To deliver top-notch electronics manufacturing, organizations rely on great tech, streamlined processes, and skilled assembly teams.
But from a customer perspective, how can you be sure of a vendor’s capabilities?
The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) offers a certification that can help identify high-caliber talent. Known as the SMTA certification, or the SMT Process Engineer certification, it offers global recognition for engineering expertise.
To achieve certification, engineers are tested on:
- SMT materials component placement
- SMT components reflow soldering
- Stencil printing wave soldering
- Dispensing test and inspection
- Line balancing (downtime, line design)
Understanding the Value of SMTA Certification
Experienced manufacturing and process engineers can become SMTA-certified.
Becoming certified “is unique, as it recognizes and certifies the entire SMT assembly process at an engineering level,” according to the SMTA website.
“My SMTA certification benefits me in a big way,” says Demi Laluan, an SMTA-certified engineer.
“I learned different types of printed circuit board (PCB) finishes and their application, chemistry aspects of SMT processes, stencil designs, machine capacity calculations, and others. All of these topics serve as my aid when resolving production issues.”
The certification helps engineers refine their skills while acquiring advanced knowledge.
“The biggest benefit I received from the certification is knowledge gained about SMT line balancing and line design,” says Thomas Bauer, an SMTA-certified engineer. “That is one manufacturing area I hadn’t previously explored in my career, so it was the biggest gain.”
From an employer perspective, certification helps level the playing field for assessing talent.
Customers, meanwhile, gain peace of mind in knowing that this pool of engineers has been coached by industry leaders.
Engineers who receive SMTA certification join a distinguished rank, with only 538 engineers certified worldwide, as of July of 2022.
SMT Process Engineer Certification at PRIDE Industries
Committed to best-in-class manufacturing, PRIDE Industries places talented engineers on SMTA courses. The engineers then apply this knowledge to customer projects, from electronics design to manufacturing services.
A team of engineers from PRIDE Industries—including Demi Laluan, Thomas Bauer, and Manager Andrew Williams—recently earned SMTA certification.
Their journey involved extensive studying, testing, and a completion of prerequisites. These include two-to-three years of experience in surface-mount technology. The engineers also understand process and systems steps, including calculations from screen printing and dispensing.
“Earning SMTA certification proves to customers that our SMT process capabilities are being governed by very skilled and knowledgeable engineers,” Williams says.
“When it comes to solutions for even the most complex PCB assembly, customers who use SMTA-certified partners can enjoy a high level of confidence.”
The SMTA certification offers a benchmark of excellence, ensuring high standards of service and knowledge.
“We’re very proud to be able to offer proven engineering expertise, as granted by the SMTPE certification,” Williams says. “Our customers know that it translates into higher-quality results, lower-cost service, and stronger partnerships.”
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“Earning SMTA certification proves to customers that our SMT process capabilities are being governed by very skilled and knowledgeable engineers.”
