Q1: What are the main implications in changing an assembly production line from pin in hole to one based on surface mount technology? A1: The main implications in changing an assembly production line from pin in hole to one based on surface mount technology are: * You need lots of money for equipment * You need greater infrastructure [eg, engineering, training, quality programs, etc.]
Q2: Could you direct me to good suppliers full-scale automated equipment? A2: Every supplier is good, depending on your needs. [Fraser: Please post your email address so that suppliers can contact you directly, rather than burning bandwidth here.]
Q3: Where have you heard of companies who have benefited from such transitions? A3: Companies transition from PTH to SMT when they have to change. Generally, they change during the transition to a new product. So, this change is due to market demands [eg, lighter, faster, smaller, cheaper, etc.]. If currently they have a viable PTH product, they will not change, unless forced to change. [When we can not purchase PTH parts, we will relay-out our boards and requalify our product, but not until then.]
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