Working with Stencils

Most electronics professionals know all the ins and outs of making PCBs, but we want to show you a technique that is probably not familiar to many electronics hobbyists: using stencils to apply solder paste.
When you order a PCB (or a panel) designed for predominantly SMD components, some manufacturers offer you the option of ordering a stencil at the same time. The purpose of the stencil is to considerably simplify, improve and accelerate the process of applying solder paste. The PCB panel for the Elektor BOB project provides an excellent example for demonstrating this.