What is SMT PCB Assembly?

Surface Mount Technology is the process of mounting electronic components onto the surface of the circuit boards instead of inserting the components through holes. Today, this is the most popular way used in PCB design and manufacturing as it has shown proven results of improving the quality and performance of the overall PCBs.

What are the benefits of SMT PCB assembly?

SMT process reduces manufacturing costs and also makes efficient use of the PCB space. Through effective utilization of SMT, we are able to build highly intricate electronic circuits onto miniature and smaller assemblies by relying on automation.Essentially, you can have the following with SMT - Smaller PCB Size - Higher component density - Fewer drilling holes - Lower cost - Faster production time - Reliability as solder joint formation is more reliable - Stable and high performing even in shaky conditions

Why should I choose Mer-Mar Electronics for SMT PCB assembly service?

Mer-Mar Electronics is an ISO-certified company with a whopping 40 years of experience in PCB assembly services. We are fully equipped with SMT components, tools, and automation machinery for achieving the level of sophistication in mounting the components onto your board. Besides our manufacturing capabilities, we also strictly adhere to quality control measures and regular inspections.

What are the various SMT PCB Assembly types?

SMT assembly types include - Ball Grid Array (BGA) - Ultra-fine Ball Grid Array - Small Outline Integrated Circuit - Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC) - Small Chip Packages (SOP) - Quad Flat Package (QFP) - Quad Flat Pack No-Lead (QFN) - Package on Package (POP)

What are the differences between SMT and Through-hole technology?

The key differences are - SMT components are relatively smaller - SMT components can be mounted on both sides of the circuit boards - SMT doesn’t need holes to be drilled through the PCBs

In what way SMT is better than the Through-hole technique?

The through-hole component leads that run through the board and connect the board’s layers are replaced by “vias” which allows conductive connections between different board layers. Also, some of the SMT components like BGAs are better performing with more interconnection pins and shorter leads.

Where are SMT PCB assemblies the most used?

In consumer electronics devices like tablets, mobile phones, there is a need for compact assembly of components onto the printed circuit boards. Here, SMT can be effectively used to make the best and optimum use of the available space. This process also builds lightweight products as there is no need for extra wiring and soldering.

What are the steps involved in the SMT PCB assembly process?

SMT Process begins with the design phase, where components are selected, and the PCB designs are made, the layout is prepared. PCB data is then prepared based on which the manufacturing process kickstarts. Different aspects of the manufacturing process are solder paste printing, solder paste inspection, component placement, reflow soldering, automatic optical inspection (AOI).

What are the things you need to get before you begin the SMT PCB assembly process?

To start the SMT process, we need the components and raw boards to prepare them for production. These things would be validated by your Contract Manufacturer (CM)’s inspection teams to make no mistakes.

Do you follow the manual or automated SMT technologies?

The current trend is automation. So, we follow the same cue. The majority of the SMT parts on your circuit boards will be assembled with automated pick-and-place equipment.

What data do you need to start the process pf SMT PCB assembly?

Make sure you give your PCB contract manufacturer the full and correct design data so that there won’t be any discrepancies in the final mounting and the requirements. Make sure to start early, provide them the data they need.

What are the SMT components that do not fit into the process?

Even though we rely on automated assembly processes, some components cannot be placed. - Components that are lightweight - Those that have too much heat sensitivity - Lack of robust solder joints - Damaged components

Do you have experience with low-volume assemblies?

Yes. We do have a great understanding of low-volume builds. We catch and correct the errors in the assembly process early on with regular inspection points set up in the production line before they get through the next step in production.

What does one need to consider before selecting PCB SMT services?

Before selecting PCB SMT services, consider factors such as the provider's experience, certifications, their manufacturing capabilities, pricing, and customer service. Additionally, it is important to ensure that they can meet your specific requirements and turnaround.

SMT PCB Assembly & PCB SMT Service in USA

Leading the way for over 40 years

SMT PCB Assembly

SMT PCB assembly stands for Surface Mount Technology Printed Circuit Board assembly. It is a process of assembling electronic components on the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) using automated equipment.

In SMT assembly, electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, and other parts are mounted on the surface of a PCB using a soldering process. This is different from through-hole assembly, where components are mounted through drilled holes in the PCB.

Our SMT assembly is designed for optimal strength, flexibility, and reliability, ensuring high performance. We combine traditional techniques like Through-hole technology with the latest technological trends to seamlessly adapt to future changes. We prioritize our users’ needs, offering customized solutions for low or high volume, semi-automatic or fully automatic SMT assembly, tailored to meet your throughput and budget requirements.

We take pride in our commitment to meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations. Our team of experts provides customized solutions for your specific needs, from prototype to production. We understand the importance of deadlines and strive to meet them with precision and efficiency. At Mer-Mar Electronics, we believe in building strong relationships with our clients, and we are committed to providing exceptional customer service every step of the way. We invite you to experience our expertise and see why we are the go-to SMT PCB manufacturer in California.

As a SMT PCB manufacturer we provide

1. High-Efficiency

At Mer-mar Electronics, we pride ourselves on the flawless and precise operations of our surface mount assemblies. Our team is committed to continuously improving the efficiency of our circuit board manufacturing processes.

2. Minimal Knock-on Effects

By improving the production efficiencies, we strive to reduce the knock-on effects that can have serious negative repercussions on business especially when you go for large batch sizes where the impact would be massive.

3. Specialized in Miniature Products

We are skilled in building SMT assemblies those are small in size but run super smoothly while integrating numerous components. We thus have become experts in facilitating lightweight and portable electronics.

4. Error Reduction

By utilizing automated surface-mount technology (SMT) to assemble components, we accelerate production rate and minimize the likelihood of any errors during manufacturing.

Looking for an Instant PCB Quote?Get SMT PCB Assembly Quote Now

PCB SMT Services

We provide all-in-one PCB SMT Services for leading edge and accurate components mounting.
Explore the brief information about our PCB surface mount technology services:

BGA reballing and rework

We pride ourselves on our ability to offer top-notch BGA rework and reballing services. We understand the importance of maintaining the performance and effectiveness of SMT circuit boards, which is why we take a comprehensive and solution-driven approach to every repair assignment. Our team is capable of providing a wide range of services, including reballing, pad and track repair, BGA site modification, repair, and replacement. We are committed to overcoming any performance challenges that may arise and ensuring that all defects are kept in check. With our meticulous and diligent BGA rework, any irregularities can be resolved efficiently and effectively.

SMT PCB Stencil

We rely on advanced machines for SMT PCB stencils and component placement during board assembly. We prioritize the use of materials that can withstand harsh working conditions without any errors. By opting for high-quality stencils, we can reduce errors, ensure optimal performance, and meet soldering requirements. Our team of experts can offer valuable advice on the most suitable stencil for your PCBs, considering factors such as compactness and efficient positioning of components. We are committed to delivering top-quality results and providing the best possible service to our clients.

SMT Soldering

With our special techniques and equipment, we perform SMT soldering during the PCB assembly. We ensure all the components placed during the soldering processes are not damaged and even the final soldered quality is higher. Many times, equipment failures happened due to low-quality soldering. We do high quality soldering to optimize the PCB assembly process, improve the overall equipment reliability, and adhere to the highest quality standards. We hold experience in all the SMD soldering techniques like hand soldering, hot air soldering, and hot plate soldering.

Reflow soldering

We further provide reflow soldering options for your board as you move towards the completion of the assembly process. Get a proper reflow profile for building acceptable solder joints without causing any damage to the parts or assembly. For the reflow soldering process, we pick the suitable machines, acceptable reflow profile, PCB component footprint design, well-designed stencils, high quality PCB, components & solder paste, and repeatable placement of surface mount components. We even get the profiled assembly for a lead-free solder by not causing any damage to the components at maximum temperature.

Fine pitch assembly processing

Get professional and sophisticated high-density PCB assemblies with a significantly high number of components that are extremely close together as we push the tolerance limits. Even for the finest and miniature components, where you need smaller pads, we pick the right machines and place the components accurately. We also go for X-ray inspection if you choose to go with leadless and grid-array-based components. Our design and board vendor team work closely for designing fine pitch circuit boards and processing.

Advanced SMT PCB manufacturing

We take great pride in our advanced SMT PCB Manufacturing and assembly lines, which are highly capable of producing complex assemblies. Our expertise includes products with high thermal demand, high-mix ratio, and miniaturized assemblies. Our process is optimized using X-ray machine, AOI machine, and SMT pick and place equipment.

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SMT PCB assembly capabilities

We are capable of fulfilling all PCB assembly types and sizes needed from basic and traditional through-hole PCB assembly to standard surface mount PCB assembly to ultra-fine pitch BGA assembly. We specialize in offering SMT PCB manufacturing services from small volume to medium/large production volumes. We are also capable of performing single and double-sided SMT assembly placement of all component types. We can accomplish wave soldering using cutting-edge equipment.

Our SMT Assembly capabilities include –

Full SMT Assembly line
Single and double-sided Assembly
Low to high volume production assembly
ESD controlled area

We also offer the smallest and compact components capable of providing varied customer needs including –

Smallest components 01005, 0201, 0402
Assemble 0.25mm fine pitch parts
Leadless components, BGA, µBGA, LGA, package on package, etc.

Major Pieces of Equipment
Juki JX-100 SMT Pick & Place Machine
Specifications	6 heads with laser alignment, 14,400 components per hour small chip 8mm or less Placement points per program 2,000
Applicable Component Sizes	Height: min: 0.3mm max: 6mm Size: min: 0.75 x 0.5mm max: 33.5mm sq Lead Pitch: 15 mil
Applicable PCB Size	min: X 50mm x Y 30mm max: X 330mm x Y 250mm thickness min: 0.4mm max: 4mm

Zevatech FS-750 SMT Pick & Place Machine
Specifications	3 heads with laser alignment, 8,000 components per hour small chip 8mm or less Placement points per program 2,000
Applicable Component Sizes	Height: min: 0.3mm max: 6mm Size: min: 1.0 x 0.5mm max: 23.5mm sq Lead Pitch: 15 mil
Applicable PCB Size	min: X 50mm x Y 30mm max: X 330mm x Y 250mm thickness min: 0.4mm max: 4mm

Zevatech PM-570 SMT Pick & Place Machine
Specifications	Single head with laser alignment, 3870 components per hour max rating Placement points per program 2,000
Applicable Component Sizes	Height: max 6mm Size: min 1.0 x 0.5mm max: 33.5 sq Lead Pitch: 15 mil
Applicable PCB Size	min: X 30mm x Y 30mm max: X 406mm x Y 330mm thickness min: 0.6mm max: 2.5mm

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SMT PCB assembly services for various industries

As the Surface Mount Technology picked up momentum, there has been a constant increase in the usage of this technique across a multitude of industries. The market share of SMT services has been increasing by the day.

Some of the industries that utilize SMT PCBA are –

Aerospace
Consumer Electronics
Defense
LED components
Medical and Health care
Transport and Automotive Electronics
Telecommunication & Mobile communications

To know more about SMT assembly process check our article – SMT line

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SMT Assembly Advantages

Surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly has several advantages over traditional through-hole technology. Here are some of the main advantages of SMT assembly:

1. Space-saving

SMT components are much smaller than through-hole components, which allows for much denser circuitry and smaller PCBs.

2. Faster assembly

SMT components can be placed on a PCB much more quickly than through-hole components, as they can be placed and soldered using automated equipment.

3. Lower cost

SMT assembly is generally less expensive than through-hole assembly, as it requires less manual labor and can be automated more easily.

4. Higher reliability

SMT components are less prone to mechanical stress and vibration, as they are mounted directly on the surface of the PCB.

5. Smaller footprint

As SMT components are much smaller than through-hole components, they take up less space on a PCB, which allows for more compact designs.

6. Weight advantages

SMT components are lighter in weight than through-hole components, which can be an important consideration for applications where weight is a concern, such as in aerospace or portable electronic devices.

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SMT Assembly Testing Capabilities

We make it mandatory for ourselves to perform visual inspections to ensure that there are no missing or misaligned components or issues with solder bridging. In addition to manual inspections, we also use SMT inspection machine to guarantee thoroughness. If we detect any fault during this rigorous inspection process, we immediately send the board back for rework. Once the rework is completed, we again test the boards to verify if everything is working correctly. We take pride in our strict quality control measures and make sure that each board meets our high standards before delivering it to our customers.

We make sure no mistake has been made and that all parts are in the right place by using an AOI machine. As the 3D technology rolled out, we also started going for it instead of 2D inspection and avoided any false calls. With 3D inspection, we go for accurate measurements for a more stable inspection process.

Different Testing Services during SMT Assembly

Automated Optical Inspection

For pre- and post-solder to identify the component presence, placement, and solder quality.

After the component placement, we perform an automated optical inspection to make sure that all the components are mounted in the right place. We use AOI equipment for verifying the components’ placement, orientation, and polarity.

We also perform a post-reflow AOI to make sure no mistakes are made and then we perform an X-ray inspection for the process verification.

X-ray Testing

We go for this test to check on leadless components through an x-ray image of them and the solder joints to make sure that everything is working as expected.

In-circuit Testing

Through this, we look for any joint failures and we perform this through bed-of-nails tests.

Functional Testing

We perform this to ascertain PCBs will work productively and as per the requirements after the SMT assembly. With testing, we ensure the quality of delivered range of SMT PCB assemblies.

SMT PCB Assembly FAQs

Looking for SMT PCB assembly, SMT SMD PCB, Surface Mount assembly or any custom SMT PCB from Mer-mar Electronics? Send us inquiry to Get a Quick PCB Assembly Quote based on your custom requirements.

If you have any queries regarding to our SMT PCB assembly or need an urgent assistance, then please don’t hesitate to contact our team of skilled personnel’s. Send us an email with your queries at sales@mermarinc.com or call us at (760) 244-6149. We are looking forward to hearing from you.