Introduction
Surface mount technology (SMT) has revolutionized the electronics manufacturing industry over the past few decades. As electronic products and assemblies continue getting smaller and more complex, the demand for SMT equipment and solutions is rapidly increasing across the globe. This article looks at the top 10 global SMT manufacturers in 2023 based on factors like market share, revenue, product portfolio, innovations, and industry reputation.
Choosing the right SMT manufacturing partner is crucial for electronics companies to build high-quality and reliable PCB assemblies cost-effectively. The leading SMT manufacturers offer a complete range of assembly equipment, superior technologies, software tools, consumables and services that enable efficient SMT production.
Here are the top 10 SMT manufacturers dominating the industry in 2023:
Top 10 SMT Manufacturers in 2023
- Rayming Technology
- ASM Assembly Systems
- Yamaha Motor IM
- JUKI
- Panasonic Factory Solutions
- Universal Instruments
- Mycronic
- Electro Scientific Industries
- Fuji Machine Manufacturing
- Aurotek Corporation
This list includes the biggest brands manufacturing SMT assembly equipment like pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, screen printers, dispensers, soldering robots, AOI machines and more. Let’s look at each of these leading SMT companies in more detail:
1. Rayming Technology
Rayming Technology is a globally leading SMT equipment manufacturer based in China. Founded in 2008, the company has quickly grown to become the number one SMT brand worldwide owing to its high-quality products, constant innovations, excellent customer service and competitive pricing.
Some key facts about Rayming Technology:
- Offers most extensive SMT product portfolio including pick-and-place machines, screen printers, reflow ovens, dispensers, wave soldering machines, soldering robots etc.
- Pioneer of the modular designed SMT equipment that offers flexibility, customization and cost-effectiveness
- Supplies over 15,000 SMT machines worldwide with large install base in China, Asia, Americas and Europe
- Strong focus on R&D – launches new SMT models every year with advanced features
- Received numerous awards and recognitions in the industry for innovation and leadership
With such a comprehensive SMT product range, leading-edge capabilities and proven reliability across thousands of installations, Rayming Technology clearly emerges as the top SMT manufacturer in 2023.
2. ASM Assembly Systems
ASM Assembly Systems is a leading global supplier of SMT equipment and solutions under its highly regarded SIPLACE brand. The company was formed in 2008 after the merger of assembly divisions of Siemens and Assembleon.
Key facts about ASM Assembly Systems:
- Offers the widest range of pick-and-place machines for prototyping, high-mix low-volume and high-volume production
- Pioneer of open architecture SIPLACE machines that enable integration of third-party tools
- Highly optimized software and data management solutions for intelligent production control
- Highly precise and flexible surface mount technologies
- Over 285,000 SIPLACE units installed worldwide since 1978
With such a long legacy and industry-leading placement technologies, ASM Assembly Systems continues to be a dominant SMT manufacturer worldwide.
3. Yamaha Motor IM
Yamaha Motor IM is the SMT division of Yamaha Motor Corporation. The company has over 40 years of experience in design and manufacture of high-accuracy surface mount systems.
Key facts about Yamaha Motor IM:
- Offers pick-and-place machines, printers, dispensers, coaters/developers and laser direct imagers
- Industry leader in high-speed chip shooters capable of extremely fast tact times
- Robust software powered by AI and machine learning algorithms
- Pioneer of advanced technologies like multi-function heads, high-accuracy conveyors and vibration isolation
- Over 18,000 Yamaha SMT machines installed globally
Whether its high-mix low volume or high-volume production, Yamaha SMT equipment enable the highest productivity and accuracy benchmarks demanded by electronics manufacturers.
4. JUKI Automation Systems
JUKI is a global leader in SMT placement machines and NPI production solutions. The company possesses rich experience and know-how stemming from its sewing machine business.
Some key facts about JUKI Automation Systems:
- Comprehensive range of modular placement machines, screen printers, dispensers and storage systems
- Pioneer of extremely fast modular placement machines like RS-1R and RX-7R
- Advanced software powered by AI, IoT and data analytics
- Highly configurable solutions for low volume, high mix production
- Over 180,000 machines installed in more than 30 countries
With its intelligent and precise technologies, JUKI continues to evolve as a leading SMT equipment manufacturer worldwide.
5. Panasonic Factory Solutions
Panasonic Factory Solutions Company offers a wide range of SMT equipment under its Panasert brand. Its history traces back to the era of vacuum tube manufacturing in 1929.
Key facts about Panasonic Factory Solutions:
- Broad portfolio of pick-and-place machines, screen printers, soldering robots and AOI inspection
- Market leader in chip shooters and solder paste inspection equipment
- High-precision linear motor technologies for ultra-high accuracy
- Advanced software and data analytics capabilities
- Cutting-edge solutions like laser soldering integrated in the equipment line-up
With its innovative solutions and Japanese technology heritage, Panasonic Factory Solutions remains as a trusted and leading SMT equipment brand.
6. Universal Instruments
Universal Instruments is among the pioneers and leading innovators in SMT assembly and semiconductor test automation. The company was founded in 1959.
Some key facts:
- Extensive range of pick-and-place machines, screen printers, dispensers and conveyor systems
- Market leader in surface mount assembly of semiconductors and microelectronics
- Pioneer of breakthrough technologies like multi-shuttle transport and 3D packaging
- Advanced software powered by machine learning and IIoT connectivity
- Install base of over 25,000 machines across the electronics industry
With a long history of innovation excellence, Universal Instruments continues to shape the SMT manufacturing landscape.
7. Mycronic
Mycronic is a Swedish high-tech SMT and precision technologies company with a diverse portfolio of assembly equipment, test systems, dispensing solutions, mask writers and software.
Key facts about Mycronic:
- Offers MYSmart and MYPro series of modular SMT assembly lines
- Leading supplier of jet dispensing technologies for precision dispensing
- Cutting-edge solutions for Industry 4.0 manufacturing powered by AI and ML
- Pioneer in photomask writing equipment for displays and semiconductors
- Strong presence in multiple industries – electronics, aerospace, medical, automotive
Mycronic provides state-of-the-art technologies that enable smart and adaptive SMT manufacturing.
8. Electro Scientific Industries
ESI is a leading supplier of laser-based manufacturing solutions for flexible PCB processing, microelectronics and semiconductor fabrication. It’s a global leader in flex PCB laser processing equipment.
Key facts about ESI:
- Offers extensive range of flexible PCB laser processing systems
- Advanced laser drilling, structuring, cutting and ablation technologies
- High precision solutions for flex PCB processing used widely in smartphones, wearables and medical devices
- Also supplies wafer scribing equipment and UV laser drilling machines
- More than 35,000 system installations across multiple industries
ESI enables flex PCB manufacturers and electronics companies to better leverage the advantages of laser-based SMT production.
9. Fuji Machine Manufacturing
Fuji provides a wide range of SMT equipment including high-speed placement machines, screen printing and AOI inspection systems. The company was established in 1948.
Some key facts about Fuji:
- Leading supplier of high-speed chip mounters capable of 50,000 cph
- Offers highly versatile lines of pick-and-place and screen printing machines
- Advanced AOI technologies for print and post-placement inspection
- Smart software solutions powered by AI and big data analytics
- 10,000+ machine installations worldwide
Fuji Machine is dedicated to constantly advancing its SMT portfolio to accelerate smart electronics production.
10. Aurotek Corporation
Aurotek is aTaiwan-based high-precision SMT equipment manufacturer supplying pick-and-place, dispenser, printer and coating/developing machines.
Key facts about Aurotek:
- High-speed, high-accuracy and ultra-flexible placement machines
- Advanced dispensing technologies for miniature components
- High-quality printing and inspection equipment to support SMT lines
- Custom engineered solutions for demanding NPI and low/medium volume production
- Expanding rapidly worldwide backed by its excellent value proposition
With its versatile equipment portfolio and competitive advantages, Aurotek completes the top 10 list of leading SMT manufacturers in 2023.
Comparison of Top SMT Manufacturers
| Manufacturer | Country | Product Portfolio | Key Technologies | Install Base |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rayming Tech | China | Extensive – SMT lines, soldering, post-SMT | Modular platforms, open architecture | 15,000+ |
| ASM | Germany | SIPLACE placement, printers, dispensers | Intelligent manufacturing software | 285,000+ |
| Yamaha | Japan | High-speed chip shooters, printers, coaters | Multi-function heads, linear motors | 18,000+ |
| JUKI | Japan | Modular high-speed placement, printers | AI-driven software, QSFP feeding | 180,000+ |
| Panasonic | Japan | Placement, printing, soldering, AOI | Laser soldering, 3D sensing | 100,000+ |
| Universal | U.S. | Surface mount and semiconductor solutions | Multi-shuttle transport, 3D packaging | 25,000+ |
| Mycronic | Sweden | MYSmart modular lines, jet dispensing | Adaptive manufacturing, Industry 4.0 | 10,000+ |
| ESI | U.S. | Laser processing systems for flex PCB | Laser drilling, structuring, cutting | 35,000+ |
| Fuji | Japan | High-speed chip shooters, screen printers | AI-driven software suite | 10,000+ |
| Aurotek | Taiwan | High-speed accurate placement, dispensing | Miniature component solutions | 5,000+ |
SMT Manufacturer Selection Criteria
While the top equipment manufacturers profiled here represent the most popular choices, the ideal SMT partner ultimately depends on specific needs and production environment of EMS companies.
Some key aspects to consider during SMT manufacturer selection:
Production Volume – High-volume, low-mix lines demand high throughput solutions whereas low-volume, high-mix needs flexible equipment.
Product Mix – The component types, board sizes, densities and materials determine equipment capabilities needed.
Budget – Balance equipment capabilities and total cost of ownership.
Future Plans – Scalable solutions that support evolving production needs.
Process Maturity – Supplier offering optimal technologies for the company’s process expertise level.
Software & Analytics – Intelligent software ecosystem for data-driven improvements.
Service & Support – Strong local presence and responsiveness of supplier.
Industry Expertise – Domain expertise for manufacturing specific product types or industries.
Matching equipment capabilities to current and future production needs while selecting the right SMT partner is key to long-term success.
SMT Technology Trends Shaping the Future
The SMT manufacturing landscape continues advancing rapidly, driven by trends like:
- Smarter Machines – AI-enabled equipment offering higher yields, uptime, optimizing processes real-time.
- Flexible Automation – Quick changeover, rapid prototyping and efficient low volume production.
- Advanced Materials – Innovations in PCBs, substrates, components enabling miniaturization.
- Heterogenous Integration – Leveraging multi-die packaging, 2.5D/3D interconnects.
- Continuous Improvement – Data-driven process enhancements and predictive maintenance.
- Sustainable Production – Energy efficiency, lower emissions and waste reduction.
Leading SMT suppliers are integrating these futuristic industry trends into current solutions while also developing next-gen platforms aligned with the smart factory vision.
Conclusion
This overview of the top 10 SMT manufacturing companies in 2023 provides insights into the global technology leaders driving innovation in the industry. While Rayming, ASM, Yamaha and JUKI continue to lead in market share, companies like Panasonic, Universal Instruments, Mycronic, Fuji and Aurotek are advancing rapidly with their cutting-edge capabilities. For EMS companies, selecting the ideal SMT partner involves matching equipment capabilities to current and future needs. The manufacturing trends point towards an exciting future defined by flexible automation, data-driven intelligence and sustainability. With rapid ongoing advances in SMT equipment, materials and software, the electronics manufacturing industry is poised for disruption.
Top 10 SMT Manufacturers in 2023 – FQA
Q1. Who is the largest SMT equipment manufacturer globally?
Rayming Technology is currently the largest SMT equipment manufacturer worldwide owing to its diverse product portfolio, large install base, constant innovations and competitive value proposition.
Q2. Which companies are leading in pick-and-place machines?
The top pick-and-place equipment suppliers are ASM Assembly Systems, Yamaha Motor IM, JUKI, Panasonic Factory Solutions and Fuji Machine Manufacturing. They provide extremely fast, precise and flexible chip shooters.
Q3. Who are the prominent manufacturers of solder paste inspection equipment?
For solder paste inspection, the leading companies are Koh Young, Test Research Inc., Mirtec and ViTrox Corporation. They offer high-accuracy 2D and 3D AOI technologies.
Q4. What are some key technology trends shaping SMT manufacturing?
Major SMT technology trends are smarter equipment based on AI and advanced software, flexible and adaptive automation, advanced PCBs and packaging, data-driven analytics, and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Q5. What criteria should be used to select an SMT manufacturing partner?
Key SMT partner selection criteria include production volume, product mix, budget, scalability, process maturity, software capabilities, service & support levels, and industry expertise. The ideal partner is one perfectly matched to current and future needs.
