Innovative, efficient, technologically advanced, simple and sophisticated – all are terms that can be used to describe the latest stencil technology from DEK. Building on the Vector frame concept, DEK has taken the frameless stencil system to a new level with the introduction of VectorGuard®. Electronics manufacturing professionals can now realize even easier stencil handling, management, storage and changeover with DEK’s VectorGuard® system.

Building on the innovative performance delivered by VectorGuard® Silver, VectorGuard® Gold takes this one step further for manufacturers requiring exceptional aperture wall definition. With all the printability and paste release advantages associated with Nickel, DEK’s electroformed stencil technology is smoother, a direct result of its renowned additive process. Plus, the unique seal on the contact side provides a stronger gasket to pad footprint. It is little wonder that for high quality manufacturing, VectorGuard® Gold has become a symbol of superior print performance.


VectorGuard® Characteristics & Specifications


VectorGuard® has taken all of the advantages of frame-mounted stencil systems -- easier and more efficient storage, elimination of frame returns for credit and recycling and automatic foil tensioning – improved upon them and created an engineering masterpiece.


Surrounded by a thin, aluminum extrusion, VectorGuard® stencils achieve increased rigidity, ease of use and operator safety. Mounting has also been made simpler, with no teeth, slot or hole alignment required – all alignment is handled automatically. The greater rigidity of VectorGuard® stencils enables immediate washing of stencils, once removed from the frame, without requiring a washing jig. And, to further enhance manufacturing flexibility and optimize resources, VectorGuard PumpPrint® and Electroform stencils are also available for use with this innovative system.


VectorGuard® Specifications:

Laser cut foils, accurate to +/-5µm throughout print area
Conventional stencil design rules apply:
Sub 4 mil (100µm) aperture; 2 mil (50µm) gap
Standard foil thicknesses: 2.95 mil (75µm) to 7.87 mil (200µm) in 10µm steps
Available Frame Sizes:
584.2 x 584.2 mm (23” x 23”)
736.6 x 584.2 mm (29” x 23”)
Sidebar Kit: 736.6 x 736.6 mm (29” x 29”)
Total VectorGuard® foil thickness, including aluminum extruded edge: 5mm
Machine compatibility:
DEK 248 and higher
Manufactured to fit most screen printing platforms worldwide


VectorGuard® Benefits:

Space-efficient storage
VectorGuard® storage cassette available for total protection
VectorGuard® storage cabinet stores all foils in easy-retrieve system
Safe, easy handling
Excellent rigidity: foils can be washed after being released from frame
Global, standardized design and manufacturing network
PumpPrint® and Electroform stencils available for the VectorGuard® system