Laser cutting stencil with new Inkscape extension

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This free extension for Inkscape makes it easy to create a solder paste stencil for soldering SMT/SMD components to a PCB:
https://inkscape.org/forums/other/new-extension-for-pcb-solder-paste-stencils-with-kicad/

pcb+stencil
pcb+stencil600×358 59 KB

Commercial PCB stencils are laser cut from steel, but for prototypes it is quicker and cheaper to cut your own stencil on a hobbyist-grade laser. I’ve found vellum paper (200gsm) works well with solder paste, cuts cleanly, very cheap, can be cleaned with isopropanol (isopropyl) and reused to paste up to 10 PCBs.

Feedback very welcome, thanks :grinning:

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Thanks for doing that. I just load the solder paste svg output into Lightburn. A little more manual effort needed but it works. I’ve got an RF tube CO2 laser cutter coming which, given it’s super tight beam, should be a great fit for stencils.

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For people in the US, is 200gsm equivalent to about 135lb text (or 74lb cover)? I’d like to add it to the documentation, so users don’t order the wrong weight vellum.