Global SMT&Packaging

The global assembly journal for SMT and advanced packaging professionals.

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Surf Tech is investing in AI and advanced equipment to meet growing demand for faster NPI and small-to-medium batch PCB assembly.

Trevor Galbraith spoke with Stephen Egert, president of Surf Tech, about AI-assisted bill of materials checks, collaboration with design firms on DFM, and the ongoing challenges of component sourcing and bare-board availability.

A new laser marker will give every board full traceability. The company has also filled the space created by last year’s 50% production floor expansion and won a Global Technology Award.

Stay up to date with electronics manufacturing news in our International Newsletter:

https://t.co/oJZvmmz87C

#SurfTech #NPI #DFM #PCBAssembly #AI #Traceability #ElectronicsManufacturing

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

KYZEN brings concentration monitoring to batch cleaners

At SMTA International 2026, Trevor Galbraith spoke with John Norton of KYZEN about its Analyst system, which brings concentration monitoring, data logging and alarms to batch cleaning.

The system retrofits to existing batch cleaners through the wash pump’s recirculation loop, helping manufacturers monitor and document their cleaning processes.

John also discussed KYZEN’s expansion in Nashville, including a tripled test lab and a new analytical lab to support a wider range of cleaning applications.

Get the latest electronics manufacturing news in our International Newsletter:
https://t.co/9sBOiVI831

#KYZEN #ElectronicsCleaning #ProcessMonitoring #SMTAI2026

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

🚀 Koh Young Gears Up for Record Growth!

At SMTA International 2026, Trevor Galbraith spoke with Joel Scutchfield of Koh Young America about the company's expected 25% record growth, expanding operations in Mexico and the US, and new AI-powered inspection technologies.

Discover how Koh Young is advancing smart manufacturing with AI Auto-Programming and Smart Review.

🎥 Watch the full interview!

#KohYoung #SMTAInternational #AOI #SPI #AI #SmartManufacturing #ElectronicsManufacturing

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Pushing the limits of AOI inspection

At SMTA International in Rosemont, Global SMT & Packaging’s Victoria Rawinski hosted an AOI panel with Jacob Doose of Saki, Joe Clure of Kurtz Ersa, Juan Briceno of Viscom and Brian D’Amico of Mirtec.

The discussion explored 3D AOI’s capabilities, the role of X-ray and ICT, and challenges posed by hidden joints, miniaturisation and increasingly dense boards.

A key takeaway: better inspection requires more than advanced equipment. Training, consistent tolerances and addressing root causes remain essential as AI programming and automation evolve.

Read our latest International Newsletter:
https://t.co/1wiZIkuN9G

#AOI #3DAOI #Xray #AI #ElectronicsManufacturing #SMTAInternational

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Your Brand Deserves More Than Just Visibility"
Visibility gets attention. Credibility builds business.

For more than three decades, Global SMT & Packaging has connected electronics manufacturers with the engineers, decision-makers, and innovators shaping the future of the industry.

Our 2027 Media Kit showcases integrated marketing solutions that help you build awareness, establish thought leadership, generate leads, and maximize your presence before, during, and after the industry's biggest events.

From print and digital advertising to newsletters, video interviews, podcasts, webinars, and event sponsorships, we'll help you reach the right audience with the right message.

Request the Global SMT & Packaging 2027 Media Kit today simply by reaching out to Sandy Daneau at [email protected].

#GlobalSMT #ElectronicsManufacturing #SMT #EMS #PCBAssembly #ManufacturingMarketing

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Even no-clean processes need evidence of reliability.

At SMTA International in Rosemont, KYZEN’s Adam Klett hosted a panel with Josh Heather of Plexus, Dr Mike Bixenman of Magnalytix and Ram Wissel of KYZEN on qualifying clean and no-clean processes under J-STD-001.

The discussion explored representative test boards, defined process windows, SIR testing and ion chromatography—alongside the documentation needed to demonstrate that residues are benign in the product’s end-use environment.

Read our International News newsletter for more electronics manufacturing news:

https://t.co/eN77KnpP16

#ObjectiveEvidence #JSTD001 #KYZEN #Magnalytix #Plexus #ElectronicsManufacturing

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Aven Expands Its Reach with New Inspection Systems

Keith Bryant catches up with Mark Kampurwala to discuss Aven’s acquisition by GSI Holding Group, opening opportunities in the laboratory market and expanding its global presence.

Mark introduces the ClearView, featuring a larger display, wider magnification range and new gantry, alongside the Micro Vue 2.0, with an upgraded camera, monitor and interchangeable UV/LED lighting. Both address growing demand for detailed inspection as components get smaller.

Read the latest electronics manufacturing updates in our International News newsletter: https://t.co/jVR9pcMWfC

#AvenTools #Microscopy #Inspection #ElectronicsManufacturing #GlobalSMT

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Heller Industries Expands Through Localised Manufacturing and Advanced Technologies

David Heller, President & CEO of Heller Industries, discusses the company’s work with NM Automation and local partners to manufacture reflow ovens in India, with plans to establish an export hub serving Europe and the US.

He also explores the challenges that AI boards, 5G and semiconductor advanced packaging applications present for reflow technology.

Discover more electronics manufacturing news, video interviews and industry insights in our International News newsletter:

https://t.co/VZCH2lFVj1

#HellerIndustries #Reflow #AdvancedPackaging #FormicAcid #Plasma #Vacuum

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Essemtec FOX: All-in-One Jet Printing, Dispensing and Pick and Place

At SMTA Mexico, Keith Bryant speaks with Frank Hart about Essemtec’s FOX all-in-one system. The platform combines jet printing, dispensing and pick and place in a single machine, bringing three key electronics assembly processes together.

#Essemtec #SMT #JetPrinting #Dispensing #PickAndPlace #ElectronicsManufacturing

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Heller Tackles Voiding with Vacuum and Formic Acid

Keith Bryant speaks with Laurino Lopez and Emmanuel Sanchez of Heller Industries about growing demand for vacuum and nitrogen reflow as electronics manufacturers work to reduce solder voiding.

The team highlights vacuum reflow technology, the shift towards longer ovens with more heating zones, and the importance of controlled cooling.

They also discuss Heller’s fluxless formic acid reflow process, which uses an enclosed system with safety sensors and interlocking dual gates to contain the vapour.

#HellerIndustries #ReflowSoldering #VacuumReflow #FormicAcid #ElectronicsManufacturing #SMT #GlobalSMT

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Availability First: Anda’s Conformal Coating Strategy in Mexico

Keith Bryant spoke with Carlos of Anda Technologies about fast delivery, precision coating and local support.

Anda can deliver a complete production line within a week and plans to stock 28 machines in Mexico by year-end.

Its coating systems combine jetting, piezoelectric and spray valves to reduce masking and manual rework, while an 800 m² Mexican facility provides service engineers and spare parts.

#AndaTechnologies #ConformalCoating #Dispensing #ElectronicsManufacturing #Mexico #GlobalSMT

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

The Global Technology Awards ceremony was held last night, celebrating the technologies and solutions helping to advance the industry, setting an exciting tone for the week ahead.

Throughout the week, Global SMT & Packaging will be bringing attendees industry debates, video interviews, and exclusive insights from the show floor.

Visit Booth 2507 to meet the team and pick up the latest issue of Global SMT & Packaging.

#SMTAInternational2026 #GlobalTechnologyAwards #GlobalSMT #ElectronicsManufacturing #ElectronicsAssembly #AdvancedPackaging #SMT

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Day 1 at SMTA International 2026 kicked off with the Global Technology Awards, where companies were recognized for their outstanding advancements and innovations in electronics assembly and advanced packaging.

Following the awards ceremony, we conducted our first interview of the event with Michael Hinshaw, CEO of Green Circuits, and Mark Evans, COO of Green Circuits. Their insights provided a great start to what promises to be an exciting and informative week.

Throughout the show, the Global SMT & Packaging team will be hosting industry debates, conducting exclusive show-floor video interviews, and capturing perspectives from some of the most influential voices in electronics manufacturing.

Stop by Booth 2507 to witness these engaging discussions firsthand, meet our team, and pick up the latest issue of Global SMT & Packaging.

We look forward to seeing you at the show!

#SMTAInternational2026 #GlobalTechnologyAwards #GlobalSMT #GreenCircuits #ElectronicsManufacturing #ElectronicsAssembly #AdvancedPackaging #SMT

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Scaling Service to Match Rapid Change

How is SMarTsol keeping pace with the changing needs of electronics manufacturers?

At SMTA Guadalajara, Keith Bryant speaks with Julio Romo, newly appointed to SMarTsol’s senior management team, about the company’s expansion into Texas and Asia—and its investment in demo rooms, warehouses and service engineers closer to customers.

With 15 years in the industry, SMarTsol is extending its capabilities beyond PCBA to rack-level support, wire-harness inspection and emerging semiconductor projects in Mexico and the US.

Julio explains how fast, multilingual, one-stop support helps build customer confidence as manufacturing requirements evolve.

#SMarTsol #SMTAGuadalajara #PCBA #ElectronicsManufacturing #SemiconductorManufacturing

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Rehm Condenso XC: Even Heating for Complex PCBs

Keith Bryant spoke with Luis Garcia of Rehm about the Condenso XC, an entry-level vapour phase soldering machine designed for labs and small, high-mix production batches.

PCBs combining large thermal masses with small, sensitive components can be difficult to reflow evenly. The Condenso XC uses Galden vapour to transfer heat efficiently, with temperature limited by the fluid’s boiling point.

Two injections control preheat and peak temperature inside a closed chamber, while vacuum helps reduce solder voids. Galden is filtered for reuse, and the machine can also reprocess boards that missed the vacuum stage.

Please subscribe for more news on electronics manufacturing, SMT and advanced packaging.

#Rehm #CondensoXC #VapourPhase #Soldering #PCB #ElectronicsManufacturing

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

KYZEN Targets Lower Cleaning Costs with Smarter Process Control

Keith Bryant spoke with Luis Fernando Gazcon of KYZEN about new tools designed to improve cleaning efficiency and traceability.

Its cost-modelling tool analyses inline and batch cleaning processes to identify ways to reduce water and chemical consumption, shorten cleaning cycles and extend bath life.

KYZEN’s PCS closed-loop system measures concentration and automatically adds water or chemistry as needed. Standalone sensors provide live monitoring, reducing the need for manual readings.

The new Analyst RI2 uses refractive index to measure concentration, complementing KYZEN’s established sonic velocity technology. Software supports traceability as manufacturers demand better visibility into their cleaning processes.

KYZEN is also hiring across Mexico and expanding its Nashville laboratories.

Please subscribe for more news on electronics manufacturing, SMT technology and industry developments.

#KYZEN #ProcessControl #CleaningTechnology #SMT #ElectronicsManufacturing #Traceability

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Koh Young Zenith DS: Both Sides, One Pass

At SMTA Guadalajara, Global SMT & Packaging spoke with Heriberto from Koh Young about the new Zenith DS dual-side AOI system. Two inspection heads check the top and bottom of a board simultaneously, combining SMT and through-hole inspection in a single pass to reduce inspection time and costs. The system is currently being showcased in beta, with software scheduled for Q1 2027.

Koh Young is also expanding its presence in Mexico with a new office offering twice the demo space and training facilities for up to ten people per session.

While automotive demand remains flat, AI applications are driving demand for larger, more customised boards—and new inspection requirements.

#KohYoung #ZenithDS #AOI #SMTAGuadalajara #ElectronicsManufacturing #PCBInspection #GlobalSMT

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

PARMI’s Laser AOI: Faster Programming with AI

Keith Bryant speaks with Juan Arango of PARMI about laser-based AOI and the growing role of AI in inspection. Arango explains how laser scanning avoids the shadows associated with white-light systems, helping improve inspection quality.

According to PARMI, AI auto-programming cuts program creation from six to eight hours to under 10 minutes, followed by 10–15 minutes of debugging. For high-mix, low-volume manufacturers, that means faster changeovers and more consistent programs across different programmers.

The next step is AI verification, which will automatically classify inspection results and leave uncertain cases for an operator. Those decisions will feed back into recipe improvements, supporting PARMI’s goal of zero escapes and zero false calls.

#PARMI #AOI #ArtificialIntelligence #SMT #ElectronicsManufacturing #GlobalSMT

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

🎥 Lights, Camera, SMTAi!

Global SMT TV is heading to SMTA International 2026, bringing you conversations straight from the show floor.

Expect in-depth panel discussions moderated by our Rising Stars, Adam Klett and Viktoria Rawinski, alongside candid interviews with the technologists driving electronics manufacturing forward. From PCBA to advanced packaging and emerging technologies, we’ll explore the challenges, ideas and developments shaping the industry.

The next stop on our world tour brings us to Rosemont, Illinois, as we continue connecting equipment suppliers, technology experts and manufacturing customers around the globe.

📍 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois
📅 October 25–29, 2026

Follow Global SMT & Packaging for interviews, panel discussions and updates from the show.

#SMTAi2026 #SMTAInternational #GlobalSMT #ElectronicsManufacturing #PCBA #AdvancedPackaging #SMT

[Global SMT&Packaging @globalsmt]

Smarter Stencil and Nozzle Cleaning with Shenzhen Synergie

Keith Bryant speaks with Thomas Yang of Shenzhen Synergie about closed-loop cleaning systems that combine cleaning, inspection and automatic re-cleaning in one machine.

CCD cameras detect blocked stencil apertures and trigger additional cleaning where needed. Pick-and-place nozzles receive the same automated treatment, reducing reliance on manual microscope inspections.

Each stencil and nozzle is individually coded, with inspection images and cleaning records feeding into the factory MES. This provides traceability and helps production teams identify recurring nozzle problems earlier.

#Synergie #SMT #StencilCleaning #NozzleCleaning #ClosedLoopCleaning #Traceability #ElectronicsManufacturing