SMT Equipment Selection Guidelines

How to Select SMT Equipment for a New Factory

Setting up a Surface Mount Technology (SMT) line is a critical step in building an electronics manufacturing facility. Selecting the right equipment ensures smooth operations, high throughput, and consistent quality. Below is a simple guide to help you make informed decisions when choosing SMT equipment for your factory.

Key Factors to Consider

Before investing in SMT equipment, assess the following parameters:

• Product Complexity: Determine the types of PCBs to be assembled, including component sizes, double-sided placements, and fine-pitch requirements.
• Volume and Throughput: Forecast daily, weekly, and monthly production volumes to choose equipment with the appropriate speed and capacity.
• Budget Allocation: Balance capital expenditure with ROI expectations, considering maintenance and operational costs.
• Factory Layout and Utilities: Ensure compatibility with available space, power requirements, ESD setup, and HVAC conditions.

SMT Line Equipment Overview

Here’s a checklist of core equipment and what to look for in each:

• Solder Paste Printer
  • High repeatability and alignment accuracy
  • Automated cleaning systems
  • Compatibility with stencil designs and board sizes
• Pick and Place Machine
  • Placement speed vs. accuracy trade-offs
  • Feeder capacity and component versatility
  • Ease of programming and offline setup options
• Reflow Oven
  • Uniform temperature profiling across zones
  • Nitrogen support for high-reliability soldering
  • Energy-efficient models with smart diagnostics
• AOI (Automated Optical Inspection)
  • Coverage for solder joints, component orientation, and presence
  • Offline analysis capability and repair station integration
  • Flexibility to support new product introductions

Additional Considerations

Modularity and Scalability: Ensure that the equipment can be expanded or upgraded as the business grows.

Vendor Support: Choose vendors that offer local service, spare parts availability, and training programs.

Line Integration & Traceability: Opt for systems that support MES integration, barcode scanning, and data logging.

At Zenaca consulting we work with our customers, guide them on selecting the right set of equipments during the new plant set up or expansion of existing capacity.