Why do we need pcb files for making steel mesh with pcb circuit boards

Why do we need pcb files for making steel mesh with pcb circuit boards

Customers often ask. I don’t have a PCB file, I only have a board. Can I use the board to make a stencil? Or, after placing an order, customers will often be notified that the stencil cannot be made because a certain layer is missing in the PCB file. So, what is the use of PCB files for making laser stencils?

Of course it is useful, and each layer has different uses.

Let's talk about the purpose of each layer in the PCB file today.

First, let's talk about the next patch layer. In many cases, the biggest basis for opening the steel mesh is the patch layer, because the patch layer is the basis for the size of the stencil opening.

But sometimes there is no patch layer in the PCB file, then the solder mask layer is usually used as a reference for the opening position of the stencil at this time. But this can only be used for imprecise PCBs.

The function of the silk screen layer is to distinguish what component a certain pad is, and some pad points are an integral component.

The drilling layer is also essential, because it can know which pad is plug-in type and where there is drilling. In this way, the wrong hole can be avoided.

These layers are usually needed to make steel mesh.