What is Silkscreen?

1. What is Silkscreen?

Silkscreen is typically employed on PCBs to convey useful information, aiding users during assembly by marking component values, part numbers, polarity, and more. It also includes details such as versioning and manufacturer information. Silkscreen can consist of letters, numbers, and text.

PCB silkscreen is accomplished during the PCB manufacturing process but is utilized in the assembly phase of PCBs.

The image below illustrates an example of silkscreen on a finished PCB.

(1) Polarity reference marker

                    

(2) Identification of test points

(3) Component Bit Number Reference Mark

                             

(4) Component boundaries

(5) Component pin markings

                                 

(6) Unique identification number for each board

(7) Company logo

                                      

(8) Version number and Date code

                          

(9) Manufacturer's logo, serial number, batch number

(10) Warning symbols

(11) Regulatory markings