What Is a SMT Production Line?
The Surface Mount Technology Line refers to surface assembly equipment, including Surface Applying Equipment, place-and-place machines, welding machines and cleaning machines.
Composition of SMT Production Line
Components of SMT production lines include mainly the following categories.
1) Solder Paste Printing Machine
The purpose of this tool is to apply solder paste, patchtape or a combination on the pads of PCB.
2) Dispensing Machine
Its main purpose is to fix components onto the PCB.
3) SMT Machine
Surface-mount components are accurately installed to the fixed position of the PCB.
4) Curing Furnace
SMD adhesive should be solidified to ensure that surface mounted components and PCBs are securely adhered together.
5) SMT Reflow Oven
Surface mount components are firmly adhered to the PCB by melting the solder paste.
6) Washing Machine
Remove any welding residues that may be harmful to the body of the person or the products assembled on the PCB.
7) Test Equipment
Check the quality of assembly and welding on the SMA (surface mounting assembly).
SMT Assembly Line Ways
SMT production lines can have different assembly methods depending on the type of assembly object, assembly process, and assembly method.
1) Single Line Form
It is generally used to assemble SMC/SMD PCB assemblies on the surface of one PCB.
2) Dual-Line Form
The PCB is surface assembled with SMC/SMD.
3) Mixture Form
Inserts and mountings are available for the assembly.
4) Integrated Form
SMT integrated assembly system with feeding trolley controlled by computer.
SMT Production Line Process
A SMT production line includes the following steps.
• Printing: Solder Paste or Patch Tape printed on the pads of PCBs to prepare for soldering components.
• Glue Dispensing: Glue falls onto the fixed position on the PCB. When using wave soldering, the function is to fix components onto the PCB.
• Mounting: Surface mounted components are installed precisely to the fixed position on the PCB.
• Curing: Cure the SMD adhesive to ensure that surface assembly components are securely adhered to PCBs when using SMD glue.
• Reflow Soldering: Melting solder paste causes SMT components to stick on the PCB.
• Cleaning: Remove any welding residues such as flux that may be harmful to the body of the user or the products assembled on the PCB.
• Inspection: Inspecting the quality of assembly and welding on the SMA (surface Assembly Assembly) assembled.
• Return to repair: The return for repair has detected an SMA fault.
SMT Production Line Characteristics
SMT production lines have the following features:
• High Degree of Automation
The SMT line is equipped with a large number of automated machines, which reduces manual work and improves production efficiency and quality.
• High Productivity
SMT production lines are more efficient than traditional plug-in production systems.
• Low Cost Product
SMT production lines reduce labor and material costs. This can lower product costs.
Use of SMT Production Lines
SMT production lines are widely used in the manufacture of electronic products such as mobile phones, computers, TVs, and automotive electronics.
Trends in Development of SMT Production Line
The following are the main aspects of SMT production line development:
High-density: SMT production lines are also moving towards high-density as electronic products become smaller and more intelligent.
Multifunctionality: SMT production will become multifunctional in order to meet the demands of various products.