External electrode forming method

A method of forming external electrodes of an electronic component, comprising:

• a step of preparing a jig in which a plurality of platelike members, each being provided with a groove into which an element forming the electronic component can be inserted, are arranged along each other, wherein each of the grooves includes at least a first wall surface inclined outward in a direction from an interior toward an aperture;
• a preparation step of filling a conductive paste in each of the grooves so as to cover across the grooves of the respective platelike members;
• a removal step of removing the conductive paste existing between the platelike members and thereby leaving the conductive paste in each of the grooves, at least along the first wall surface of each groove;
• an element preparation step of locating the element forming the electronic component, immediately above the grooves;
• a contact step of inserting the element into the grooves so as to extend across the grooves, and moving the element toward the first wall surfaces of the respective grooves to bring a ridgeline of the element into contact with the first wall surfaces;
• and
• a formation step of moving the element in a state of the contact. along the first wall surfaces of the respective grooves and toward the aperture and moving the element away from the first wall surfaces so as to separate the ridgeline at least from the first wall surfaces of the respective grooves.