Surface mount technology (SMT) has been around for over 50 years, but there are still plenty of manufacturers using through-hole technology simply because they don’t know any better or they have yet to seek out a different solution. While there’s nothing wrong with being a little behind, now is the time to jump forward and revolutionize your efforts with the advantages of SMT. At Advanced Circuits, we’re here to help you understand the process, including what it can do for your manufacturing needs, and to help you perfect your own SMT production efforts.
Is Surface Mount Technology Better?
Surface mount technology has been around for decades, so some people are confused as to why there are still questions as to how well it works. Primarily, SMT was reserved for larger applications and high-end tech until the late 20th century, so even though it’s been around for a long time, it still has a large audience that doesn’t even understand how surface mounting works or why it’s the better choice.
As manufacturing becomes more accessible and affordable, thanks to solutions like ours where we can even prototype a single board for validation and testing before you order hundreds, there are plenty of advantages to be had with this technology. As more people continue to embrace it, the benefits become quite obvious. First of all, it’s easier to fit components on a board and you can fit more of them, or fit more on a smaller board. For small electronics and microprocessors, this is a great advantage.
Surface mounting also allows for easier repetition and better quality control. The process is efficient and easy to streamline, and once it is in place the quality rates are almost impossibly close to perfect. Unlike drilling, which could create more variation and flaws, surface mounting is a simpler, more effective process that is easy to replicate and get great results from.
This makes it more effective, as well as more of a cost-effective solution for companies that are trying to save money. When you have fewer errors, there is less waste. That means that you’re saving in a lot of different ways.
When Should Surface Mount Technology Be Used?
Surface mount technology is used in many products manufactured today. If you are looking to create a smaller or more compact design, or even just fit more components in, this might be the way to go. Here are some good uses for the technology:
- A product that has requirements for producing little to no noise can benefit from SMT boards
- Large quantity production with automated technology is ideal and gets better quality control
- When requirements demand high frequencies or high-speed functioning
- The final product may be dense, but also needs to present as light or sleek
- You need to accommodate a denser PCB in a small board or product
Basically, it’s about packing more into a smaller space and doing it with better quality in mind at all times. There are several different packages, PCBs, and component options available to choose from that can be found in all kinds of electronics today, and they can provide a variety of different uses. Whether you are looking to create the ideal PCB package or you just want to test out a new single board that you have been working on, Advanced Circuits can help.
Who Shouldn’t Use SMT?
There are still some cases where SMT might not be the best choice. The rare instances when surface mount technology should be avoided are few and far between. One of the biggest drawbacks is that these parts aren’t ideal for easy installation or plug-and-play use. The end-user or installer would need to be someone highly skilled and capable of assembling or installing the PCBs at the component level. This may also affect production costs for those who don’t have access to such skilled professionals as in-house staff. It’s all about figuring out what you can get from the process and whether it benefits you.
Of course, most of the issues with SMT are found in the production and installation process, which is exactly what you can rely on the team at Advanced Circuits for. Working with skilled professionals that understand the field of PCBs and how surface-mount technology can benefit various industries and applications gives you the chance to get the best people on your side and the best components for your projects, as a result.
It’s About Efficiency and Improvement
Technology is leading the way forward. Any brand that wants to improve its circuit board production and operation can rely on the advantages of surface mounting for a variety of applications and uses. Understanding the process and how it works, as well as the benefits that it offers, gives people the chance to optimize their own efforts with PCB design and assembly and take their business to the next level.
Increased production efficiency means that there will be fewer operating expenses and reduced overhead costs. This, in turn, helps improve the bottom line. When you add to that the fact that products will be more valuable and reputable since they are produced via better means, it’s easy to see just why so many people are getting on board with this technology, whether they need 100 PCBs or a million of them.
Whether you’re just starting to learn about PCBs and surface mount technology or you’ve got a prototype that’s ready to be built, the team at Advanced Circuits can help with everything that you need. Take the time to explore all of our services and contact us to learn more about how we can help. From concept to completion and beyond, our team of experts will help you harness the power of surface mount technology so that you can reap the rewards. Call us today to take your PCBs to the next level with the latest technology solutions.
