Surface mount assembly is a form of surface mount technology (SMT). It is a method of electronic circuit production where components are placed directly on the surface of a printed circuit board. This technology has replaced the earlier method of wiring components to a circuit board through holes in the board.
The equipment used in surface mount assembly consists of robotic machines that are often called pick and place machines. These work at high speed to place resistors, capacitors and other components on the circuit board. The equipment carries out its work according to specific pre-programmed tasks.
The increasing automation of shop-floor processes has led to a greater demand for surface mount assembly equipment. This has coincided with a drive for efficiency in the medical, electronic, defense and aerospace industries that has also increase demand for smaller electronic devices and hence surface mount assembly equipment.
The reason for this market surge lies in attempts over recent years by manufacturing industries to streamline their operations. Rising costs of skilled labor as well as rising energy costs have meant that the manufacturing sector has had to eliminate those operations that were not deemed to have added value, and has had to redefine and optimize other shop-floor processes.
The emphasis on product quality has led to a further demand for surface mount technology inspection equipment. This not only reduced repair and reworking costs, but also maintained quality control throughout the production process.
The surface mount technology market has become intensely competitive. The problem for new entrants into this market could be financing high upfront research expenditure.
Continuing technological advancement along with burgeoning demand from emerging and developed economies recovering from the 2007-8 financial crisis and recession have contributed to the ongoing growth. The market in Asia has been boosted by a resurgence of demand from China.