The Ultimate Guide to SMT Machines: What They Are & How to Choose

What Are SMT Machines? What’s the Function?

SMT machines, also known as Surface Mount Technology machines, refer to a broader category of machines in the Surface mount technology process including equipment for placing components, applying solder paste, reflow soldering, and inspection systems. In fact, these machines allow us to position surface mount components, like resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits and LEDs, rapidly and accurately at certain locations on a PCB. SMT machines can place as little as 0.4 x 0.2mm, and they can place hundreds or even thousands of parts per hour. They aid in the increase in the manufacturing production speed and accuracy and are used widely around the world.

Different Types of Surface Mount Assembly Machines

According to the sequence of the SMT PCB assembly process, we will list the equipment used one by one:

• Solder Paste Printing Machine

In SMT process, this machine exactly apply the solder paste on the PCB pads. This is how it works: In using a stencil and squeegee system to distribute the paste evenly, they are able to make sure the components will be mounted correctly in subsequent stages.

• Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) Machine

After applying paste, this crucial machine then uses advanced 3D imaging to inspect the solder paste. It grades volume, alignment and height while identifying any defects that could cause soldering problems.

• Pick-and-Place Machine:

This kind of machines are available in three types:

1. Manual: Hand operated, suitable for small volume production or rework.
2. Semi-Automatic: Combines manual and automatic features, providing computerized visualization to guide operators in accurate component placement.
3. Automatic: The most advanced type, offering high speed, accuracy, and efficiency. It significantly reduces labor costs and human error.

• SMT Assembling Curing Oven

After component placement, this oven then cures the solder paste and secures components to the PCB.

• Reflow Soldering Machine

This critical equipment is used to preheat components and melt the solder paste which in turn form permanent connection between the SMDs to the PCB. The design is meant to enable solid joints without damaging sensitive parts.

• Solvent Cleaning Equipment

This machine removes any residual flux and excess solder from PCB to give a clean surface for best performance.

• Repair and Inspection Equipment

The last stage which comes in at a sophisticated machinery that checks assembled PCB for any defect. In addition, it assists in fixing these issues to ensure the quality.

Top 8 SMT Pick And Place Machine Brands in the World

Pick and place machine plays a critical role of the overall SMT line, we list the best 8 SMT pick and place machines and explain their features one by one as followed:

1. Panasonic SMT Chip Mounter

As a leader in industrial automation, Panasonic provides advanced SMT solutions that have precision, flexibility, and scalability. There is a rich variety of models in their SMT machines, to satisfy different customer needs.

Popular Model: Panasonic NPM-W2

Key Features:

• For PCBs up to a size of 750 x 550 mm
• Speed: 77,000 CPH(chips per hour)
• 16 nozzle head, lightweight.
• placement accuracy: up to 25um (cpk ≥ 0)

2. Yamaha Pick and Place Machine

Yamaha is well known for its robust and high performance SMT machines with the best solutions for high speed and high precision assembly lines. The reliability of their machines is high and they are widely used for mass production.

Popular Model: Yamaha YSM10

Key Features:

• Accuracy: ±03 mm
• Speed: Up to 50,000 CPH
• Dual-lane capability
• Very versatile regarding various component types and fast changeover.

3. JUKI SMT Pick and Place Machine

JUKI, a powerful brand in the SMT industry, provides quick and cost-effective pick and place machines designed for high volume and smaller quantity production. Their machines for reliability and ease of use are well known.

Popular Model: JUKI FX-3

Specifications:

• Accuracy: ±05 mm
• Placement speed (chip): 0.040Sec. / chip(90,000CPH)*2
• Component size: 33.5mm×5mm
• 4 placement heads, 24 nozzles, 4 gantries and 2 stations
• Holds up to 240 components

4. Fuji SMT Placement Machine

Fuji’s SMT placement machines are innovative and modular—high density is achieved and throughput is excellent. They’re flexible and perfect for a changing production needs.

Popular Model: Fuji NXT III

Key Features:

• Accuracy: ±02 mm
• Faster XY robot and tape feeders
• Speed: 37,500 cph
• Supports the utilization of the smallest parts in mass production

5. Mycronic SMT Machine

Mycronic’s SMT machines are known for their efficient handling of high mix, low volume processes. Robust design, easy to use and efficient tape cutting.

Popular Model: Mycronic MY300

Specifications:

• Up to 224 feeder positions
• 40,000 CPH high speed all in one mounter
• Large range of components
• On-the-fly changeovers

6. Hanwha Pick and Place Machine

Hanwha, formerly Samsung Techwin, provides reliable and scalable SMT solutions for large and even super large production. Their machines are known for speedy and good performance.

Popular Model: Hanwha HN Series

Specifications:

Speed:  92,000 CPH

Accuracy: ±25 μm @ Cpk ≥ 1.0(IC)

Component Range: 03015-L75 mm

7. Europlacer SMT Machine

The Europlacer is a versatile and high capacity SMT placement machine. This is good for production lines that need a lot of changes and many tasks.

Popular Model: Europlacer iineo series

Specifications:

• Component range: 01005 to 50mm x 50mm
• Max Component Height: 34mm
• Tornado heads with 2 x 8 or 12 nozzles
• Max PCB Size: 1610mm x600mm
• Placement Accuracy: 22um (QFPS) TO 46um (CHIPS) @ 3 Sigma

8. DDM Novastar

DDM Novastar offers low cost and compact SMT solutions for small to medium production lines. It turns out their machines have the reputation of being simpler to use, making them a nice fit in smaller operations or prototyping environments.

Popular Model: LS60 Pick and Place Machine

• Key Features:
• Accuracy: +/- .001” (0.025mm)
• Placement speed: up to 4800 cph
• Up to 96 tape feeders
• Max board size: 343mm x 813mm
• Fine pitch capability: to 15 mil pitch
  The table below provides key information on the eight most popular SMT pick and place machines, offering a quick overview
  Note: Price range is based on rough estimates and could differ significantly from actual costs and depending on the price configuration, features, and market conditions. You should always check with manufacturers or authorized dealers for accurate, up to date pricing.

How to Choose the Best Surface Mount Machines?

Choosing a suitable SMT machine for your assembly line is not an easy task, there are several factors you should consider before making the decision:

• Component Placement Speed

The focus of the initial research on the purchase of SMT placement machine is on the placement speed. There exist different placement machines, at different placement speed and it is essential to select one that fits within your production needs and your budget. They can be checked against the IPC 9850 standard, which states the desired speed of their pick and place machines.

• Placement Accuracy

Another important aspect is placement accuracy. With more accurate machines, yields are higher and they can perform better. To get the best accuracy you need an optimal SMT machine with an accuracy of 0.0001″ and a fine pitch lead of 12mil.

• Machine repeatability

Of course, picking an SMT machine is not only about how accurate it will be, but also if it will consistently produce the same results. Repeatability is another factor you should consider, especially with machines that run on programmed software solutions.

• Parts Size

Another important factor to consider is the part size. For example, a pick-and-place machine should be able to handle parts of sizes 0402, 0201, and 01005. If your other requirements for your machine are being met, but the machine does not support these sizes, you can buy a nozzle (or a feeder) which will make it possible to produce circuit boards of these sizes.

Final Thoughts

This blog should give you some idea about what SMT equipment you need if you want assemble electronic boards, and suggestions on which brands you can purchase the SMT pick and place machines. However, it might not be the most efficient approach to pay for purchasing these expensive machines if you are making only a few boards. In such situations, partnering with a responsible PCB manufacturer is a better alternative as they could supply faster and more reliable services. Equipped with the best industrial equipment, MOKO Technology can provide the one stop PCB assembly services including PCB manufacturing and PCB assembly and inspection for customers. Want to learn more? Contact us today!