Hello readers welcome to new post. Here we will discuss Introduction of Solder Mask and Applications. Solder masks is liquid-like layers created with the polymer and placed on the traces created with copper at the circuit boards. This layers helps to save the board from oxidation and save the solder bridges to create. The electrical connection between two conductors created through un-intentionally is called solder bridge.
With the use of handed features, there is reflow techniques used for the application of reflow and wave soldering. The basic colors of the solder mask is green but different colors can also avail. For this purpose, you must contact the PCBWAY that are offering different colors of solder mask boards according to their user’s and customers’ needs. Here we will covers details about the solder mask and will learn different types of board. So let get started.
Introduction of Solder Mask
- During the designing configuration of PCB board, solder mask is noted as layer of the PCB board and defined like the gerber file similar to other files as copper and silkscreen.
- It also called the solder stop mask and solder resist that is thin lacquer similar to polymer layer helps to save the board from different conditions.
- The location where the solder mask is not applied is called the solder mask opening.
- PCBWAY comes with features to get the least distance among the IC pins is 0.2 millimeters and the distance is less than 0.2 millimeters then they offer the solder mask opening.
- PCBWay is a professional quick-turn PCB prototyping,PCB Assembly, and low-volume production manufacturer located in Shenzhen China.(3 major PCBs and 2 PCB Assembly production).
- Their “Advanced” offering and shows the very best that PCBWay can offer:Full Spec PCBs, Highly Specialized Precision PCBs, & Large Scale Production, but sometimes some plates and materials are temporarily out of stock.
How to get Solder Mask
- There are different PCB providers are working in the world but one of the best PCB suppliers is PCBWAY that are offering PCB-based services to all over the world with and also offers solder mask features to their users.
- offered the different color combinations for solder mask that are pink gray orange and transparent. Before this addition, they also offered matte black, matte green and purple to fulfill the needs of users now they are offering gray pink, and orange color masks.
- PCBWAY offering these features to the Advanced PCB not for standard PCB board features.
- PCBWAY also offering the new black core PCB material that is black FR-4 and will get extra charges.
- Further details offered by the PCBWAY for solder mask can seen here
Difference between Non-Solder Mask Defined and Solder Mask Defined Patterns
- Mostly PCB boards are named as non-solder masks or NSMD. Generally non solder mask nominated pads come with solder mask opening greater than the copper pads.
- NSMD pattern gives the larger soldering surface area and good clearance among the pads.
- While SMD pattern comes with a solder mask opening smaller size then the copper pads.
- This technique is normally used when the element has a narrowed pitch. As solder mask opening is small it decreases the surface area of the pads to reduce the solder smudge over the pad.
Types of Solder MASK
- There are main four types of Solder masks that are described here.
Epoxy Liquid
- Epoxy liquid is considered as less expensive board. Epoxy is thermosetting polymer which used in different applications.
- Silkscreening is a printing method which applies woven mesh to fulfill the ink-blocking stencils.
- Mesh make the opening area for moving of ink. Silk is mostly used in art then the synthetic fibers are used in electronic applications.
Liquid Ink Photoimageable
- It is named as formulation of ink. Ink is placed in the board either in spray form or silkscreen after that exposed to the pattern creation.
- HASL is used for the application of this process. For this process, there is a need of a clean environment.
- When the UV is applied the mask is eliminated through the application of high-pressure water spray.
Dry Film Photoimageable
- It is applied through the use of vacuum lamination after that shown and developed. Then openings are made in the pattern and portions can be made on the copper pads.
- Copper is made on the board in the holes and on the tracing part. Tin is used for saving copper circuits.
Top and Bottom Side Masks
- At top solder mask permits the electronic engineer to get the opening of the green solder mask layers created on the board through the other three techniques.
- Elements pinouts after that are connected on the board by using the defined positions.
- The design of conductive layers at the upper side is called the top and at the lower side is called the bottom solder mask side.
Applications of Solder Mask
- Currently, PCB solder mask is used for the creation of the PCB board and mass assembly. Solder mask protects the copper layers.
- Therefore solder bath permits the tinning fo every copper pad at the board.
Solder Mask Features
Chemical Resistance
- The solder mask needed to have high resistance to chemicals in a result of soldering and assembly. Use a mask that has features to handle solder flux, cleaning solvents, and chemicals used at the time of manufacturing.
Adhesion
- The mask layers needed to be strongly configured with substrate and copper traces. Accurate adhesion helps mask to avoid bubbles at the time of production. The dry film and liquid photo solder mask provide strong adhesion.
Dielectric Strength
- Dielectric strength affects insulation. The high dielectric constant avoids track changes and shorting. Most solder masks used for commercial boards come with a dielectric constant over 3 and some use high-density.
Colorfastness
- The color of the mask is not affected by heat or humidity and facing UV lights. Green is a famous color since it has colorfast features.
Read also
- Learn How PCB Circuit Board Soldering Guide for Beginners
- PCB Prototype Manufacturing and Assembly
- Overview of Flex PCB Panels: Definition, advantages, and applications.
- Introduction to High TG PCB
That is all about the Solder mask i have explained all details about the solder mask. If you have further details ask in comments. See you in next post. For getting the best service of Solder mask must contact the PCBWAY
