This graphic showcases a fully integrated SMT production environment built using Hawker Richardson’s equipment and solutions. Designed as a complete, end-to-end ecosystem, it adapts to every stage and requirement of modern PCB manufacturing. The workflow is divided into four interconnected areas, all linked through a closed-loop network that enables seamless communication, real-time data sharing, and consistent production quality.
Overview of the Integrated SMT Production Line in Australasia
Watch here to see the animation created to showcase this process.
The SMT Production Line
The SMT Production Line
The SMT Line is the heart of surface mount production, where every PCB is built with precision and consistency using premium machines from world-class brands such as Yamaha, Heller, and Nutek. Each stage of the process is fully integrated to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and seamless transfer from one step to the next.
Key Processes Within the SMT Line
Solder Paste Printing – The bare PCB first enters the printer, where solder paste is accurately deposited onto each pad.
Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) – The SPI system verifies the quality of every deposit, checking for bridging, insufficient or excessive solder, and other process defects.
Component Placement – Once approved, the PCB moves to the mounters, where SMD components are picked and placed with high-speed and precision.
Reflow Soldering – The populated board enters the reflow oven, where solder paste is heated to temperatures up to 260°C, melting and forming reliable solder joints.
Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) – After the reflow soldering, the AOI system checks each board to ensure every component is correctly placed, oriented, and soldered.
Board Handling by Nutek – Throughout the entire workflow, Nutek board-handling systems deliver smooth, traceable, and reliable movement of PCBs between each machine, ensuring optimal cycle time and production flow.
Premium Technology for High-Precision Manufacturing
To maintain the highest production quality, Hawker Richardson integrates only top-tier equipment:
Yamaha YRP10 Printer – Exceptional print accuracy of 16 microns (0.016 mm) with a super high-speed core cycle time of just 6 seconds.
Yamaha Mounters (e.g., YRM20) – A high-speed pick and place machine with placement accuracy of 25 microns (0.025 mm) and throughput up to 115,000 CPH, making them among the fastest systems in their class.
Best-in-Class SPI & AOI – High-resolution cameras down to 5 μm with combined 2D/3D image capture for superior defect detection.
Nutek Board Handling – Premium loaders/unloaders, buffers, and conveyors designed to integrate perfectly with Yamaha, Heller, IBL, Scienscope, and PVA systems for a cohesive, high-reliability line.
Building a Smart, Automated SMT Factory
Hawker Richardson also offers complete automation options across Yamaha, Nutek, and Heller equipment. Width adjustments, program changes, and line configurations can be handled automatically, enabling true end-to-end automation. With these capabilities, manufacturers can implement a fully connected, Industry 4.0-ready SMT line—from the first machine to the last.
The Offline PC & Server
The SMT Production Line – The Offline PC and Server
The Offline PC & Server is the brain of SMT production. This is where all programs are created, managed, and optimised—and where production data from every machine is stored with full traceability down to individual PCBs and components. It ensures that your entire SMT line operates with consistency, accuracy, and complete visibility.
Within this environment:
Programs for each stage of the SMT production line are created, refined, and stored, along with all associated databases.
Using Yamaha YSUP Intelligent Factory Software, operators can easily generate and fine-tune programs for every machine—from the printer through to the AOI. YSUP provides a unified, highly efficient software suite that supports programming, scheduling, production assistance, monitoring, analysis, traceability, maintenance, and machine-to-machine communication.
All systems are interconnected, allowing data and instructions to flow seamlessly across the SMT line to streamline operations and eliminate manual bottlenecks.
To learn more about YSUP and its full capabilities, we have a dedicated YSUP microsite that explores how this intelligent platform enhances productivity, automation, and traceability across your entire production line.
The Offline Set-Up Area
The SMT Production Line – The Offline Set-Up Area
The Offline Set-Up Area acts as a vital support hub for SMT production, where all components—reels, sticks, and trays—are stored, organised, and prepared using intelligent hardware and software from Scienscope and Yamaha. By shifting preparation tasks away from the main production line, this area plays a key role in improving efficiency and maintaining high throughput.
Within this dedicated workspace:
All SMD components are stored and pre-prepared using Yamaha and Scienscope smart technologies, ensuring accuracy and readiness before they reach the line.
Changeovers—traditionally a major bottleneck—are transformed into a competitive advantage through automation, guided workflows, and real-time inventory intelligence.
Whether setting up a new product or replenishing a reel, these smart systems dramatically reduce downtime and maximise machine running time.
Operators can prepare the next product’s feeder carts while the current job is still running. Once it’s time to changeover, the process becomes as simple as swapping feeder carts and loading the verified program.
Yamaha mounters can communicate directly with the Scienscope Smart Rack to notify operators when a reel is running low. The rack lights up the correct slot, making replenishment fast, accurate, and error-free.
What makes this area so powerful is its connectivity. The smart racks, software, and hardware communicate seamlessly with the SMT line and the Offline PC & Server to prepare everything in advance. The result is faster changeovers, fewer errors, and a production line that adapts smoothly to today’s demand for high-mix, high-efficiency manufacturing.
The Repair Area serves as the safety net for SMT production, ensuring that any non-good (NG) boards are quickly diagnosed, reworked, and returned to the production flow. Whether the issue involves standard chip components or complex BGAs, this area is fully equipped to handle all repair requirements.
Within this area:
Any issues discovered during board assembly can be corrected using specialised rework and repair systems.
NG board data is easily accessible, as the Repair Area is networked with the main SMT production line, and the Offline PC & Server. Operators can review detailed 2D and 3D inspection images to accurately assess each defect before rework.
Our rework station supports all component types from standard chips to ICs and BGAs, ensuring versatility across all board assemblies.
During soldering or de-soldering, the system automatically generates a temperature profile, providing full traceability and ensuring correct thermal processes.
Once rework is complete, BGAs can be verified using a high-precision X-ray inspection system, producing sharp, accurate images to confirm solder joint integrity.
Contact our team to learn more about finding the right PCB production solutions for your business.
