SMT Placement Machine for Placement of Electronic Components on Circuit Boards

SMT Mounter – Mounting Process, Robot Programming, SMD Mounting and SMT Soldering Technology

SMT (Surface Mount Technology) requires several types of equipment. SMT placement machine is the core of surface mount.

What is SMT Mounter?

SMT placement machines (also known as placement robots) place SMD electronic components onto PCBs prior to SMD soldering. These machines typically account for 50% of the total cost of an entire SMT line.

Some surface mounters (pick-and-place machines) are very versatile, capable of placing many different electronic components used in electronics, while others are specialized for a few component types.

Pick and place machines use vacuum pick tools to hold components. Few also use visual aids for alignment. Generally, placement machines offer better speed, accuracy and flexibility than through-hole interposers.

Types of SMT Mounters

Placers for fine pitch (0.5mm) and ultra-fine pitch (0.4mm – 0.3mm) placement machines require higher dexterity and precise placement capabilities. Some of these machines cut and form IC package leads when placed to avoid component lead damage due to improper handling. This feature improves the accuracy and precision of the process.

The number of machines required to properly assemble all surface mount components depends on the type of components being assembled, the type of PCB, and the throughput required by the manufacturer.

A dedicated SMT placement machine can achieve maximum throughput. Some companies also use specialized robots to place surface mount components. Devices are usually inexpensive, but software and hardware development costs are high.

The following are the world-renowned manufacturers of SMT placement machines:

Heavy Tree/European/Fuji/Panasonic/Yamaha