Screening mask having a stress-relieving area

A screening mask assembly comprising:

• a paste dispensing apparatus;
• a screening mask frame;
• and
• a screening mask mounted in the frame, the screening mask having an inner functional area having a pattern which is replicated on an underlying substrate, the inner functional area pattern having at least one open area through which a paste is extruded and at least one tab, and the screening mask having an outer nonfunctional area distinct from the inner functional area, the outer nonfunctional area having at least one stress-relieving area adjacent to an edge of the screening mask;
• wherein, in operation, when a paste is dispensed over and into the screening mask by the paste dispensing apparatus, stresses in the screening mask are absorbed by the at least one stress-relieving area, thereby preventing breakage of the at least one tab of the screening mask.