Stencil Gerber: Release the Correct Paste Layers and Alignment Data

Export top and bottom paste data from the approved design revision. Include the board or panel outline and an unambiguous readme identifying each layer, units and intended side. Check that do-not-populate or paste-exclusion requirements are reflected in the released data.

Do not rename an unrelated copper or mask layer and assume it becomes usable stencil artwork. Any aperture modifications made outside the CAD design need their own controlled release, so a later export cannot silently overwrite the manufacturing decision.

Overlay the paste data with the copper and outline in a suitable viewer. Examine small-pitch packages, large exposed pads and the positions used for printer alignment. A view from the bottom can look reversed, so define the viewing convention rather than relying on a screenshot alone.

For a panel, specify board repetitions and any tooling or edge rails. Ask the stencil supplier to confirm the final mounting orientation against the printer requirements; mirroring an already mirrored file can produce the wrong physical stencil.

Provide the requested PCB stencil foil or frame arrangement, outer dimensions, usable print area and proposed thickness. State whether fiducials should be through-cut, half-etched or another agreed construction; these are manufacturing details requiring supplier confirmation.

List special regions and aperture exceptions in the drawing. The file-readiness tool records your declared preparation only and does not parse the uploaded Gerber. Attach the actual data through the agreed enquiry route after reviewing the message.

A consistent-looking export is not proof of printability. If a prototype PCB assembly run will evaluate the print result, identify the stencil revision and inspection evidence required for that run. Keep the original CAD release, the approved modified aperture file and the final stencil revision distinguishable. Ask who approves changes and which drawing controls conflicting information.

For a replacement stencil, identify exact repeat versus design change. Identify the paste-layer revision and agreed aperture edits in stencil release record. Define the print evidence to review during first article inspection before treating a new stencil as interchangeable with the previous one.