Technical Guide: What is the difference between Solder Mask and Paste Mask?

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Technical Guide: What is the difference between Solder Mask and Paste Mask? [Copy link]

In PCB design, you need to draw pad files. Many people don't understand the two layers of Solder Mask Layers and Paste Mask layers. Here is a brief explanation. Solder mask: solder mask layer, also known as green oil layer, is generally set slightly larger than the pad by 0.102mm. Paster mask: solder mask layer, also known as steel mesh layer, surface mount components need to set, generally the same size as the pad; If a certain trace needs to be opened, the copper foil or pad is not covered with green oil and sprayed with tin or immersion gold, a solder layer must be added. The solder layer corresponds to the circuit layer that needs to leak copper. The paste is just a steel mesh layer (the PCB baseboard factory does not process this layer). It is used to make steel mesh and has nothing to do with the production of boards.