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For decades, the global pick-and-place machine market was dominated by Japanese and European brands. Chinese manufacturers had little choice but to pay premium prices for imported equipment, often with limited after-sales support. That landscape began to change in 2011 when Shenzhen ETON Automation Equipment Co., Ltd. was founded with a bold mission: to break foreign monopoly and build a truly homegrown SMT placement solution. Today, HIETON has emerged as a leading force in domestic SMT equipment manufacturing, boasting over 200 patents, a 95%+ self-sufficiency rate in core components, and a product portfolio that rivals international brands in both speed and precision. This article explores HIETON's journey, its core technologies, and why it has become the go-to choice for over 1,000 enterprises worldwide seeking reliable, cost-effective SMT solutions. The HIETON Story: From Vision to Industry LeadershipHIETON's founding story begins with its chairman, Yu Yaoguo, who entered the SMT industry in 1993. After nearly two decades of working with imported machines, he witnessed firsthand the challenges Chinese manufacturers faced: high costs, slow service response, and technology restrictions. In 2011, he founded Shenzhen HIETON Automation Equipment Co., Ltd. with a clear vision – to develop a domestically produced pick-and-place machine that could compete on equal footing with international brands. The breakthrough came in the same year. HIETON launched its world-first "group pick and group place" patented technology, which improved placement efficiency by over 30% compared to conventional methods. This innovation marked the beginning of HIETON's rise as a serious contender in the SMT equipment space. Fast forward to 2025, and HIETON has transformed into a comprehensive SMT solution provider. The company now operates 6 subsidiaries, employs a dedicated R&D team, and has accumulated over 200 patents – including more than 30 invention patents and 60 software copyrights. This intellectual property portfolio ranks first among domestic SMT equipment manufacturers. Key milestones:
Core Technologies That Set HIETON ApartWhat truly distinguishes HIETON from competitors is its commitment to vertical integration. Unlike many assemblers that rely on imported key components, HIETON has achieved a remarkable 95%+ self-sufficiency rate in core components, including motors, drives, and control systems.
HIETON's Honor series machines featureIndependently developed linear magnetic levitation motors, achieving placement speeds of up to 200,000 CPH. Compared to previous generations, this technology reduces energy consumption by 35% while maintaining exceptional stability. The Y-axis dual-drive gantry structure ensures smooth, vibration-free motion even at peak speeds.
Precision is non-negotiable in modern electronics manufacturing. HIETON's closed-loop vision positioning system incorporates both thermal compensation and speed compensation algorithms, achieving placement accuracy of ±0.02mm. This level of precision enables reliable handling of 01005 micro-components, Mini LEDs, and automotive-grade ICs – applications that were once the exclusive domain of imported machines.
One of HIETON's global-first innovations is its independent R-axis rotation control system. Each spindle can rotate components to different angles simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential rotation. This feature dramatically improves throughput when placing components with varying orientations on the same board.
HIETON's machines operate on standard single-phase 220V power – a global first in the industry. This simplifies installation, reduces electrical infrastructure costs, and makes the machines accessible to smaller facilities that lack three-phase power.
Each placement nozzle is equipped with an independent vacuum sensor and smart algorithm. The system can test CPK (process capability) independently for each spindle, providing real-time feedback on pick success rates and enabling predictive maintenance before failures occur.
Product Portfolio: Solutions for Every ApplicationHIETON has developed a comprehensive product line that addresses diverse manufacturing needs. Honor Series – Flagship High-Speed Mounters The Honor series represents HIETON's cutting edge. Models like the YT10S, YT20S-I, and YT20S-II are designed for high-volume production environments requiring both speed and precision. These machines excel at:
LED Series – Market Leader HIETON has earned the distinction of being the world's largest supplier of LED placement machines by volume. Models like the HT-F9 achieve speeds of 150,000 CPH and are optimized for:
The HT-F9 features dual placement heads (16 nozzles per head), electronic feeders, and an automatic PCB clamping system. It can handle board lengths up to 0.6 meters without tooling, significantly reducing setup time for LED manufacturers. YT Series – Versatile Modular Platforms For customers requiring flexibility across different product types, the YT series offers modular configurations. Options include feeder trolleys, smart feeders, mobile IC cabinets, IC backpack modules, and nozzle exchange stations. This modularity supports both high-volume runs and quick-change small-batch production. Intelligent Ecosystem: Beyond the HardwareHIETON understands that a pick-and-place machine is only one part of a modern SMT line. The company has developed a complete smart factory ecosystem to complement its hardware.
Service Infrastructure: Where HIETON ExcelsOne of the most frequently cited advantages of choosing HIETON over imported brands is service responsiveness.
Industry Recognition and CertificationsHIETON's achievements have been widely recognized:
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HIETON Pick-and-Place Machines – Breaking Foreign Monopoly with Homegrown Innovation
2026. ápr. 21. HIETON
