Solder mask

[josefr]

Hi all

I've got a question - what is easy and elegant way to make solder mask on PCB - is there special kind of paint or lacquer (in spray probably )? Did somebody of you make mask by himself - if yes what technique?

I suppose I can use common paint but it won't be transparent and I'm not sure that it would be durable e.g. high temperature during soldering.

[tiroth]

I use urethane spray (Techspray) but it is reworkable. It still helps keep the traces on the board and keep the solder where it is supposed to be.

I believe there is a non-reworkable silicon spray but I have never used it.

I have used those little soldermask pens...they work great, but cost an arm and a leg...

[SY]

There are a few ways to do it. The way I prefer is to use a silk screen method; doing a silk screen by hand is pretty simple.

[josefr]

Silk screen

Could you describe me what silk screen is - if I translate it into my native language that means "jedwabny ekran" - but I've no idea what it is - czy¿by sitodruk

[SY]

It's also called serigraphy, if that's any help. It's the method also used to print legends on PC boards. Here's a reference which might be helpful:

http://www.squeegeeville.com/02-screentoday.htm

Screen printing is probably the best way to do it if you're making multiple copies of the same board. There are also photosensitive resist films which can do well for one-offs.

[HighTec]

Hi josefr,

If you want your PCB look like a professional product take a little
peek over here:

http://training.ipc.org/demos/vt38p.htm

Or you can visit:

http://www.coates.com/electro/circuits/default.htm

Regards.

[HighTec]

By the way here is a nice explane:

http://www.coates.com/electro/circui...f/LIQUID~1.PDF