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.

With the lead-free deadline and changing paste properties just around the corner, reliable stencil technology is now more important than ever. DEK’s extensive research into this area has proven that pure nickel stencils are optimised to achieve the highest levels of paste volume repeatability. Building on the low coefficient of friction in relation to nickel, VectorGuard® Silver nickel laser-cut stencils will deliver optimal process efficiency for your manufacturing environment.


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 25µ steps
Available Frame Sizes:
584.2 x 584.2 mm (23” x 23”)
Asia 600x550mm
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