Are you considering Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) for your application and is this PCB assembly process best for it? The answer to this question is very important as it will have a direct impact on the efficiency and cost of your manufacturing process, as well as on the quality and performance of your product.
To help you make the right decision and to help ensure that your product is of the highest standard, we have put together this short guide to SMT electronic assembly.
A brief guide to SMT electronics assembly
SMT electronics assembly is the most commonly used PCB assembly process. It is an automated PCB assembly process, in which components are pasted and soldered to circuit boards using automated production lines. The majority of available electronic components can be mounted on circuit boards using this technology.
SMT assembly can be used to place components on both sides of a circuit board and removes the need to drill holes through the circuit board.
Which applications is SMT electronics assembly suitable for?
SMT allows for the assembly of smaller, lighter and more powerful PCBs. The automation of the process means a greater density of component mounting can be achieved: a large number of components can be placed on small circuit boards.
In addition, the automation of surface-mount technology makes this type of PCB assembly significantly quicker, as components can be mounted faster, and provides greater uniformity in terms of component soldering.
As a result, SMT offers greater efficiency for PCB assembly with complex requirements and makes the process highly suited to smaller electronic products, where the focus is on reducing size while maintaining or increasing power. It is used for products that range from USB flash drives and smartphones to medical devices and portable navigation systems.
When to use SMT electronics assembly
The use of SMT electronics assembly offers a number of benefits to manufacturers, which are important to consider when choosing which process to use for your application.
- SMT electronics assembly allows for the manufacture of products with ever smaller dimensions. Very small and sensitive components, such as resistors and diodes, can be mounted on circuit boards.
- SMT electronics assembly allows circuit boards to be assembled at a much faster rate. This means that high volumes of PCBs can be assembled quickly, reducing production times and generating cost-efficiencies as a result.
- SMT electronics assembly is well suited to complex and unique assembly requirements. It is highly customisable and has the power and flexibility to meet these types of PCB assembly demands.
- SMT electronics assembly allows for greater control of the width of route traces, which helps to reduce mechanical heat and noise, thereby improving the quality and performance of your product.
Surface-mount technology and your PCB assembly partner
This short guide provides a brief insight into surface-mount technology assembly, including what it involves, when to use it and its benefits. However, when making your choice, there may be factors that make your decision more complicated.
Your PCB assembly partner should help you make the right decision. The right electronics manufacturing partner will examine your application, assess your assembly requirements and make sure that you use the correct technology, whether it’s SMT assembly or an alternative.
To find out how MPE Electronics PCB assembly services can benefit your business, contact us on +44 (0)1825 764822 or enquiries@mpe-electronics.co.uk.
