB EEZ Cleanroom Wipe Dispenser

Feb 09, 2021 -

Reduce Cleanroom Contamination by Using High-Quality Wipes

Apr 02, 2020 -

Manufacturer of GREEN MONSTER Stencil Rolls Celebrates 25th Anniversary

May 22, 2019 -

Get to Know Your PCB Printer Stencil Wiping Roll

May 22, 2019 -

Get to Know Your PCB Printer Stencil Wiping Roll

Feb 19, 2018 -

Presaturated Surface Prep Wipe

May 16, 2017 -

High-Tech Conversions Adds New Presaturated Wipe Options

Sep 01, 2016 -

Contract Manufacturing and Private Labeling Solutions

Mar 28, 2016 -

ISO 5-6 ESD Cleanroom Wipes

33 more news from High-Tech Conversions »

Nov 18, 2024 -

IPC Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with a Focus on Electronics Manufacturing Excellence

Nov 18, 2024 -

IPC Introduces First Standard for In-Mold Electronics

Nov 18, 2024 -

Disruptive Innovation and Generative AI Inventor, Kevin Surace, to Keynote IPC APEX EXPO 2025

Nov 18, 2024 -

Etek Europe Expands Partnership with ITW EAE to Represent Despatch Products in the UK and Ireland

Nov 18, 2024 -

Kurtz Ersa Honors Jean Verchere's 30 Years of Dedication as He Retires

Nov 18, 2024 -

KIC Launches Game-Changing TAS Software Platform to Address Emerging Thermal Process Challenges

Nov 18, 2024 -

Nordson Test & Inspection Receives Top Honor with Prime Step-by-Step Innovation Award for SQ3000M2 System

Nov 18, 2024 -

Scienscope's New Xspection 3120 Inspects Long PCBs

Nov 18, 2024 -

PARMI USA, INC. Appoints Juan Arango as Head of Sales and Business Development to Drive U.S. Market Growth

Nov 18, 2024 -

Naprotek Welcomes Aerospace and Defense Veteran to Board of Directors

See electronics manufacturing industry news »

SMT Stencil Cleaning Roll Tape Test news release has been viewed 926 times

Win Source Online Electronic parts

Find Replacement SMT Nozzles and Feeders