Innovative Factory Solutions are quickly becoming a trend in the automotive electronics industry. That is important because of the need to reduce costs, increase production speed, and eliminate obstacles to improved production efficiency. Surface Mount Technology (SMT) machines are critical in providing responsive industrial solutions.
These machines work together to automate the printing of CCAs, lowering labor costs while increasing output levels. This guide defines Surface Mount Technology (SMT), the various types or brands of SMT machines, and the enterprises or brands that produce these machines.
Surface Mount Machines’ primary function.
Surface Mount Machines (SMMs) are called Pick-and-place machines or SMT Component Placement Systems. These robotic machines place Surface Mount Devices (SMDs) onto Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). These machines are widely used because of their high precision, numerous use cases/applications, and the wide range of electronic components that can be used on them.
Different Types of SMT Assembly Machine
The inputs of the various machines in the process account for the majority of the rising success rate of using Surface Mount Technology (SMT) machines. We’re not talking about a single machine here. Six (6) machines are used to assist in the placement of electronic components on circuit boards. The famous pieces of machinery and their work in Surface Mount Technology are listed below (SMT).
1. Pick-and-Place Devices
That is the original SMT Assembly machine. Pick-and-place machines pick up and place Surface Mount Device (SMD) electronic components onto a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The soldering of the SMD components immediately follows the placement to ensure they adhere to the circuit board. Many factors are considered before deciding on the model of Pick-and-place machines to purchase. These machines are classified into several types.
These are some examples:
- Pick-and-place Machines by Hand
Pick-and-place machines of this type are the most common. The process of picking and placing the Surface Mount Device (SMD) on the PCB is done manually, as the name implies. It is worth noting that manual pick-and-place machines are frequently used for modular PCB production. Manual machines can also be used when the components are customized for high-speed, unattended operations.
Regardless, the conventional pick-and-place device does an excellent job of increasing the total output of hand-held volumes. Using manual pick-and-place machines is an excellent way to increase yield, reduce operator fatigue, and reduce placement errors. Although the accuracy of the placement is not always guaranteed due to the operator’s potential limitations.
- Pick-and-place Semi-Automatic Equipment
Semi-automatic pick-and-place machines were initially intended to serve as a bridge between manual and automatic pick-and-place machines. These semi-automatic pick-and-place devices did an excellent job of providing an eyesight computer interface that allows the operator to see the component’s direction more easily.
The operator can place the ultra-fine pitch components this way accurately. The only distinction is that the semi-automatic pick-and-place machine still requires manual placements. For low-volume applications, the operator must manually position the components.
- Pick-and-place devices that work automatically
Automatic models replaced semi-automatic SMT machines. The automatic model is enhanced to facilitate the transition from manual to fully automated SMT machines. Automatic SMT machines, among other things, have to pick and place centering methods and improve machine capabilities in terms of repeatability and accuracy.
2. SMT Curing Oven
The Surface Mount Integration (SMT) Baking Oven is another name for this. The SMT Curing Oven is used for baking solder paste and curing sealant. The quantity also helps determine whether the trio of solder paste baking, adhesive curing, and solder reflow are combined.
3. Screen Printer Solder Paste
That is the third SMT assembly machine type. The Solder Paste Screen Printer is a machine that screens prints solder pastes onto circuit boards (PCB). That is frequently done before placing Surface Mount Device (SMD) components on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
4. Machine for Reflow Soldering
About 25% of the total cost of a Surface Mount Technology (SMT) device is accounted for by the Reflow Soldering Machine. This SMT machine primarily allows solder reflow from the Surface Mount Device (SMD) to the circuit. It is finished after the solder paste reflow soldering.
5. Cleaning Equipment for Solvents
Soldering is not always a neat process. There is a possibility that flux and excess solder will remain after the entire process. That is why you must employ Solvent Cleaning Equipment. After soldering, this SMT Machine cleans and removes excess flux and solder from the Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
6. Inspection Tools
Another type of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) machine required in the SMT assembly process is the Repair and Inspection Equipment. The PCB Inspection Equipment is an SMT machine used to inspect the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The inspection is performed to check for potential defects on the circuit board.
The machine does more than just detect defects or faults in the circuit board. It is also used to repair or correct those flaws. Soldering irons and Hot Air SMD Rework Stations are two of the most commonly used PCB Inspection Equipment for detecting and repairing this defect.
How to Select the Most Appropriate SMT Machine
Choosing a pick-and-place machine can be difficult, especially if you’re unsure what to look for in the best machine. That is why you should learn about some of the key features to look for in any SMT machine. Consider the following factors:
1. Placement Rate
The speed at which the pick-and-place machine operates is critical. You should think about this first and foremost because it is a critical feature ensuring the SMT machine functions properly. You should also understand that the placement speed refers to the rate at which the SMT machine picks up the SMT components and inspects them before placing them on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
The standard rating of IPC 9850 is another essential aspect regarding placement speed. Many SMT automakers use this standard to rate the motion of pick-and-place machines. Aside from that, the IPC 9850 speed or rating standard is concerned with the general guidelines for circuit board arrays and part mix. The general rule is to discount any figure provided by the manufacturer. The devaluation is significant because the speed quoted by manufacturers is usually reduced by 30% or 40%.
As a result, if you make some divisions, you will get an accurate value or figure of the potential rate or speed of the SMT machine. The most effective divide is devaluing or reducing the machine’s placement rate by 30%. This way, you’ll know exactly how fast the SMT device can go.
2. Precision and Reliability
Another essential factor is the pick-and-place machine’s accuracy and repeatability. Significant because machine accuracy is critical in picking, inspecting, and placing components on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). It is important to note that the quality of the SMT machine is critical when looking for accuracy and repeatability in the pick-and-place machine.
The best SMT machine for accuracy is one with a precision of 0.0001″ and a fine pitch lead of 12mil. We can’t stress enough that the pick-and-place machine you want to buy should come with programming software and a computer. These two will go a long way toward addressing the ongoing repetition of component placements.
3. Parts Dimensions
Have you thought about the size of the parts you intend to place on the pick-and-place machine? The size of the parts is crucial because you need to find a Surface Mount Technology (SMT) machine that can pick, inspect, and place the parts on the circuit board. The general rule is to purchase a pick-and-place machine (P&P) that can pick components with the following dimensions:
0402s0201s01005
If the SMT machine cannot pick them up, you may need to make special arrangements. It’s common if the size of the SMT components is less than or equal to 0402. In that case, you’ll need to get a nozzle or an extra feeder to simplify the design of such a component.
Wrapping Up
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) or pick-and-place machines are critical for producing Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). These machines make the job of mounting components on a circuit board faster and easier. SMT machine operators are in charge of maintaining, operating, and repairing surface mount technology (SMT) machinery. The equipment is used for soldering delicate electrical parts.
As part of an assembly line, also known as a printed circuit assembly, the solder machine connects electrical components. You will also save more money and spend less time. Identify the most critical factors we just discussed in this article to find the best SMT assembly machine actually to purchase for your PCB design requirements.
