What Is SMT Assembly?: A Must-read Guide

What Is SMT Assembly?

The escalating complexity and downsizing of modern electronic designs have seen an increase in reliance on surface mount technology. Post the 1980s, this technology gained domination over printed circuit board (PCB) assembly in electronics manufacturing—and rightfully so.

Your smartphone, regardless if it’s an iPhone 13 Pro or an old clamshell phone, is likely constructed using surface mount technology (SMT). Many of the components in the vehicle you drive or rideshare likely come from SMT assembly.

To understand the prominence of SMT assembly, first, we need to understand what it is and why this technology came into existence.

Understanding SMT Assembly Background

Surface mounting serves as a method of generating electronic circuits by positioning components directly onto the board’s surface.

SMT assembly provides an alternative to the through-hole technique of PCB manufacturing, which saw its golden age in the 1970s and 1980s. As the electronics manufacturing sector evolved, a more efficient process became imperative—SMT assembly materialized from this necessity.

SMT assembly for PCBs is an incredibly versatile process. However, it does carry certain constraints that design teams need to keep in mind.

The Benefits of Surface Mount Technology

While SMT does carry its share of advantages and disadvantages, let’s discuss its merits first:

1. Economical

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly emerged with the principal goal to reduce manufacturing costs associated with Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). The idea was to come up with a technology that is both effective and cost-saving. SMT fits that mold as it requires fewer holes to be drilled into the PCB during production. This decrease in the number of holes means less time and resources spent on processing and handling, thereby helping to substantially lower manufacturing costs.

Another strength of SMT lies in its ability for high-volume production which further accentuates its cost-saving attribute. When producing large quantities, the overall expense per individual unit goes down considerably due to economies of scale. This aspect makes SMT assembly an attractive option for manufacturers looking to produce high volumes of PCBs without escalating per-unit costs. All these factors combined have made SMT a preferred choice in PCB assembly, achieving its primary objective of cost-efficiency.

2. Highly Efficient

SMT assembly stands out for its optimal utilization of circuit board space. Thanks to SMT assembly, engineers can now accommodate intricate electronics into compact assemblies.

Not only does SMT use the space on a PCB more efficiently, but it also accelerates the process, enabling manufacturers to augment their production levels. For instance, a task that would take 1-2 hours via the through-hole method can be accomplished in 10-15 minutes using SMT assembly.

3. Simplicity

Unlike the more traditional through-hole assembly process, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) follows a different approach when it comes to attaching components to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). In a through-hole assembly, lead wires from each component are passed through holes drilled in the PCB and then soldered to establish the connection. This can make the process more complex and time-consuming due to the effort required to drill and connect through these holes.

On the other hand, the SMT assembly simplifies this process considerably. Instead of using holes, the components in SMT are soldered directly onto the surface of the PCB. This direct soldering method skips the need for drilled holes and their subsequent filling, hence reducing several steps in the assembly process. By eliminating these extra steps and complexities, SMT makes the workflow of PCB assembly significantly more straightforward and efficient.

4. Reduced Margin of Error

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly largely relies on automated machinery for its processes, thereby diminishing the chances for human errors. This is an aspect that elevates the technique’s reliability in producing high-quality Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). Since human intervention may sometimes lead to mistakes, the more automated a process is, the less likely it is to experience these types of errors.

The high level of automation in SMT consequently results in a process that is less prone to mistakes. Machines with precise controls perform the majority of the work, from positioning components to soldering them onto the PCB. This ensures a consistent and high level of accuracy during assembly. 

This automation does not only make the process faster and more efficient but also reduces the likelihood of errors, leading to superior quality control in the end product.

Common Applications of Surface Mount Technology

The advent of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly has revolutionized the way electronic products are manufactured. Its emergence presented a solution for creating superior, more efficient and compact electronic devices. The benefits of SMT assembly are seen in the improved performance, reduced size, and enhanced durability of the electronic products it helps create.

If you take a moment to look around your home or workspace, you’ll notice numerous everyday applications of SMT. Whether it’s in your laptop, smartphone, or even some kitchen appliances, SMT PCB assembly is a commonly used technology. 

It’s especially favored where there’s a need for a compact, reliable, and high-performance product. Its robustness and efficiency make it an integral part of the manufacturing process for many modern electronic devices:

• Less bulky
• Lighter
• Quicker
• More powerful

While the through-hole method is still deployed in specific applications or certain areas on a board, SMT assembly has primarily seized the spotlight.

Limitations of Surface Mount Technology

No manufacturing process is without flaws, and SMT assembly is no exception. It demands a higher level of precision than the through-hole method. Despite its high level of automation, the design parameters must be met meticulously to ensure the end product’s quality. This relies heavily on the designer and the electronics contract manufacturer.

Complications arise when SMT is employed to attach components to a PCB that will operate under:

• Mechanical stress
• Environmental stress
• Temperature stress,

This issue can be remedied by combining SMT with through-hole processes, thereby reaping the advantages of both. Yes, you heard it right—you can integrate both methods on the same board!

Future-Proofing Your Designs

The most practical solution to any potential obstacles that might come up with SMT assembly is to collaborate with a proficient, trustworthy partner, like PCBPit. As a skilled PCB manufacturer, PCBPit has the expertise necessary in design phase consultation to help you navigate any potential challenges when choosing between SMT and through-hole methods. Their experience and industry insights can be invaluable in making this critical decision.

SMT assembly currently forms an integral part of virtually all electronics designs. If your PCB design still relies heavily on through-hole methods, it might be the right time to consider if SMT assembly could be the technological enhancement your product needs to evolve and stay competitive. Partnering with a reliable manufacturer like PCBPit can provide the necessary guidance and support as you transition and adapt to this modern assembly technique.