What is solder mask?
Solder mask is a dielectric coating of the PCB, usually of a dark green color, which is designed to insulate and protect the copper traces and keep them from shorting together during the soldering process. The solder mask covers the whole board except solderable surfaces such as thru-hole and surface-mount pads. Solder mask is also required for silk screen (component legend). The only disadvantage of solder mask is that it adds cost to your board.
Related Questions
- Do I need to mask off the areas surrounding the StencilQuik™ stencil while I am applying the solder paste, and if I do, what is the best material and method for that?
- If the solder mask is damaged or missing in the area of the board where the StencilQuik™ stencil will be applied, do I have to repair the mask underneath the part?
- Should I change the design of my StencilQuik™ stencil if the board I am using has solder mask defined pads instead of non-solder mask defined pads?
