Creating a solder paste stencil for a toaster reflow oven or hot plate is simple when you have access to a laser cutter. I used the Laser Cutter at my local Tech Shop to create this and other PCB stencils.
This Instruct able assumes you have created a PCB and are able to generate the Gerber Files for it. Specific directions will be given for EAGLE, but other PCB software can be used. The board used in this example is an Arduino RTC Shield based on the DS3231. Follow the link for the EAGLE design files if you want to follow along.
If you’re doing a stencil for both sides, you’re going to have to create two stencils. These instructions show how to generate a GERBER file for both the top and bottom. If you only need one side, you can stop at #5.
If you are using EAGLE, I have created a CAM job file and included manual instructions. If you are using another PCB software, generate a GERBER file with the dimension layer and cream layer.
Easy method:
Download this Cam Job (for EAGLE): Stencil_Cam_Job.cam
In EAGLE, Open the CAM
1. Open the CAM Processor.
File -> Cam Processor
2. Open the job
File -> Open -> Job
[Note if you don’t see “Job” then click on the “CAM Processor” Window and go back to File -> Open -> Job.]
Select the file/job “stencil cam job. cam”.
3. Click Process Job
The files will be the same directory as your .brd file.
Read More: Polyimide (Kapton) PCB Solder Paste Stencil