As supply chain issues and chip shortages continue plaguing the world, companies are still struggling to get SMT components. A variety of solutions have risen to combat these struggles. The main methods being used are preservation of existing parts, reworking of PCBs, reclaiming of placed parts, and—if surface-mount technology isn’t enough—turning to through-hole technology to fill the gaps.
Secure SMT Production With Counters, Dry Boxes, and Rework Machines
Preservation of existing parts, as well as reuse and reclamation of placed boards, are all critical elements of getting through the shortage. Keep precise count of components, keep them protected from moisture, and be ready to rework when necessary to retain the number of parts you have with the right equipment. Here are the top three equipment categories for achieving these goals.
Preserve
Rework and Reclaim
Rework systems
Printed circuit boards often contain valuable and difficult-to-source electronic components. You can avoid letting any of these parts go to waste by having control over inventory, reworking existing parts and boards, and by keeping critical components safe from moisture. The result will be fewer parts needing to be sourced, combatting unnecessary drains on the already-parched system.
Replace the SMT Parts You Can’t Get by Converting to THT Parts
In cases where preservation and reclamation of SMT parts are not enough to keep production going, some manufacturers have begun converting to through-hole parts over surface mount technology as a short-term solution. Equipment suppliers are now seeing an uptick in orders of through-hole equipment, especially for lead-forming and soldering equipment. Here’s why it may be a good idea to look back in time to look forward in manufacturing.
By repurposing existing parts to function as through-hole technology, manufacturers can combat the current crisis—not letting the part shortage halt production. The top pieces of equipment needed for this part conversion (which are being purchased at a rate not seen in over a decade) include:
As many companies with in-house production (and those looking to start with their own product assembly) have been confronted by shortages of parts, through-hole (THT) production has emerged as a possible solution for many. Since the components necessary for THT are more readily available than those for SMT, reconfiguring can help manufacturers reduce wait times and increase output. If your company has been struggling to get the SMT parts necessary for production, it may be worth considering adding THT capability to your production.
Continuing Production Despite Shortages
In this time of short supply, American manufacturers have shown resiliency and ingenuity. Equipment suppliers are ready to meet the changing needs of the market by supplying the necessary tools. With the right equipment, manufacturers operating in-house equipment can continue production. By taking precautions to safeguard the components available, and by being able to have the flexibility to pivot from SMT to THT when necessary, small and medium manufacturers can survive despite adversity.
This column originally appeared in the June 2022 issue of SMT007 Magazine.
06-08-2022
As supply chain issues and chip shortages continue plaguing the world, companies are still struggling to get SMT components. A variety of solutions have risen up to combat these struggles. The main methods being used are preservation of existing parts, reworking of PCBs, reclaiming of placed parts, and—if surface-mount technology isn’t enough—turning to through-hole technology as a way to fill the gaps.
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