SMT 2018

Over 400 international companies exhibited at this year’s SMT Hybrid Packaging tradeshow, from June 5-7 in Nuremberg, Germany.

From technology and processes, materials and components, and manufacturing equipment, to reliability and testing, and software and systems, visitors got a firsthand look of the entire value chain. Presentations, panel discussions, live demonstrations, and training tutorials incorporated trending themes that have occurred throughout the industry. This included, video simulation, Smart Factory, e-mobility, and Artificial Intelligence.

The show will take place again next year, under a new name, SMTconnect, on May 7-9, 2019.

A variety of conferences, lectures, panel discussions, and vendor presentations took place. The target points for the conferences were basics, technologies & processes, reliability, test, analysis, and innovations & trends.

English practical training tutorials were also available throughout the week, that covered topics including, design, assembly, and rework guide on Land Grid Array (LGA) and Quad Flat No-lead (QFN), as well as, failures of Printed Circuit Boards and how it can be fixed.

Live production line: “Smart Motion: Intelligent automation for e-mobility and robotics” was an absolute hit. Once a day, this future packing line had an English tour for visitors to be able to experience a live production line that simulated actual factory conditions.

The IPC hand soldering competition took place again this year with cash prizes and a chance to compete in the World HSC Championship. Occurring for the first time was also a hand soldering competition for beginners.

Joint stands

• “Mixed Double -- PCB meet components” was located in the special interest area, where five companies displayed products and solutions for the PCB industry, including circuit boards, modules, and materials.
• “Optics meets electronics”, aimed towards optoelectronics products and solutions, where three exhibitors focused on automotive communications, optical sensors, analysis and detection, and process management.
• “EMS intersection" which is mainly for contract manufacturers. Eight companies focused on hardware and software for electronic design and development, repair services, THT assemblies, and more.
• “Newcomer Pavilion”, which was introduced for the first time at the 2017 show. Five companies took this opportunity to display their various products and solutions.

Here’s the best way to get to Nuremberg and where to stay in the city.

PCIM Europe took place simultaneously with the SMT show.

An overview of the venue, shuttle bus schedule, location of exhibitors, where to park, and more can be found here.