Buyers Guides

Content 

Introduction

SMT conveyors are often considered simple auxiliary equipment, but in reality, they play a critical role in PCB transfer stability and overall line efficiency.

Choosing the wrong SMT conveyor can lead to unstable transfer, frequent manual intervention, and long-term production issues.
This guide helps buyers understand how to choose the right SMT conveyor based on real production needs.

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1. What Is the Real Purpose of an SMT Conveyor?

An SMT conveyor does more than move PCBs from one machine to another.
Its real purpose is to:

• Ensure stable and predictable PCB transfer

• Coordinate timing between upstream and downstream equipment

• Support inspection, buffering, or manual operations

• Maintain continuous production flow

Understanding this helps avoid incorrect selection.

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2. Key Parameters Buyers Must Consider

When choosing an SMT conveyor, focus on these critical parameters:

• PCB size range and thickness

• Conveyor width adjustment method

• Transfer speed stability

• SMEMA signal compatibility

• Sensor and board stop configuration

• Mechanical rigidity and vibration control

Ignoring any of these may cause integration problems later.

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3. Common Buyer Mistakes

Many buyers make similar mistakes, such as:

• Choosing conveyors based on price alone

• Selecting the shortest possible conveyor to save space

• Assuming all SMEMA conveyors behave the same

• Ignoring future line expansion or product changes

• Treating conveyors as standalone devices

These mistakes often lead to hidden costs and repeated adjustments.

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4. Conveyor Selection Based on Production Scenarios

Different production environments require different conveyor strategies:

• High-mix, low-volume production
  → Flexible width adjustment and stable transfer logic

• High-volume, stable production
  → Rigid structure and consistent speed

• Mixed-brand SMT lines
  → Strong SMEMA compatibility and timing coordination

• Inspection-intensive lines
  → Conveyor design must support inspection routing

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5. When Conveyor Selection Becomes a Line-Level Decision

If conveyor selection affects:

• Multiple machines

• PCB routing paths

• Inspection or buffer placement

• Future automation upgrades

Then it should be planned as part of SMT line layout and system design, not as an isolated purchase.

👉 Please refer to our SMT Line Layout Design Solution for a structured approach to SMT conveyor selection and integration.

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This issue is part of a broader PCB transfer and line stability topic.
Please refer to our Buyer’s Guides Hub