Constant Innovation in Electronics to Drive Revenues in SMT Benchtop Equipment Markets

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India , 2006-07-17

Surface mount technology (SMT) equipment is divided between high-volume, low-mix and low-volume, high-mix production. The demand for benchtop equipment that serves the production requirements of the latter has been on a steady rise. The ability to provide high flexibility and the required degree of performance at a fraction of the floor space and at affordable prices has resulted in increased demand.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.electronics.frost.com), World SMT Benchtop Equipment Markets, reveals that revenues in this industry totaled $152.4 million in 2005 and expects to reach $363.7 million in 2012.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users and other industry participants an overview of the latest analysis of the World SMT Benchtop Equipment Markets, then send an e-mail to Samantha Unnikrishnan and Surbhi Dedhia - Corporate Communications at [email protected]/ [email protected] with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state and country. We will send you the information via email upon receipt of the above information.

“Being an intensely competitive and fast-paced industry, electronics relies on constant innovation and improvement of its products to sustain interest among customers,” explains Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Deepa Mathew. “SMT benchtop equipment plays a crucial role by providing a high degree of flexibility and desired performance to suit low-volume, high-mix production requirements.”

The need for smaller, lighter and faster electronics is constantly on the rise. Research and development (R&D;) plays a significant role in this industry where the pressure to innovate is intense. Participants mainly target their SMT benchtop equipment at end users that are committed to prototype work as well as small contract manufacturers and start-up companies.

A significant factor restraining these markets is competition from the used equipment market. The low throughput associated with these ranges of machines encourages many end users to invest in larger refurbished SMT equipment. In an industry where time-to-market requirements are high, these benchtop models are at a disadvantage when compared to their larger counterparts.

"Most of the high-speed larger machines are capable of handling medium and large volume productions and are as much as six times faster than the benchtop models," explains Mathew. "Although these machines target different markets, higher throughput is a desired feature for small start-up companies seeking to optimize their time-to-market requirements."

Support services and warranty are not usually part of the packaged deal in the used equipment industry and in most cases; companies entice end users by lowering the price of their products. Designing a product portfolio with clear emphasis on the value additions offered with the benchtop SMT equipment should deter end users from investing in refurbished SMT equipment. This, combined with feature-ridden benchtop equipment, is likely to entice end users and hike the growth in these markets.

World SMT Benchtop Equipment Markets evaluates the benchtop screen printer, pick and place, soldering, as well as inspection equipment markets. It also includes an in-depth analysis of industry challenges, market drivers and restraints and provides conclusive strategic recommendations. Executive summaries and analyst interviews are available to the press.

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit www.frost.com.

World SMT Benchtop Equipment Markets
F717-28

Contact

Samantha Unnikrishnan, Frost & Sullivan, +91 (044) 4204 4667
[email protected]