Really Need Electroplishing of SMT Stencils?

Dear SMTNetters:

Based on your experiences is it really necessary to have today's YAG laser-fabricated stencils electropolished? I undertsand that this "requirement" is a carry-over from the days of CO2-fabricated lasers where the hole wall quality was less than desirable......... (There is some strong opnions on both sides of this argument)

We use a SS stencil for small proto runs of less than 20 pcs, most thicknesses of stencils is 4-6 mils in SS. For UFP we are using nickel.

Your comments are welcome.....

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