How SMT Equipment Enhances Product Competitiveness: These Manufacturers Give Benchmarking Examples

The productronica China, a crucial platform for showcasing and exchanging ideas in the electronic intelligent manufacturing industry, will grandly resume from March 26 to 28, 2025, in Halls E1-E5 & W1-W3 of the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). This exhibition will be extensive, covering nearly 100,000 square meters. It is expected to attract nearly 1,000 quality enterprises from the electronics manufacturing industry. They will showcase products and technologies spanning the entire electronic manufacturing supply chain, including electronic and chemical materials, dispensing and gluing technologies, electronic assembly automation, testing, measurement, and quality assurance, electronic manufacturing services, surface mount technology (SMT), harness processing and connector manufacturing, component and part manufacturing, motion control and drive technology, industrial sensors, robotics, and intelligent warehousing, among others.

Over the past decade, China's electronic information manufacturing industry has achieved significant milestones as a strategic, foundational, and leading pillar of the national economy. It has become a key engine driving the high-quality development of the industrial economy and advancing the strategies for a digital China and a strong manufacturing nation. All of this is largely attributed to the widespread application of SMT. In particular, the rapid development of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence has led to the emergence of smart homes, drones, intelligent wearable devices, and industrial automation, while also significantly expanding the market demand for SMT equipment.

Manufacturers' innovation toolkit: pursuing three key metrics

The evolution of SMT machines has always been closely linked to the advancement of the electronic industry. First, semiconductor design and processing have progressed to the micron and sub-micron levels, leading to lightweight and compact semiconductor electronic packaging that demands increasingly higher mounting precision. Second, the assembly density and complexity of integrated circuits are on the rise, prompting the need for higher efficiency in the mounting process for medium to large-sized circuit boards. The key metrics that reflect the technical sophistication of high-performance SMT machines are mounting precision, speed, and range. However, the performance focus varies depending on the mounting scenario. For instance, in wafer-level mounting of extremely small items, precision is the primary concern, while for large PCB boards, the emphasis shifts to mounting speed and range. Currently, many excellent equipment manufacturers have successively launched characteristic high-performance SMT machines, vying to capture significant markets both domestically and internationally.

FUJI's AIMEXR is a high-end model built on a fully upgraded mounting platform, featuring a range of new functionalities. Designed to meet the production needs of large circuit boards for vehicle-mounted products, LEDs, and communication infrastructure, AIMEXR is capable of performing mounting tasks with exceptional speed and precision. Retaining the versatility of the AIMEX series, it incorporates new sensor technology to enable efficient production that excels in both quality and output. Additionally, it offers extensive adjustability and adaptability, such as NPI support for the rapid production of new products and immediate product switchover through one-off line changing. Notably, four FUJI agents—First Technology China, Gallant Tech Limited, AMT, and Ascentek—will participate in the productronica China 2025, where visitors can see FUJI's new equipment.

Mycronic recently launched the next-generation MYPro A40 mounting solution, equipped with the new MX7 high-speed mounting head technology. This new platform has increased the maximum mounting speed by 48% and expanded the mountable component size by six times. The MYPro A40DX offers outstanding flexibility, allowing users with high-mix mounting needs to achieve unprecedented production capacity! This model boasts an IPC rated maximum speed of 59,000 CPH (mounting amount per hour), a significantly increased speed achieved thanks to the new MX7 mounting head. The head features seven independent mounting nozzles controlled by 14 separate Z-axis and Theta-axis motors. The advanced and professional motion control system updates at a rate of 80,000 times per second. By optimizing every mounting action across up to 224 interchangeable material replacing positions and a circuit board working area that measures 640 mm × 510 mm, it not only retains the original flexibility but also elevates precision and speed to a whole new level.

This year, Europlacer has unveiled the new-generation SMT machines of the iineo series, the ii-N1 and ii-N2. The new models are designed to meet the needs of medium and small-batch production of various products and trial-manufacture of products, offering versatile functionalities and comprehensive intelligence. A single machine features up to 264 feeder positions for 8 mm feeders and includes a tray feeding area capable of accommodating up to 10 standard JEDEC trays, providing a comprehensive solution for short and bulk materials. It can mount circuit boards that measure 1,610 mm × 600 mm × 10 mm and supports components ranging from approximately 0.3 mm × 0.15 mm (03015 in metric system) to 99 mm × 99 mm × 34 mm. The mounting speed can reach up to 30,000 CPH. The new models are equipped with upgraded RC main control software, an intelligent PCB transfer system, and an ultra-high-resolution vision system, perfectly combining precision, efficiency, and unparalleled flexibility to provide customers with optimal choices.

As the main agent of Yamaha's intelligent engines, Faith Shine Group. offers a range of Yamaha products, including SMT mounting, printing, inspection, advanced semiconductor packaging, trimming, and flipping equipment, as well as Die Bonder and Wire Bonder. YRM20, a high-end, high-efficiency modular SMT machine, is a blockbuster product launched by Yamaha this year. It features an ultra-high-speed turret RM mounting head and a straight FM mounting head for handling anisotropic components. It achieves a remarkable improvement over the "single mounting head solution" by reaching a maximum mounting speed of 115,000 CPH at the two-beam, two-head configuration. In addition, YRM20 is equipped with various functionalities that maintain high-quality mounting according to standards; the no-stop tray feeder eATS30 realizes efficient tray component supplementary operations and non-stop production. YRM20 is thus a multifunctional SMT machine with outstanding productivity and versatility.

In domestic electronic manufacturing enterprises, FAROAD's high-speed SMT machine CPM-H6 utilizes linear motor configurations on both the X and Y axes, providing greater stability and higher precision. It is equipped with 20 conventional mounting heads and a flying camera on two arms, achieving an optimal capacity of 90,000 CPH. Depending on process requirements, multifunctional mounting heads and trays can be optionally configured. The machine also features a dual-track setup, suitable for meeting production needs for different product types. When paired with self-developed feeders, it can integrate with the MES system for effective material and PCB board management. Additionally, this equipment can seamlessly connect with other SMT devices, enhancing practicality and flexibility.

Borui Advanced (a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASMPT) continues to uphold the philosophy of efficient mounting and intelligent production. Its fully automatic SMT machine XJ10, which boasts ten key features, perfectly complements the SMT intelligent platform. The company is committed to providing customers with products and complete line solutions that offer high stability, high precision, high efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. XJ10 integrates a one-piece casting structure, a fully linear motor drive, a complete linear closed-loop control system, and a high-speed lightweight HM mounting head. It is also equipped with a dual recognition system with both a camera for in-motion shooting and a multifunctional camera, achieving precise mounting for 0201 components. This machine can be applied across various electronic mounting fields to meet diverse customer needs.

Desen Precision's high-precision fully automatic vision printing machine, Classic 1009BTBL, supports simultaneous double-sided printing of single sheets and allows the steel mesh to remain stationary while changing cleaning paper. It addresses printing process requirements for all circuit boards. With a super-powerful alignment system and automatic printing angle compensation, it is capable of handling 0201 and 01005 components and is applied in various fields, such as 5G, semiconductors, Mini LEDs, automotive electronics, photovoltaic products, 3C, military aerospace, and medical treatment.

Meeting diverse production needs, collaboratively promoting innovation in electronic manufacturing

Although SMT machines excel in improving production efficiency and product quality, traditional through-hole insertion technology remains irreplaceable in certain situations. For example, large connectors, relays, and other components that require high mechanical strength and reliability are typically installed using through-hole insertion methods. These components are widely used in automotive electronics, industrial control, and medical devices, as they must withstand relatively high mechanical stress and harsh environmental conditions, ensuring long-term stability and reliability.

To meet these special needs, irregular inserters have become essential equipment on electronic manufacturing production lines. They can handle through-hole components of various shapes and sizes while enhancing production efficiency without compromising precision. These machines are usually equipped with advanced vision recognition systems and automatic calibration functionalities, enabling real-time detection and adjustment of component positioning during the mounting process. This ensures that every component is installed accurately. SMT machines and inserters complement each other, driving the development and innovation of electronic manufacturing technology together.

CTW's fully automatic irregular component inserters CAM-20/CAM-18 come equipped with a high-precision vision system and a mechanical positioning system that accurately identify and grab irregular components, placing them precisely in designated positions on circuit boards. Using powerful AI algorithms and specific functionalities developed for various usage scenarios, they simplify programming steps, enhance production efficiency, reduce human errors, and ensure the quality and consistency of assembly, thereby promoting flexible production for enterprises.

FACC's 680 superfast (high-speed irregular component inserter) leverages machine vision, motion control, and deep learning algorithms as its core technologies. With industry-leading performance, accuracy, flexibility, and compatibility, it meets production needs for both small-scale production of varied items and large-scale production. The independent feeder research and development team is capable of providing a wide range of feeding solutions tailored to different material-supplying methods. It can flexibly configure feeders to meet production needs, ensuring continuous feeding for lead and irregular components. In addition, the platform adopts a modular and flexible design concept, allowing for quick switching and arbitrary combinations of the main machine and feeders, aligning with the advanced concept of Industry 4.0.

Shenzhen Techwin Precision Machinery Co., Ltd. has launched the HS-K9S intelligent high-speed vertical component automatic inserter this year. It utilizes a bus-mastering synchronous camming drive to achieve high-speed, stable, and continuous cyclic motions for component grabbing, insertion, lead cutting, and lead bending. The components fetch and deliver materials via a high-precision Z-axis synchronous belt with tray clamps. They then reach a synchronous camming mechanism for component shaping and lead cutting, allowing for orderly component alignment and the simultaneous action of the lead and subuliform lead cutter, ensuring a consistent feeding position for each component. The high-integration numerical control system integrates bus servo motion control and IO signal control, resulting in simplified wiring, minimal signal interference, and reliable, stable equipment operation. Coupled with the highly precise movement of the XY worktable, the integrated application of these key technologies enhances the equipment's performance, achieving a high-speed, stable, and continuous inserter with a speed of up to 25,000 points per hour and a defective insertion rate of less than 200 PPM.

As a key component of the electronics manufacturing industry, the SMT sector needs to achieve synergistic development with upstream and downstream industries. By strengthening collaboration with enterprises, such as raw material suppliers, electronic component and part manufacturers, and electronic product producers, it can promote resource sharing and facilitate the leveraging of complementary strengths, driving the coordinated development of the entire industry chain. The productronica China 2025, scheduled on March 26-28, 2025 at SNIEC, will continue to expand its exhibition scale for the SMT sector. In addition to the enterprises mentioned above, leading manufacturers—such as KURTZ ERSA、Rehm、ITW EAE、MacDermid Alpha、Suzhou SMT Machinery 、Indium 、Pillarhouse、Axxon、Suneast Intelligent、 MPI、HELLER、QUICK INTELLIGENT、Anda Automation、 JT Automation 、ZSW Electronic、JAGUAR Automation、JTE Automation—will present more technological solutions in a scenario-based format for the Chinese electronics manufacturing industry, to inspire innovative ideas of trade visitors. Guided by industrial intelligence upgrading, the SMT Intelligent Factory Core Exhibition Area and the Microassembly Technology Park will focus on shaping new trHow SMT Equipment Enhances Product Competitiveness: These Manufacturers Give Benchmarking Examplesnds in intelligent manufacturing development.

Secure premium booths! 2025 booths in high demand!

We extend a heartfelt invitation to electronic manufacturing enterprises both domestically and internationally to participate in the exhibition. Here, you will have an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your latest products and technologies. Leveraging the exhibition's strong influence and wide reach, you can precisely reach target customers and swiftly expand your presence in both domestic and international markets. Moreover, a wide range of exchange activities will foster in-depth collaboration among enterprises. Together, we will explore industry trends, uncover potential business opportunities, achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, and collectively compose a remarkable chapter in the history of the electronics manufacturing industry. There are still a few booths available, so book quickly to seize the competitive advantage in the industry! For further information, please contact Ms. Sinsia at +86 21 20205553.