PCB manufacturer News & Insights - Garner Osborne

We've reduced Stencil Costs with Tannlin Foils for VectorGuard™ Frames

Written by Jack Donnelly | Oct 6, 2025 9:30:10 AM

Listening to our customers’ feedback has always been at the heart of how we operate at Garner Osborne. It shows us how you feel about the products we make, and how we make them.


Following valuable comments made through surveys and conversations, we’re proud to announce a change that will deliver both cost savings and enhanced performance for our customers.

From today, thanks to Solder Connection we are transitioning to Tannlin stencils using the DEK VectorGuard™ frame system developed by Tannlin. This move allows us to reduce stencil costs significantly while introducing a more advanced, flexible solution for PCB assembly.

Cost savings passed directly to customers

We’re delighted to share that this change will immediately reduce our stencil costs by:

  • 25% for Standard Stencils
  • 11% for Multi‑Level Stencils

These savings are a direct result of your feedback, reinforcing our commitment to listening and responding to our customers.

Why VectorGuard™ compatibility?

Vectorguard stencils are part of Tannlin’s high‑precision SMT stencil range, designed for solder paste printing in PCB assembly. These foils are compatible with the DEK VectorGuard™ frame system and feature cutting‑edge laser technology offering both performance and efficiency.

Key Features
  • Laser‑cut precision: Manufactured using Tannlin’s proprietary T11 laser systems, achieving accuracy down to ±2 microns.

  • Frameless flexibility: Foils fit into reusable VectorGuard™ frames, enabling quick stencil changeovers without permanent frames.

  • Material options: Fine‑grain stainless steel with optional nano‑coatings for improved paste release.

  • Design enhancements: Multi‑level step stencils, welded steps, and aperture modifications for optimised print quality.

What does this mean for our customers?

While some of these improvements streamline our own manufacturing processes, the real value is how they enhance the service you receive from us:

  • Improved PCB quality: Enhanced paste release and precision cutting deliver more consistent solder joints and higher assembly reliability.

  • Shorter lead times: Faster stencil changeovers in our process mean we can move between projects more quickly, giving you greater flexibility and responsiveness.

  • Lower stencil costs: Immediate savings passed directly to you.

  • Sustained value: By reducing our own long‑term tooling and storage costs, we can keep your prices competitive while continuing to invest in service and technology.

 

By moving to Tannlin foils for VectorGuard™ frames, we're delivering higher quality, greater flexibility and lower costs to our customers. It’s a change driven by your feedback, and one that strengthens our commitment to continuous improvement in both service and technology.

To learn more about our stencil optimisations for performance and value, or to discuss how this change could benefit your next project, contact us today at sales@garnerosborne.co.uk 

To find out more about our project partners Tannlin and Solder Connection, visit their websites below!

Solder Connection
Tannlin