5 Advantages To Using SMT in Your Electronic Manufacturing Project
Surface-mount technology is a much more streamlined manufacturing process compared to through-hole. Time is saved because components are applied using a solder paste instead of drilling holes in the PCB. The work that takes hours placing components of a through-hold board can take just five minutes with SMT.
The saying "bigger is better" doesn't hold true in the world of electronics, especially when it comes to surface-mount technology (SMT). SMT involves placing components directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) to create a circuit. This method has become the preferred choice in the electronics industry for circuit creation. While both SMT and through-hole technology can be used on the same PCB, SMT versions of through-hole PCB designs are often available. SMT can significantly impact design and development in electronic manufacturing. Here are some advantages of using SMT in your project:
1. Small Footprint
Using surface-mount technology (SMT) for placing components on a small PCB can help maintain a compact design. SMT components are generally smaller than those used in through-hole technology because they have either smaller leads or no leads at all. This results in a space-saving design, occupying less than half the space of a through-hole mount. Additionally, SMT components significantly reduce the weight of the PCB, often weighing only one-tenth of their through-hole counterparts.
2. Low Cost
The smaller size of SMT components offers a significant cost advantage in manufacturing. Once the setup is complete, surface-mount technology generally incurs lower production costs compared to through-hole placement. The smaller board size, fewer drilled holes, and reduced routing of traces all contribute to lower material handling costs and a quicker manufacturing process. These factors collectively reduce the overall cost of the project.
3. Higher Density
SMT allows for a higher component density on your PCB. Since there are no holes required for component leads, you can fit more components per unit of area. Additionally, more connections can be made per component. With no holes obstructing the routing space on inner or back-side layers, components can be placed on both sides of the circuit board, potentially reducing the need for multi-layer boards.
4. Quick Turn Around
Surface-mount technology is a much more streamlined manufacturing process compared to through-hole. Time is saved because components are applied using a solder paste instead of drilling holes in the PCB. The work that takes hours placing components of a through-hold board can take just five minutes with SMT.
5. In-House Engineering for Testing and Prototyping
Having in-house engineering for testing and prototyping SMT can be highly beneficial during the design phase. It allows for immediate testing, quick corrections, and the ability to experiment with new power sources. This setup helps avoid the communication breakdowns that can occur when working with an external product team.
If you're considering surface-mount technology services for your next PCB project, turn to Huayan. Our expert team can help you determine if SMT is the right method for your needs. We specialize in electronic product development and manufacturing. Let Huayan assist you with your project. Contact us today with any questions about surface-mount technology.
