What is SMT?
Surface-mount technology (SMT) is a method in which the electrical components are mounted directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB). In industry, this approach has largely replaced the through-hole technology construction method of fitting components, in large part because SMT allows for increased manufacturing automation which reduces cost and improves quality.
10 leading SMT equipment suppliers in the world
1. Fuji
Headquarters: Aichi, Japan
Established time: 1959
Company website: https://www.fuji.co.jp
Fuji machine develops, manufactures, and distributes various industrial machines for electronic assembly equipment, machine tools, such as SMT equipment, machine tools, compact multijoint robot, mobility support robot, atmospheric pressure plasma unit
Since its foundation in 1959 as a machine tool manufacturer, Fuji has been supplying innovative machines to production sites in the Japanese market, and the “spirit of innovation” has been refined and guided the development of the company.
Fuji business:
- SMT Equipment
- Machine tools
- Compact multijoint
- robot
- Mobility support robot
- Atmospheric pressure plasma unit
- Public stocker system
- Electronics 3D printer
2. Yamaha
Headquarters: Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan
Established time: 1955
Company website: https://yamaha-motor.com
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. was established in 1955 upon separation from Yamaha Corporation. The company conducts development, production and marketing operations through 109 consolidated subsidiaries as of 2012.
Yamaha Motor is a Japanese multinational manufacturer of motorcycles, marine products such as boats and outboard motors, and other products, including 4-wheel ATVs, recreational off-road vehicles, go-kart engines, golf carts, multi-purpose engines, electrical generators, water pumps, snowmobiles, small snow throwers, automobile engines, surface mounters, intelligent machinery, and etc.
And there are some SMT innovations
1. SMT
Printers
Inspection solutions
Dispensers
Flip chip bonders
SMD storage systems
Software solutions
2. Robotics
Cartesian robot
Clean type controller
Linear conveyor
Linear motor single axis
Linear and rotary actuator
Machine vision
Stepping motor single axis
3. Europlacer
Headquarters: Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan
Established time: 1955
Company website: https://europlacer.com
Europlacer is a global surface mount manufacturing leader, an award winning, global SMT line solution provider. It has been developing machines for electronic assembly since the 1970s and continuously deliver flexibility, reliability and innovation to the SMT pick and place marketplace, and build that intelligence into every product, service and business relationship.
Europlacer’s strategy continues to be based on offering unique, innovative solutions such as the intelligent, configurable belt feeder which enables stick-fed components to be placed at speeds comparable to those of taped components.
Another example is Europlacer design and manufacture of feeders for volume solder ball placement by a standard placement machine with its partnership Novatec (www.novatec-eap.com). This technology, unique to Europlacer, enables its machine to be used for placing solder balls (either for die attachment or daughterboard attachment) at the same time as standard SMT components.
The SMT line solutions provided by Europlacer:
- Pick and Place
- Printers
- Storage
- Software
- Feeders
- Inspection
- PCB Handling
- Reflow Ovens
- TSM Air Reflow Oven
- Accessories
4. Panasonic
Headquarters: Kadoma, Osaka, Japan
Established time: 1918
Company website: https://www.na.panasonic.com
Panasonic is one of the world’s first purpose-driven brands. Panasonic’s business scope is not limited to production, but also develops a variety of businesses including solutions such as services and information systems, its products mainly involve home appliances, digital audio-visual electronics, office products, aviation and many other fields.
The primary goal of Panasonic is to help people enrich their lives by promoting useful, high-quality technology solutions that have a positive impact on the world and its customer’s day-to-day lives, as well as is committed to innovating new, sustainable technologies that create a healthier planet.
Panasonic mainly focus on five important areas: Energy, Mobility, Industry, Retail, Lifestyle
Products and service for factory equipment, examples:
1. Assembly tools:
Mechanical pulse tools
Torque measurement & micro screwdrivers, etc.
2. Electronics assembly manufacturing technologies: for (SMT), (PTH), odd form & end of line, microelectronics and metrology
Component placement.
3. Welding equipment & robotics:
LAPRISS Remote laser welding robot system
5. Mycronic
Headquarters: Stockholm County, Sweden
Established time: 1989
Company website: https://www.mycronic.com
Mycronic is a Swedish high precision production equipment supplier engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of production solutions to the electronics.
Mycronic has been a trusted partner to electronics and display manufacturers worldwide for over 40 years, helping electronics and display manufacturers to stay competitive, profitable and relevant over time. Today, Mycronic is a leader in the SMT, semiconductor and automotive industries.
Mycronic operating worldwide in the following business areas:
- PCB assembly: Complete SMT manufacturing solutions
Printing: MY700
Solder paste inspection: PI series
Component placement: MY300
Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): MYPro I series 3D AOI
Dispensing: MYD series dispensing robots - Component storage
- Process software
- Dispensing and coating
- Die bonding
- Photomask equipment
- Bare board test systems
6. Kurtz Ersa
Headquarters: Kreuzwertheim, Germany
Established time: 1779
Company website: https://www.kurtzersa.com
Kurtz Ersa is a technology and market leader mainly in the three fields of electronics production equipment, moulding machines and automation.
The continuously optimized products and production technologies makes Kurtz Ersa a group with a wide range of technologies and services, and it offers customized solutions for customers worldwide. Today, Kurtz Ersa is positioned worldwide, with the network of 17 production and sales locations as well as representatives in 90 countries.
Kurtz ersa business areas at a glance:
- Electronics production:
Smart high-end systems for electronics production - Particle foam:
Innovative complete solutions for moulded part and block production - Light metal casting:
Optimal foundry machines from Kurtz for every application - Kurtz ersa automation:
Attractive solutions and overall concepts around automation - Additive manufacturing:
Metallic 3D laser printing for easy entry into additive manufacturing - Kurtz ersa technology:
Innovative systems for top performance in production and manufacturing
7. Rehm
Headquarters: Blaubeuren, Germany
Established time: 1990
Company website: https://www.rehm-group.com
Rehm Thermal Systems GmbH (Rehm), headed in Blaubeuren, German, is a global leading manufacturer of reflow soldering systems with convection or condensation and drying and coating systems and provides all the services from planning and design to the finished equipment.
Rehm Thermal Systems is engaged in producing energy-efficient manufacturing equipment for the electronics and photovoltaics industry, with the network of 26 production and sales locations as well as representatives in 24 countries worldwide. In addition to Rehm Thermal Systems, the Rehm Group includes the subsidiaries Rehm BlechTec, which specialises in processing stainless steel, aluminium and steel plate, and H+R Personaldienste GmbH.
Rehm processes:
- Convection soldering
- Condensation soldering
- Contact soldering
- Tests | Trials
- Drying | Hardening
- Coating
- Special systems
- Solar equipment
8. Faroad
Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
Established time: 2006
Company website: https://www.faroads.com
Faroad, located in Shenzhen, China, is mainly engaging as a manufacturer of high precision cost effective SMT Machine and peripherals for PCB assembly. Faroad has the capability of both self research (R&D) and manufacturing and aims to be the largest supplier for SMT devices.
Faroad business:
1. SMT machines
Reflow oven
Solder paste printer
Glue dispenser
AOI
2. SMT line
Maintenance of pick and place machine
Operation process of pick and place machine
SMT machine for PCB assembly
9. JBC
Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain
Established time: 1929
Company website: https://www.jbctools.com
JBC is a brand that is mainly known for its high quality active tip soldering stations, with more than 90 years of soldering and rework operations in electronics experience. And JBC R&D department has created the most innovative soldering technologies.
JBC is a global company with a distributor network spanning 5 continents so that it can guarantees a solid commercial organization and quick and efficient service for customers.
JBC productions and applications:
1. Soldering & Rework
Precision
Power
2. Soldering automation
Selective soldering
Classic range
3. Equipment
Wire strippers
Fume extractors
10. Indium
Headquarters: Clinton, NY
Established time: 1934
Company website: https://www.indium.com
Indium Corporation, founded in 1934, is a premier manufacturer, and supplier to the global PCB assembly electronics, semiconductor, and thermal management markets, and engages in research, develop, and manufacture advanced electronics assembly materials solutions.
Indium’s products include electroplating fluxes, inorganic compounds, 3D EZ release™ print plate, metals, silver sintering, solders, thermal interface materials, thin-film materials, electroplating, and these products are widely used in automotive electronic assembly, connector & cable assembly, high-temperature soldering & brazing, metal 3D printing build plate, PCB assembly and etc.
1. Empty board loading
2. Solder paste printing
3. Solder paste inspection
4. SMD
5. Pre-reflow AOI
6. Reflow soldering
7. PCB cleaning
8. Post-reflow AOI
9. Visual inspection
Surface mount technology(SMT) is the core equipment of the surface mount production line. Higher quality requirements require SMT equipment to achieve efficient, accurate and reliable mounting processes, and the mounting accuracy, speed and price of the mounting machine are mainly considered when selecting and purchasing the mounting machine.
