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AFoundation Built on Data and Experience For more than twenty years, Koh Young h...
Overview AFoundation Built on Data and Experience For more than twenty years, Koh Young has led the way in measurement-based inspection. Every SPI, AOI, and dispensing inspection system captures complete quantitative data, including height, volume, area, and shape, rather than simple images. This precise and reliable data is... Key Features AFoundation Built on Data and Experience For more than twenty years, Koh Young has led the way in measurement-based inspection. Every SPI, AOI, and dispensing inspection system captures complete quantitative data, including height, volume, area, and shape, rather than simple images. This precise and reliable data is the foundation for effective AI KAP Auto Programming Simplifying Complexity with AI KAP uses AI to automatically generate inspection programs by recognizing component patterns and validating them against 3D measurement data, with NVIDIA GPU acceleration enabling fast cycle times and minimal manual setup. Smart Review Turning Insight into Action Koh Young trained AI models analyze high-resolution 3D inspection data, with NVIDIA GPU acceleration and TensorRT enabling fast, reliable inference. Koh Young Process Optimizer INTELLIGENT OPTIMIZATION At the center of the industrial AI portfolio lies the Koh Young Process Optimizer, a suite that applies deep learning to enhance surface mount manufacturing. KPO Printer Precision Starts Here Koh Young runs KPO Printer AI on NVIDIA AI infrastructure, using the NVIDIA accelerated computing stack, including NVIDIA CUDA and NVIDIA TensorRT, to run demanding AI workloads on large volumes of True 3D measurement data. AFoundation Built on Data and Experience than twenty years, Koh Young has led the way in measurement-based inspection. Every SPI, AOI, and dispensing inspection system captures complete quantitative data, including height, volume, area, and shape, rather than simple images. This precise and reliable data is the foundation for effective AI KAP uses AI to automatically generate inspection programs by recognizing component patterns and validating them against 3D measurement data, with NVIDIA GPU acceleration Koh Young trained AI models analyze high-resolution 3D inspection data, with NVIDIA GPU INTELLIGENT OPTIMIZATION center of the industrial AI portfolio lies the Koh Young Process Optimizer, a suite that applies deep learning to enhance surface mount manufacturing. Koh Young runs KPO Printer AI on NVIDIA AI infrastructure, using the NVIDIA accelerated to run demanding AI workloads on large volumes of True 3D measurement data. Closing the Loop printing is optimized, KPO Mounter maintains placement accuracy through constant feedback from post-placement AOI data. It monitors component offset, rotation, and polarity trends to fine-tune equipment parameters automatically. Research at our R&D Center continues to expand the reach of AI in manufacturing. Future developments include advanced packaging inspection, semiconductor analytics, and integrated closed-loop systems that connect at every stage of the line.
SAKI's AI Solution Receives the 2026 NPI Award
SAKI's AI Solution has been recognized with the 2026 NPI Award in the Software – Production category for its contributions to innovation in the electronics manufacturing industry. Key Facts The award highlights technologies that contribute to innovation in the electronics manufacturing industry. SAKI's AI Solution aims to enhance inspection quality and operational efficiency through AI technology. The platform features AI Studio, AI Assist, and AI OCR. AI Studio enables intuitive AI model training, testing, and visualization. AI Assist helps reduce false calls and decreases re-inspection workload. AI OCR automates text inspections and adapts to variations in printed characters. Details The AI Solution can be introduced even with a small set of OK images. Future updates include AI Programming to extend AI capabilities to SPI and AXI processes. SAKI will continue to develop solutions that support step-by-step AI utilization. The platform enables more efficient and reliable inspection workflows. Why It Matters The recognition reflects the industry's evaluation of SAKI's efforts to enhance inspection quality and operational efficiency. The AI Solution integrates smoothly with existing AOI systems. The platform provides visualization of AI decision factors.
Transition Automation Highlights the Impact of Right-Sized Squeegees on SMT Print Performance
Transition Automation explained how the correct squeegee length affects SMT print performance. The publication links squeegee sizing to print stability, stencil life and paste forming quality in real production jobs. This is a good example of how a seemingly minor tooling choice can significantly affect yield and process stability in the day-to-day operation of an SMT line. Original source: SMTA Source link: https://smta.org/news/726465/Transition-Automation-Highlights-the-Impact-of-Right-Sized-Squeegees-on-SMT-Print-Performance.htm
TRI Announces New Wafer Inspection and Metrology Platform
TRI introduced the TR7950Q SII platform for wafer inspection and metrology in back-end process and advanced packaging. The report highlights AVI, SWIR, high-resolution imaging and metrology tasks for TSV, wafer surface inspection and chiplet-oriented production flows. For the SMT market, this is another marker of expanding the boundaries of the industry, where inspection suppliers are already working much wider than just within the PCBA framework. Original source: SMTA Source link: https://smta.org/news/726216/TRI-Announces-New-Wafer-Inspection-and-Metrology-Platform.htm
KOKI Expands Low-Ag Solder Portfolio to Reduce Material Costs While Maintaining Reliability
KOKI has expanded its Low-Ag solder materials line in response to silver price volatility. The company is positioning new materials as a way to reduce cost without sacrificing process stability and assembly reliability requirements. This is practical news for SMT manufacturers: cost pressure on materials remains high, so alternatives to standard alloys are becoming increasingly relevant. Original source: SMTA Source link: https://smta.org/news/726217/KOKI-Expands-Low-Ag-Solder-Portfolio-to-Reduce-Material-Costs-While-Maintaining-Reliability.htm
Kurtz Ersa Takes Soldering and Reflow Solutions on the Road to Three SMTA Expos in May
Kurtz Ersa announced the demonstration of reflow, selective soldering, rework and hand soldering solutions at three regional SMTA Expo. The publication features HOTFLOW THREE, VERSAFLOW, POWERFLOW, HR 600 XL and i-CON TRACE as part of a wider range of soldering technologies. For the market, this is not just an event notice, but a reflection of which platforms and processes manufacturers consider to be the most commercially significant today. Original source: SMTA Source link: https://smta.org/news/726214/Kurtz-Ersa-Takes-Soldering-and-Reflow-Solutions-on-the-Road-to-Three-SMTA-Expos-in-May.htm
Koh Young Brings True3D Metrology to Advanced Packaging at ECTC 2026
Koh Young has brought its True3D approach to advanced packaging and metrology for more complex semiconductor assemblies. The publication shows how the experience gained in SMT inspection is used in the tasks of heterogeneous integration and wafer-level packaging. This is an important transition for the market: inspection suppliers are increasingly working at the intersection of electronics assembly and semiconductor packaging. Original source: Koh Young America Source link: https://kohyoungamerica.com/koh-young-ectc-2026-advanced-packaging/
StenTech Acquires Pentagon EMS to Expand PCBA Tooling and Precision Capabilities
StenTech acquired Pentagon EMS to strengthen its PCBA tooling, fixtures and precision machining businesses. The deal fits into a broader trend towards the consolidation of specialized process-support capabilities around electronics and assembly production. For SMT, this is important news not only about M&A, but also about the growing value of tooling and process infrastructure as a separate competitive advantage. Original source: SMTA Source link: https://smta.org/news/725968/StenTech-Acquires-Pentagon-EMS-to-Expand-PCBA-Process-Tooling-Machining-and-Precision-Capabilities.htm
ASMPT Expands U.S. Sales and Service Organization Through JSD America Partnership
ASMPT has partnered with JSD America to strengthen sales and service in the southeastern United States. The news reflects the desire of SMT equipment manufacturers to strengthen local market coverage not only through the product, but also through application support and field service. For line buyers, this is an important factor: in real projects, the local service infrastructure often affects the shortlist no less than the nameplate characteristics of the equipment. Original source: ASMPT SMT Solutions Source link: https://www.asmpt.com/en/news-center/press-releases/asmpt-smt-solutions-continues-to-expand-its-sales-and-service-organization-in-the-u.s-market/
ViTrox Partners with High Tech Solutions to Strengthen Presence in Argentina
ViTrox is expanding its presence in Argentina through a partnership with High Tech Solutions. HTS will promote SMT PCBA Vision Inspection and related ViTrox solutions in the local market, strengthening the regional sales and support channel. This is typical but important regional news: local channel coverage remains one of the key growth drivers for inspection vendors outside of major markets. Original source: SMTA Source link: https://smta.org/news/725722/ViTrox-Announces-Partnership-with-High-Tech-Solutions-HTS-to-Strengthen-Presence-in-Argentina.htm
KOKI Solder America Launches 2026 Webinar Series on SMT Process Optimization
KOKI Solder America has launched a series of webinars on SMT process optimization in collaboration with ZESTRON and Koh Young. Program topics include cleanability, increasing stencil cleaning intervals, using SPI data and analyzing dewetting defects. The news shows which practical problems are considered a priority today in real production teams, and not just in marketing presentations. Original source: SMTA Source link: https://smta.org/news/725730/KOKI-Solder-America-Launches-2026-Webinar-Series-Focused-on-SMT-Process-Optimization.htm
AI Is Reshaping the Memory Market and Its Effects Are Spreading Across Industries
The association described how AI demand for memory is changing the structure of the market and is reflected in the broader electronics manufacturing sector. The material talks about increasing delivery times and price pressure on manufacturers who do not operate in the AI infrastructure segment, but depend on the same component chains. For SMT and EMS, this is important component news: even if a plant is not producing AI hardware, it will still feel the effects of a redistribution of memory supplies. Original source: Global Electronics Association Source link: https://www.electronics.org/blog/ai-reshaping-memory-market-and-its-effects-are-spreading-across-industries
Federal Electronics Hermosillo Facility Passes ISO 9001 and AS9100 Audit with Zero Findings
Federal Electronics' Hermosillo plant passed ISO 9001 and AS9100 audits with no issues. For the EMS audience, this is not a story about a certificate as a formality, but about the maturity of traceability, quality systems and process discipline at the nearshore site. Such cases strengthen confidence in Mexico as a production base for more responsible aerospace, industrial and high-reliability projects. Original source: EMSNow Source link: https://www.emsnow.com/federal-electronics-hermosillo-facility-passes-iso-9001-and-as9100-audit-with-zero-findings/
IPC CFX Demo Line Debuts in Korea at EMK 2026
At EMK x NEPCON Korea 2026, the association, together with 13 companies, showed the CFX Demo Line on the IPC-2591 standard. The main emphasis of the publication is on real inter-vendor integration of SMT equipment and real-time exchange of production data. This is an important signal for the SMT market: the conversation about smart factories is shifting from presentations to demonstrations of working scenarios for plug-and-play integration on the line. Original source: Global Electronics Association Source link: https://www.electronics.org/news-release/ipc-cfx-demo-line-debuts-korea-emk-2026
Global Electronics Association Releases 2026 European EMS Report
The association released the European EMS Report 2026 and took over the in4ma statistical programs for EMS and PCB. According to the publication, the European EMS market ended 2025 with a decline of 2.9%, but the first signs of recovery are already visible in industrial electronics. For the industry, this is not just a report, but a guide to the real state of orders, loading and regional demand for contract manufacturing of electronics. Original source: Global Electronics Association Source link: https://www.electronics.org/news-release/global-electronics-association-releases-2026-european-ems-report-and-assumes-ownership
Koh Young Highlights Smart AI Solutions for SMT Assembly
Koh Young promotes the practical application of AI in SMT assembly through KAP Auto Programming, Smart Review, KSMART and KPO. The company associates AI not with a marketing background, but with faster programming, reduced review time and improved process control. For industries with a high product range, this is especially important: the value of AI is assessed not in the abstract, but through a reduction in program preparation and an increase in the useful speed of implementation. Original source: Koh Young America Source link: https://kohyoungamerica.com/koh-young-highlighting-its-smart-ai-solutions/
ViTrox Wins 2026 NPI Award for V810Ai QX1 AXI
ViTrox received a 2026 NPI Award for the V810Ai QX1 Smart 3D AXI system. The award is based on strong arguments in imaging resolution, inspection of complex high-density assemblies and work with challenging shading scenarios. For the market, this is an important benchmark for what qualities are now considered truly valuable in the AXI and advanced inspection segment. Original source: SMTA Source link: https://smta.org/news/724741/ViTroxs-V810Ai-QX1-AXI-has-been-honoured-with-the-prestigious-2026-New-Product-Introduction-Award.htm
ASMPT Launches Active Stencil Storage for Near-Line Handling
ASMPT introduced Active Stencil Storage for automated storage and dispensing of stencils close to the line. The system is designed to store up to 240 DEK VectorGuard stencils and reduces tool handling time to seconds, reducing the risk of operator error. In high-mix production, this directly affects changeover time, discipline in working with stencils and the stability of the printing process. Original source: ASMPT SMT Solutions Source link: https://www.asmpt.com/en/news-center/press-releases/smt-schablonenhandling-4.0/
BTU International Highlights Reflow Solutions for Panel-Level Packaging and AI Servers
BTU showed how its Aurora and Pyramax reflow platforms address thermal challenges in panel-level packaging and AI server assemblies. The focus is on thermal uniformity, ultra-low oxygen processing and controlled heat and cool profiles for complex boards and packaging. This is an indicator of how the requirements of AI server hardware and advanced packaging affect even the traditional reflow equipment segment. Original source: SMTA Source link: https://smta.org/news/724136/BTU-International-to-Highlight-Advanced-Reflow-Solutions-for-Panel-Level-Packaging-and-AI-Servers.htm
North American PCB Market Jumps 17.6% in February
PCB shipments in North America grew 17.6% year-on-year in February. At the same time, the publication notes a mixed dynamics of orders, which indicates the rapid consumption of the accumulated volume of work and the unevenness of new booking trends. For SMT lines, this is an upstream signal: the behavior of the PCB market directly affects assembly loading, launch timing and stability of the supply chain for boards. Original source: Global Electronics Association Source link: https://www.electronics.org/news-release/north-american-pcb-market-jumps-176-february-strong-shipments-offset-mixed-booking
North American EMS Industry Surges in February as Shipments Jump 7.6 Percent
February EMS shipments in North America rose 7.6% year-on-year, and book-to-bill reached 1.32. This combination means that demand is outpacing current supplies and manufacturers continue to accumulate backlogs. For SMT and EMS companies, this is one of the most direct indicators that the market in the region remains active and supports new capital and operating decisions. Original source: Global Electronics Association Source link: https://www.electronics.org/news-release/north-american-ems-industry-surges-february-shipments-jump-76-percent
APEX EXPO 2026 Show Floor Sells Out with 416 Exhibitors
The organizers of APEX EXPO 2026 reported that the exhibition space was completely sold out and 416 exhibitors were present. The material separately emphasizes that this is the largest line of manufacturers in six years and more than 150 expected product launch announcements. For SMT Insider, this is a strong indicator that the market for equipment, materials, inspection and automation entered 2026 with high commercial activity. Original source: Global Electronics Association Source link: https://www.electronics.org/news-release/apex-expo-2026-show-floor-sells-out-416-exhibitors-largest-manufacturer-lineup-six
ViTrox Previews Advanced Inspection and Smart Manufacturing Solutions for APEX 2026
ViTrox announced solutions for AXI, AOI, ARV, advanced packaging inspection and traceability at APEX 2026. The company provides inspection and manufacturing intelligence as a single platform for SMT, microelectronics and quality-driven production environments. This is an important sign for the industry: inspection suppliers continue to move away from the role of “inspection station” to the role of a data center and production decision-making. Original source: ViTrox Source link: https://vitrox.com/news/news-3-feb-26-discover-advanced-inspection-smart-solutions-apex-2026.php
APEX EXPO 2026 Highlights Advanced Electronic Packaging
The announcement of APEX EXPO 2026 highlighted advanced electronic packaging as one of the central themes of the exhibition and conference. The publication deals with advanced packaging, SMT, reliability and the tasks of automotive, aerospace and high-performance electronics. This is important for the SMT audience because the boundary between classic board assembly and packaging/metrology is becoming less and less rigid. Original source: Global Electronics Association Source link: https://www.electronics.org/news-release/apex-expo-2026-flagship-event-global-electronics-association-showcases-future-advanced
Koh Young and SMarTsol Partner to Support Electronic Manufacturers in Mexico
Koh Young and SMarTsol have announced a partnership to strengthen local support for electronics manufacturers in Mexico. The message emphasizes the importance of application support, training and practical use of inspection data to improve processes in SMT production. In Mexico's growing nearshoring market, local technical support is becoming a strategic advantage for SPI and AOI system providers. Original source: EMSNow Source link: https://www.emsnow.com/smartsol-and-koh-young-technology-announce-strategic-partnership-for-the-mexican-market/
ASMPT Adds New Analytics Functions to SMT Analytics
ASMPT has expanded SMT Analytics with new functions line balance analysis, reject analysis and AI-assisted reporting. The focus is on searching for bottlenecks, comparing the real cycle with the calculated one, and analyzing the causes of efficiency losses on mixed-vendor SMT lines. This is not just a software update: analytical tools are increasingly becoming part of the production solution along with placement, print and inspection. Original source: ASMPT SMT Solutions Source link: https://www.asmpt.com/en/news-center/press-releases/new-analytics-functions-in-smt-analytics-from-asmpt-smt-solutions/
ASMPT to Show Intelligent Manufacturing Solutions at APEX EXPO 2026
ASMPT announced that at APEX 2026 it will show SIPLACE V, DEK TQ XL, WORKS Software Suite and the Critical Manufacturing MES platform. The publication demonstrates the company's focus on a combination of hardware, software and orchestration tools, and not just on individual line machines. For the industry, this is confirmation of the trend towards integrated offerings, where value is generated not by one piece of equipment, but by the management of the entire factory ecosystem. Original source: ASMPT SMT Solutions Source link: https://www.asmpt.com/en/news-center/press-releases/we-boost-your-intelligent-factory/
ASMPT Introduces the SIPLACE V Platform
ASMPT presented a new placement platform SIPLACE V with a claimed increase in productivity of up to 30% in real conditions. The company focuses on high-mix production, compatibility with existing infrastructure and investment protection for existing customers of SMT lines. This is one of the most noticeable hardware news of the year in the pick-and-place segment, because we are not talking about a single update, but about a change in platform generation. Original source: ASMPT SMT Solutions Source link: https://www.asmpt.com/en/news-center/press-releases/a-new-era-the-siplace-v-platform/