PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1739557
PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1739557
Growing demand for electronic devices across various industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications is propelling the adoption of surface mount technology equipment. Advances in electronics miniaturization and the increasing complexity of circuit designs require more sophisticated SMT equipment for precise and efficient manufacturing is driving the market size surpass USD 5.47 Billion valued in 2024 to reach a valuation of around USD 10.18 Billion by 2032.
In addition to this, the rise of the internet of things (IoT) and smart technologies further fuels the need for advanced SMT solutions is spurring up the adoption of surface mount technology equipment. The increasing adoption of smart manufacturing practices and Industry 4.0 also contributes to the demand for cutting-edge SMT equipment is enabling the market to grow at a CAGR of 8.08% from 2026 to 2032.
Surface Mount Technology Equipment Market: Definition/ Overview
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment refers to machinery and tools used in the process of mounting electronic components directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCBs). Unlike traditional through-hole technology, SMT components are attached to the board's surface, allowing for smaller, lighter, and more complex circuit designs. SMT equipment includes pick-and-place machines, soldering systems, and inspection tools, all of which facilitate the efficient and precise assembly of electronic components.
SMT equipment is widely applied across various industries including consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, and industrial automation. In consumer electronics, it enables the production of compact and high-performance devices such as smartphones and laptops. In the automotive sector, SMT is crucial for integrating advanced electronic systems into vehicles, including safety features and infotainment systems. Its versatility and efficiency make it essential for high-volume production and quality assurance in these and other sectors.
The increasing miniaturization of electronic devices has been a key driver of the surface mount technology (SMT) equipment market. As consumer demand for smaller, lighter, and more portable devices grows, manufacturers are turning to SMT for its ability to place components directly onto printed circuit boards, reducing size and weight. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing industry is projected to grow by 3.9% from 2020 to 2030, indicating a steady demand for SMT equipment. In recent news, ASM Pacific Technology, a leading SMT equipment manufacturer, announced in March 2024 the launch of their new high-speed placement machine, capable of placing 120,000 components per hour.
The automotive industry's shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles is another significant driver of the SMT Equipment Market. These advanced vehicles require sophisticated electronics and sensors, all of which benefit from SMT's precision and reliability. The European Commission reported that in 2023, electric vehicle sales in the EU increased by 37% compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing demand for SMT in automotive electronics. Fuji Corporation, a major player in the SMT equipment sector, unveiled in January 2024 a new line of placement machines specifically designed for automotive electronics production, featuring enhanced durability and precision for the demanding automotive environment.
The push for Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing is also propelling the SMT Equipment Market forward. As factories become more automated and interconnected, there's an increasing need for SMT equipment that can integrate with smart systems and provide real-time data for process optimization. The International Federation of Robotics stated that in 2022, global sales of industrial robots reached 517,385 units, a 10% increase from the previous year, indicating the rapid adoption of automation technologies.
The complexity and need for specialized training in operating and maintaining SMT equipment also pose challenges. Advanced SMT machinery requires skilled technicians who are proficient in handling complex systems and performing precise operations. The scarcity of trained personnel and the associated costs of training programs can impede the effective deployment and utilization of SMT equipment, impacting overall productivity and market growth.
Supply chain issues can also impact the SMT equipment market. The availability of critical components and raw materials needed for SMT systems can be affected by global supply chain disruptions. This can lead to delays in production and increased costs, affecting the overall efficiency and reliability of SMT equipment.
Also, the increasing complexity of electronic designs can strain existing SMT equipment capabilities. As electronic devices become more intricate and miniaturized, traditional SMT systems may struggle to keep up with the demands for higher precision and flexibility. This can necessitate additional investments in newer, more advanced equipment, further impacting market dynamics and adoption rates.
Placement equipment, a crucial component of SMT, is dominating the market due to its precision and efficiency in placing components on printed circuit boards. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of electrical and electronics engineering technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2021 to 2032, with many of these professionals working with SMT equipment. For instance, ASM Assembly Systems announced in June 2023 the launch of their new DEK TQ L stencil printer, designed to enhance productivity and quality in SMT assembly.
The automotive industry's shift towards electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems is fueling the demand for SMT placement equipment. These technologies require sophisticated circuit boards with high component density, which can only be achieved through advanced SMT processes. The European Commission reported that in 2022, the market share of electric cars in the EU reached 12.1%, indicating a growing need for SMT equipment in automotive manufacturing. For instance, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. made headlines in April 2023 with the introduction of their YRM20 mounter, featuring advanced image recognition technology for improved placement accuracy and speed.
The consumer electronics segment continues to dominate the surface mount technology (SMT) equipment market, driven by the ever-increasing demand for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices. As these products become more sophisticated and compact, manufacturers rely heavily on SMT equipment to achieve higher component density and improved performance. According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, global exports of consumer electronics reached USD 988 Billion in 2022, highlighting the sector's immense scale and influence on SMT equipment demand.
The rapid evolution of smart home devices and Internet of Things (IoT) products has further solidified the consumer electronics segment's dominance in the SMT Equipment Market. These interconnected devices require advanced circuit boards with numerous small components, making SMT essential for their production. The European Commission reported that the EU's IoT market is expected to reach €1.1 trillion by 2025, indicating significant growth potential for SMT equipment in this sector.
The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the surface mount technology (SMT) equipment Market, driven by the robust electronics manufacturing sector in countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. These nations have established themselves as global hubs for consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and semiconductor production, all of which heavily rely on SMT equipment. According to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the country's electronic information manufacturing industry grew by 14.7% year-on-year in 2022, underscoring the region's dominance. For instance, ASM Pacific Technology, a leading SMT equipment manufacturer, announced in March 2024 the expansion of its R&D center in Singapore, focusing on developing next-generation SMT solutions for advanced packaging technologies.
The automotive industry's rapid shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technologies in the Asia Pacific region is further propelling the SMT Equipment Market growth. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are at the forefront of EV production, requiring advanced SMT equipment for manufacturing sophisticated electronic components. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reported that the country's EV-related exports increased by 23% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the dominant force in the surface mount technology (SMT) equipment market, driven by its robust electronics manufacturing ecosystem. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are at the forefront of this growth, hosting some of the world's largest electronics manufacturers and contract assemblers. According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, the country's electronics manufacturing sector grew by 12.7% year-on-year in 2023, underscoring the region's expanding demand for SMT equipment.
The surge in consumer electronics production, particularly smartphones, tablets, and wearables, continues to fuel the SMT equipment market in Asia Pacific. The region's dominance is further reinforced by the increasing adoption of advanced technologies like 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence in consumer devices. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reported that the country's production of electronic components increased by 8.3% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The surface mount technology equipment market is a dynamic and competitive space, characterized by a diverse range of players vying for market share. These players are on the run for solidifying their presence through the adoption of strategic plans such as collaborations, mergers, acquisitions, and political support.
The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions. Some of the prominent players operating in the surface mount technology equipment market include: