Giving Components Their Names
Silkscreen is the text layer: component designators (R1, C5, U3), polarity marks, pin-1 indicators, logos, date codes. Applied through fine-mesh screen with epoxy-based ink onto cured solder mask, then thermally cured. Standard: white on green. Also: black on white, yellow on black. Quality: all characters legible under 3x magnification, minimum line width 0.15mm, zero ink on pads. For no-clean assembly, silkscreen can be omitted from areas under components to reduce flux entrapment risk.
