SMT Pick and Place Machines: Automating PCB Assembly

Once a PCB has been manufactured using a PCB prototype machine, the components need to be carefully mounted onto it for testing. Mounting SMD (Surface Mount Device) components requires acute care and patience.

Often, companies hire specialized PCB assembly services to handle this task. However, this can introduce delays and increase the overall cost of product development. To avoid these issues, SMT (Surface Mount Technology) pick and place machines are invaluable. These machines greatly simplify the assembly process.

Types of SMT Machines

There are two main types of SMT machines:

• Completely Automatic: These machines operate with minimal human intervention. They automatically apply solder paste to the pads and precisely place electronic components onto them. While the initial placement might not be perfect, any inaccuracies are corrected later in the reflow oven.

• Semi-Automatic (Manual): While offering greater accuracy, manual systems are prone to errors caused by operator mistakes during assembly. They also tend to be more time-consuming compared to automatic systems.

Desktop SMT Pick and Place Machine Manufacturers

The following table provides a list of desktop SMT pick and place machine manufacturers, along with their product models and descriptions. Some machines even offer PCB milling, solder paste application, and pick and place functionalities within a single unit.