What is SMT? The role of SMT in the component manufacturing industry

In the field of producing electronic components, SMT has recently been identified as one of the most important methods. By utilizing SMT technology in their production processes, several businesses have achieved significant advancements.  In today’s article, with RX Tradex, let’s take a closer analysis about SMT technology and its role in the component manufacturing industry.

Explain the term by answering the question: What is SMT? What are the advantages and disadvantages, the operating procedures and the role of SMT in the component manufacturing industry?

What is SMT?

SMT, which stands for surface mount technology, is a technical phrase. The method described above is used to directly attach electronic components to a printed circuit board’s (PCB) surface. In order to lower costs and boost assembly line productivity, SMT technology is being used in many automatic production systems throughout the globe.

Born in the 1960s, SMT has gradually replaced the old methods with outstanding advantages. In the past, electronic components were mounted onto boards through specific cutouts, which took a lot of time and effort. With SMT technology, electrical components are arranged and mounted on top of the PCB using very small or no pins. Since then, SMT technology helps businesses improve work productivity, improve product quality to create a competitive advantage in the electronic component manufacturing market.

SMT production lines and classifications.

What is the SMT production line? The surface mount technology (SMT) technique is one that is frequently used in the production of electronic circuits. The SMT method has recently gained popularity across the world for connecting components including transistors, resistors, and capacitors. The equipment in the SMT production line includes: PCB loader, automatic stencil printer, PCB conveyor, Pick & Place machine, SMT furnace.

There are two primary categories of SMT lines today:

• SMT automatic line: Manual human labor is utterly unnecessary for the functioning and installation of the components.
• SMT semi-automatic line: When mounting components to printed circuit boards, there are still certain steps where manual labor is needed.

Advantages and disadvantages of SMT technology.

What are the advantages of SMT? Businesses may now clearly identify the advantages of SMT thanks to its broad use in the component manufacturing industry, including:

• SMT allows the use of smaller electronic components in the manufacturing process. The smallest component installed by SMT is 0.1×0.1mm.
• The machine’s accuracy enables the placement of tiny components in more dense arrangements, enabling the creation of additional functionality.
• The printed circuit board PCB enables the placement of components on both sides.
• Fewer minor bugs than older technologies.
• Improving mechanical performance under impact or vibration.
• Lower impedance and build-up at the point of connection.
• Minor mistakes in component placement are automatically corrected by surface tension during hot soldering.
• Few or no cutting holes are required.
• Low cost and less automated production system setup time.
• Cheaper components.

What are the disadvantages of SMT? Along with the above outstanding benefits mentioned above, SMT technology at the present time still has certain disadvantages, specifically:

• Although the cost of electronic board assembly is lower when using SMT technology. The initial investment for assembly lines using this technology is still substantial.
• SMT technology is not suitable for devices that need to be attached and removed frequently from other components.
• Assembly and repair requires expensive tools and experts knowledgeable in the field.
• The soldered connections of the component are smaller and can be damaged by the sealant during thermal circulation.
• Many SMT components are not compatible with sockets.
• Due to the smaller size of surface mount components and the very high mounting density printed circuit boards, the part numbers that need to be made are very small and are often coded or abbreviated. This makes it difficult for users to use or repair.

SMT line operation procedures.

How does the SMT production line operate? SMT, or surface-mount technology, is a technique used to put tiny electronic components on a printed circuit board (PCB).

• Starting with any printed circuit board (PCB) and electronic components to be attached.
• The printed circuit board (PCB) then will be coated in tin, lead, silver or gold plated solder pads.
• After that, cover the solder pad with specialized solder paste and place in a stainless steel or nickel mold.
• Once the solder pad is in place, the printed circuit board (PCB) is sent down the assembly line to put the necessary components in place.
• Next, the printed circuit board (PCB) is passed through a furnace heated by infrared radiation.
• The solder paste will melt and form joints.
• Finally, printed circuit boards (PCB) have to go through many quality checks before they leave the factory. Includes electronic component alignment and solder bridge testing.

In cases where components must be attached to both sides of the circuit board, the printing, placing, and adjustment process can be repeated using solder paste to hold the components in place.

The role of SMT in the component manufacturing industry.

Since it first appeared, SMT has had a unique position in the manufacturing of electronic components. Many companies nowadays have successfully integrated this technology into their manufacturing models. SMT can be used to create circuit boards that can be used in almost any electronic device in the world. Today’s popular products such as TVs, digital cameras, computers, and smartphones all have significant contributions from SMT technology.

It may be claimed that SMT has started a new era in the electronic components manufacturing industry. Additionally, the value of SMT is further strengthened by its useful advantages, such as:

• Saving cost and area of production line, thus helping the line become leaner and automating many stages in the electronic component manufacturing process.
• Optimizing product stability with high accuracy, low error and ensuring output quality.
• Increasing the durability of electronic circuit board products and reducing the possibility of damage due to external impacts.
• Boosting productivity by reducing manual work and labor in the product creation process.
• Meeting the increasing needs of the electronic components industry, increasing competitive advantage in the current volatile market.

Summary

RX Tradex just shared information about “What is SMT? The role of SMT in the component manufacturing industry”, thereby helping businesses understand the basic concept of this surface mount technology. Due to these potent factors, businesses are beginning to recognize the advantages and crucial function of SMT technology in the contemporary electronic component production sector. Additionally, RX Tradex will host NEPCON, Vietnam’s premier electronics trade show, in 2023 to enable companies to learn more about SMT and other cutting-edge technologies throughout the globe. In more detail, RX Tradex intends to conduct some other significant local events including Waste and Recycling Vietnam, METALEX Vietnam, and Vietnam Manufacturing Expo.