A Comprehensive Analysis of the Working Principle of Samsung Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Machines: Every step from fe

Have you ever wondered how the machines in factories that can "whoosh whoosh whoosh" onto circuit boards in just one second work? Yes, it's about the Samsung surface mount technology (SMT) machine. It is a crucial part of the SMT process, responsible for accurately "mounting" various electronic components onto the PCB board. So, how exactly does this seemingly high-end device work? Today, we'll take you through its complete workflow!

Before the surface mount technology (SMT) machine starts working, the first step, of course, is the preparatory work.

First, the operator needs to load the components to be attached onto the material rack or the Feeder. This feeder is like a conveyor belt. It can send out components row by row. Common components include resistors, capacitors, IC chips, etc. Different types of components are installed at different feeder positions.

At this point, the computer system of the surface mount machine also needs to "know" where each component is placed and on which board it is attached. Therefore, engineers will import the program in advance, which is known as the surface mount program, including the position coordinates, rotation angles, type information of the components, and so on. Just as a navigation system tells drivers how to drive, a surface mount technology (SMT) machine also has to rely on a "route map" to act.

1-1

The machine is ready and the PCB board must also be in place. At this point, the transportation system of the surface mount machine will convey the PCB into the placement area.

Before the components are officially placed, the surface mount machine will use the camera system (vision system) to conduct a "physical examination" on the PCB - to check if it is placed correctly and if the marking points (Mark points) have shifted. If it is out of alignment, it will automatically adjust the alignment to ensure that each component is stuck in its designated position.

It can be said that this step is like a doctor taking a CT scan before performing an operation. Before applying the patch, it must be precisely aligned. If it is not aligned properly, the entire circuit board may be ruined.

Next, the opening sequence begins to make its appearance. This surface mount head looks somewhat like a multi-head vacuum cleaner, equipped with multiple small suction nozzles, which lift the components by vacuum suction force.

The suction nozzle will "pop" up a component from the feeder in one go, then quickly move it to the mounting position and "puff" onto it again. When attaching, do not do it randomly. The placement machine will first use the camera at the bottom or top to identify the direction and center position of the components to ensure that the orientation is not wrong or offset during the attaching process.

The most remarkable aspect of this process is its "speed and accuracy". Ultra-high-speed surface mount technology (SMT) machines like Samsung's SM471 and SM485 can mount tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of components in an hour, truly achieving "quick eyes and steady hands".

Do you think sticking a component is very simple? Wrong! There's a lot to consider here.

Suction component: The suction nozzle lifts the component from the Feida

Centering: The visual system quickly detects and adjusts the position and Angle

Movement: The surface mount head, carrying components, moves rapidly to the placement point

Mounting: After precise alignment, the mounting head gently presses to attach the components onto the PCB

Return to position: The suction nozzle goes back to continue sucking the next one

The entire movement is smooth and fluid, and several component mounting actions may be completed within one second. The size of components supported by different models of surface mount technology (SMT) machines varies, ranging from 0402 package resistors to QFP package IC chips.

2-2

Even after the boards are pasted, it doesn't mean the process is over immediately. The rear camera of the surface mount technology (SMT) machine sometimes checks the pasted boards again to confirm if there are any issues such as misalignment, missed pasting, or reverse pasting.

Some production lines are connected to an AOI (Automatic Optical Inspection Machine), which is specifically responsible for the subsequent inspection work. The PCBS that are fine will be sent out of the surface mount technology (SMT) machine and enter the reflow soldering process. If there is a problem, the system will alarm and prompt for manual review or re-posting.

Modern Samsung surface mount technology (SMT) machines not only place chips quickly but also do so "smartly".

The recognition algorithm of the visual system, the automatic correction of Feida, and the multi-task scheduling of the patch head are all calculated in real time in the background through software. In other words, it is not only about "quick action", but also about using the brain.

Some high-end models can even automatically identify component types, adjust placement pressure, and support MES system integration, facilitating big data analysis and equipment network management.

The entire surface mount technology (SMT) process is essentially a complete set of automated action chains carried out by a machine according to a preset program, starting from material loading, identifying components, precisely picking up and placing them, and then testing and outputting. Despite the numerous steps, each movement is so fast that it may dazzle your eyes. All of this is achieved through precise mechanical design, intelligent control systems, and high-speed image recognition, truly realizing the "high speed, high precision, and high efficiency" of modern manufacturing.