The selection of the appropriate conveyor system has never been as important as it is today, as electronics manufacturing keeps getting more and more complex and more and more voluminous. In semiconductor packaging or PCB assembly, automation or logistics, the efficiency of your throughput, safety in handling, and ability to scale, as well as the overall quality of production, all depend upon your conveyor. SMT conveyor and traditional PCB conveyor are the two most common systems, which are offered depending on the environment and the needs of the production.
In case you are considering the possibilities – say, the need to integrate with SMT PCB Machine and Conveyor, semicon leadframe loader and unloader or a larger automation robotic system and solution setups, this guide will assist you in determining what type of conveyor will best fit your workflow, budget, and long-term ambitions.
Knowledge about SMT Conveyors.
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) conveyors are designed to address the electronics production processes, whereby speed, accuracy, and automation play a critical role. These conveyors will move PCBs between machines, including printers, pick-and-place systems, AOI, and reflow oven.
The characteristics of SMT conveyors are:
- Superior alignment of PCBs with a high level of accuracy.
- Construction that is ESD safe to ensure protection of sensitive components.
- Small modular construction that fits cleanroom and dense plans.
- Intelligent automation interoperability Industry 4.0 lines.
- Inbuilt buffering, check-up, and lift-gate designs.
SMT conveyors are commonly accompanied by automated equipment such as board handling equipment, PCB handling equipment, and high-speed manufacturing line advanced robotics.
Getting to know the Traditional PCB Conveyors.
Manual or semi-automated assembly lines are assembled using traditional PCB conveyors. These are more versatile conveyors that can accommodate a variety of board sizes, orientations, and production conditions. They are suited for minimum volume assembly, repair centres, hand-soldering applications, and hybrid factories.
The important aspects of conventional PCB conveyors are:
- Strong and adjustable construction.
- Hand-loadable and manually assembled.
- Less expensive than SMT conveyors.
- Easy incorporation into simple equipment.
- Apposite when the operations are mixed or less automated.
These conveyors are frequently applied in industries that need ergonomic arrangements as business ventures that invest in ergonomic handling equipment Malaysia to have safer and more comfortable operations.
A Comparative Analysis of SMT Conveyor and Traditional PCB Conveyor.
1 Automation Level
SMT Conveyors:
Constructed with fully automated lines, in which there is a need to have seamless communication between machines. Integrates well with robotics, traceability systems, and IoT monitoring tools.
Traditional PCB Conveyors:
Applicable on semi-automated or manual lines. They may be fitted with sensors but do not have extensive automation.
Best for:
Select SMT when your line has pick-and-place, AOI, SPI, or reflow ovens.
Select Traditional PCB handling equipment when you are using manual assembly or mixed processes.
2 Handling Sensitivity
The PCBs are getting slimmer and brittle, particularly in semiconductors and micro-electronics.
SMT Conveyors:
Details: Accurate handling: adjustable width guides, soft start/stop, and ESD safe surfaces- This is essential with sensitive boards.
Traditional PCB Conveyors:
Sufficient in strength to use with robust boards and not suitable when extremely light or thin substrates are needed.
Best for:
SMT conveyors should be selected by high-precision industries such as semiconductors, medical, and telecom.
3 Speed and Throughput
SMT Conveyors:
Perfect synchronization with automated machines as well as high-speed transfers enhances throughput significantly.
Traditional PCB Conveyors:
The speeds used are lower and slower in consideration of the involvement of the operator.
Best for:
SMT conveyors should be chosen in fast-paced environments, particularly in SMT production.
4 Integration Capability
SMT Conveyors:
Integrates seamlessly with semicon leadframe loader and unloader, robotic cells, AOI systems, and vision inspection units.
Traditional Conveyors:
Comes along well with simple production and is not compatible with highly automated robotics.
5 Cost Consideration
SMT Conveyors:
Greater initial expense, but has high long-term productivity and less labor requirement.
Traditional PCB Conveyors:
Less expensive and suitable for startups or manual operations.
6 Industry Suitability
SMT Conveyors:
Internet of Things, electronics, semiconductors, automobiles, EMS.
Traditional PCB Conveyors:
Education, repair plant, low-volume production, prototypes, hybrid production.
Internet of Things, electronics, semiconductors, automobiles, EMS.
Traditional PCB Conveyors:
Education, repair plant, low volume production, prototypes, hybrid production.
Which Type of Conveyor Should You Use?
SMT conveyors are preferred when automation, high-speed throughput, and handling fine boards in high precision are needed, particularly for gentle boards. They may be applied to serve higher production environments, and are compatible with robotics and inspection machines.
More traditional PCB conveyors will be more adaptable and less expensive if your process is a manual or semi-automated process, or if you are dealing with different types of PCB boards.
In order to make the right choice, companies collaborating with logistic conveyor suppliers, integrators of robot-like automation, or electronic manufacturing lines are required to consider the current production target, the needs in terms of scalability, and the budget.
Conclusion
The alternative of using SMT conveyors or traditional PCB conveyors is a choice that is determined by the nature of your production, the level of automation, and the needs of handling. SMT conveyors provide the accuracy, speed, and integration to automated lines of the modern era, whereas traditional conveyors have flexibility and cost-effectiveness for manual or hybrid setups. This knowledge of the special benefits of each system will enable manufacturers to commit to conveyor solutions that will enable sustained expansion and productivity.
Call to Action
Your production can also be more efficient using high-performance conveyor systems offered by SAC Solutions Sdn Bhd, one of the most well-known providers of advanced automation, SMT handling systems, PCB conveyors, and custom robot integration in Malaysia. Be it the accuracy of SMT conveyors, legacy PCB handling lines, or full automation robotic systems and solution packages, our engineering team is capable of providing the engineering excellence that fits your desires. Call in the SAC Solutions Sdn Bhd today and modernize your factory using a proven, cutting-edge, and cost-effective conveyor system.
FAQs
What is the key difference between SMT conveyors and traditional PCB conveyors?
SMT conveyors are used to facilitate high-rate automated production, whereas conventional conveyors are used in manual or semi-automated lines.
Are sensitive PCBs better on the MT conveyor?
Yes, they are accurate, ESD safe, and can be handled with care in case of delicate boards.
Which conveyor is more economical?
Conveyors: Traditional PCB conveyors cost less, but are less automated.
Are both types of conveyor compatible with robotics?
SMT conveyors are easily integrated; the traditional conveyors are poorly compatible.
What are the industries that make the most of SMT conveyors?
Electronics, semiconductors, automotive electronics, and high-volume EMS manufacturers.