What is an SMT machine?

An SMT machine is automated equipment used to assemble electronic components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) using Surface Mount Technology. This includes solder paste printers, pick and place machines, inspection systems and other production equipment.

What is a pick and place machine?

A pick and place machine is an automated SMT machine that picks electronic components from feeders or trays and accurately places them onto a PCB, using vision recognition to position each component precisely.

Is a pick and place machine an SMT machine?

Yes. A pick and place machine is one type of SMT machine. SMT machine is the broader term for the equipment used in surface mount assembly, and the pick and place machine is the unit responsible for component placement.

What is an SMT assembly machine?

SMT assembly machine is another term used for the equipment involved in surface mount assembly, most commonly referring to pick and place or mounting machines, and sometimes to the SMT production line as a whole.

What machines are used for SMT assembly?

A typical SMT line uses a solder paste printer, a pick and place machine, a reflow oven and an inspection (AOI) system, supported by equipment such as component feeders and production management software.

How does a pick and place machine work?

A pick and place machine feeds components from tape, tray or stick feeders, picks each component with a nozzle, uses a vision camera to recognise and align it, places it onto the PCB at the programmed position, and can inspect the placement before moving to the next component.

How do I choose an SMT machine?

Choosing an SMT machine depends on your required production volume and speed, PCB size, the range of component sizes you place, the placement accuracy you need, and how much automation and software integration your line requires.

What components can an SMT machine place?

Depending on the model, Panasonic SMT machines can place components ranging from micro chip components as small as 0201 or 03015 up to large connectors and BGA packages over 100mm in size, including tall and heavy components on models such as the NPM-GW.

What software is used with Panasonic SMT machines?

Panasonic SMT machines can be connected using PanaCIM-EE Gen2 mounting MES software for production management, and iLNB for integrated line management across Panasonic and non-Panasonic equipment.

SMT Machines & Pick and Place Machines

Q: What is an Auto Setting Feeder?

The Auto Setting Feeder (ASF) is a Panasonic component feeding system that automates tape loading. It can reduce feeder setup time from approximately 90 seconds to approximately 30 seconds under specified conditions, and an optional Auto Loading unit can supply the next component without manual splicing.

Panasonic SMT machines and pick and place equipment for high-speed, accurate and automated PCB assembly.

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Panasonic SMT Equipment

SMT & Pick and Place Machines

Explore our range of Panasonic SMT machines and pick and place equipment for automated electronic component placement and PCB assembly.

NPM-GH

High-accuracy SMT pick and place machine — Achieves placement accuracy of ±25μ at speeds of up to 103,000 CPH.

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NPM-GW

SMT machine built for large PCBs and heavy BGA placement, achieving ±25μ placement accuracy at speeds of up to 104,000 CPH.

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NPM-D3A

High-speed, high-precision SMT pick and place machine with ±37μ placement accuracy at speeds of up to 92,000 CPH.

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NPM-W2

Versatile production modular supporting large PCBs and heavy BGA placement, with integrated printing, placement and inspection.

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AM100

Versatile SMT assembly machine for high-mix, flexible production across diverse mounting sites.

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Not sure which SMT machine is right for you?

Compare production volume, PCB size, component range, placement accuracy and automation requirements with our team.

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Beyond the Machine

More Than a Pick and Place Machine

Panasonic’s SMT solutions combine high-performance placement equipment with automation, component feeding, line management and manufacturing software to help manufacturers build more connected and efficient production environments.

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Auto Setting Feeder

Automate component feeding and reduce setup time. Panasonic’s Auto Setting Feeder (ASF) can automate feeder setup and reduce the setup process from approximately 90 seconds to approximately 30 seconds under specified conditions.

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SMT Manufacturing Software

Connect production information and optimise manufacturing. Panasonic’s PanaCIM-EE Gen2 mounting MES software helps manufacturers manage production information, equipment and processes across the SMT floor.

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Integrated Line Management

Connect your SMT production line. Panasonic’s iLNB solution can connect Panasonic and non-Panasonic equipment to support automatic changeovers, data integration and integrated production management.

Build a Complete SMT Production Line

A modern SMT production line combines multiple machines and systems to automate PCB assembly. ONBoard Solutions can help you explore the equipment and automation required for your production requirements.

Solder Paste Printing

Solder Paste Printing Precisely applies solder paste to PCB pads, creating the foundation for accurate and reliable component placement.

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Pick & Place

Pick & Place Automatically places electronic components onto the PCB with high speed and precision, supporting efficient high-volume production.

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Reflow

Reflow Uses controlled heat to melt and reflow the solder paste, securely bonding components to the PCB.

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Inspection

Inspection Checks assembled PCBs for defects and placement accuracy, helping ensure consistent quality and reliable production.

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Production Management

Production Management Connects and manages production equipment, data and processes to improve visibility, traceability and overall manufacturing efficiency.

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Why Choose Panasonic SMT Equipment?

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High Productivity

Designed for demanding production environments, with placement speeds up to 111,000 components per hour.

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High Accuracy

Precise electronic component placement with high placement accuracy for demanding PCB assembly applications.

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Production Flexibility

Solutions for different PCB sizes and component mixes, from micro chips to large BGAs.

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Automation

Automated functions including feeder setup, error recovery and process monitoring, designed to reduce manual processes.

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Connected Production

Equipment and software designed to work together across the SMT floor.

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Manufacturing Optimisation

Production data can be used to improve manufacturing processes and reduce downtime.

Which SMT Machine Is Right for You?

Production requirement	Consider
High-speed production	NPM-D3A
Highest placement accuracy	NPM-GH
Large PCBs & heavy BGA	NPM-GW / NPM-W2
High-mix, flexible production	AM100
Automated, high-efficiency production	NPM-GH / NPM-GW / NPM-D3A

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SMT Machine vs Pick and Place Machine: What’s the Difference?

An SMT machine is the broader category — it covers all the automated equipment used in Surface Mount Technology assembly, including solder paste printers, pick and place machines, reflow ovens and inspection systems.

A pick and place machine is one specific type of SMT machine — the machine responsible for picking components and placing them onto the PCB. Every pick and place machine is an SMT machine, but not every SMT machine is a pick and place machine.

Looking for an SMT Machine?

Speak with the ONBoard Solutions team about Panasonic SMT machines, pick and place equipment, feeders, software and complete SMT production solutions.

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