Why do you order a laser stencil?

I am looking to order a prototype PCB and all the manufactures I've gotten a quote from all offer to include a Laser stencil, some charge for the stencil some are given free with the board. After looking online to me it looks like the laser stencil just shows the outlines of the pads. So Why have a laser stencil? what advantages do you get from having one?

PCB Assembly, pcb manufacturing
November 29, 2023

That’s probably the wrong name. It’s a solder-paste stencil that has been laser cut.

The paste is applied through the stencil, and the thickness of the stencil determines the quantity of paste applied. The stencil is then lifted and components placed. It will clearly define edges. It makes placement easy and reflows a high chance of success.

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

Oliver Smith

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