SMM Tin Summit: Use of tin soldering robots in electronics sector be key for demand

ZHUHAI, Mar 22 (SMM) – Greater applications of automatic tin solder machines in the electronics industry will be one of the key factors driving downstream demand for tin in the near future, said Xing Hongwei, general manager of Shenzhen XingHongTai Tin Industry. 

In 2017, the electronics sector surpassed the car industry, in which auto tin solder machines, or tin soldering robots were initially applied, and became the largest application field for tin soldering robots in China, Mr Xing told delegates at the SMM Tin Summit on Friday March 22 in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

Electronic accounted for some 32% domestic sales of tin soldering robots in 2017, he cited data from the China Electronic Production Equipment Industry Association (CEPEA). 

In 2018, the capacity in China's tin soldering equipment industry reached 15 billion yuan, up 32% from a year earlier, CEPEA data showed. Mr Xing also quoted from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) that China will develop into the world biggest market for industrial robots in the next few years. 

However, domestic soldering machines are currently of low quality and less competitive than foreign products, Mr Xing said. 

He also expected more stringent requirements in the production of solder wire as China promotes innovation and quality in the electronic manufacturing sector.