SMT VS Hand Patch

PCBA experts know the main benefits of automating the SMT device assembly process: reduced errors, increased yields, and consistent quality, but is automation always better?

The use of SMT production line machines has become standard practice for PCB assembly and is considered more efficient. However, SMT machines are not suitable for all jobs. For small quantities of assembled boards or when using components with unique characteristics (such as heat sensitivity, shape, and size), manual or hand placement is a better choice.

Quantity can be a determining factor in whether to assemble manually. Generally, it is best to install. Teen or fewer boards by manually reducing production time and complexity to improve efficiency and speed up turnaround time.

Manual hand soldering requires long pin components that cannot be mounted by SMT machines. Manual hand soldering is also inefficient and inaccurate and can only be performed on large pin components. This is also the difference between the two.

Characteristics of component selection

The characteristics of the selected components should be considered before assembly. When using components with the following characteristics, careful and potentially time-consuming SMT calibration is required to minimize the risk of damage:
Heat sensitivity
Unusual shape and center of gravity

Therefore, small batch orders using components with unique characteristics and inadequate packaging or documentation should be manually assembled by skilled technicians.

Generally, for efficiency reasons, best practices are for manual assembly boards with a volume limit of 10 or less (such as prototype versions), simple technology, and only a few individual components on each board.

For more complex boards with a wide variety of components, it is recommended to use SMT equipment to patch 01005 and 0603 BGA, qfn, and qfp using SMT proofing.

Assypcb SMT: SMT production lines are the first choice for small, medium, and large batches of PCBA processing and assembly because they consistently produce high-quality PCBs and reduce the error range associated with manual assembly. SMT proofing is done by assypcb, and small batches of 1-50 pieces of proofing are delivered within 24 hours and expedited within 8 hours.