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 Leadership

HIETON'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:

• 2011:Founded; launched "group pick and group place" technology
• 2023:Released Honor YT20Smodel, breaking foreign monopoly in high-end mounters
• 2024:FirstSMT equipment company to be featured on China Central Television (CCTV)
• 2025: Honored as "Shenzhen Famous Brand"

Core Technologies That Set HIETON Apart

What 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.

1. Linear Magnetic Levitation Drive Technology

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.

2. ±0.02mm Placement Accuracy

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.

3. 1-to-1 Independent R-Axis Rotation Control

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.

4. Single-Phase 220V Power Supply

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.

5. Built-in Vacuum Sensing on Every Nozzle

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 Application

HIETON 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:

• Mini LED and fine-pitch component placement
• Automotive electronics (including IGBT modules)
• Consumer electronics mainboards
• 5G and IoT device assembly

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:

• LED display manufacturing (indoor/outdoor screens)
• RGB LED placement (2121, 2727, 3528, 3535, 5050 packages)
• Lighting products (bulbs, tubes, strips)

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 Hardware

HIETON 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.

• MES Integration– HIETON's machines seamlessly connect with Manufacturing Execution Systems, providing real-time production data, traceability, and performance analytics.
• AI Quality Control Cloud Platform– The optional AI-powered inspection module analyzes placement data to predict potential defects before they occur, enabling proactive process adjustment.
• Offline Programming Software– HIETON's software suite supports coordinate import from popular CAD formats, offline program editing, and AI-assisted optimization that learns from past production runs to suggest ideal feeder arrangements and placement sequences.

Service Infrastructure: Where HIETON Excels

One of the most frequently cited advantages of choosing HIETON over imported brands is service responsiveness.

• Global Service Network– HIETONhas established service offices in China and overseas regions, ensuring rapid on-site support.
• 24/7 Remote Support– Through internet-connected service tools, HIETONengineers can remotely access customer machines to diagnose issues, identify faulty components, and guide local technicians through repairs.
• Comprehensive Training– Every machine purchase includes on-site installation, operator training, and maintenance instruction. HIETON's "train the trainer" approach ensures customers develop in-house expertise.
• Lifetime Software Updates– HIETONprovides free software upgrades for the life of the machine, protecting customers from obsolescence.
• Warranty– Standard one-year warranty with extended options available.

Industry Recognition and Certifications

HIETON's achievements have been widely recognized:

• National "High-tech Enterprise" certification
• "Specialized and Sophisticated SME" designation
• "National Science and Technology Innovation Model Unit"
• "China National Ingenuity Brand"
• "Shenzhen Famous Brand" (2025)
• Featured on CCTV's "Credit China" program (2024)
• The company's "High-speed High-precision Multi-functional Mounter Key Technology R&D" project was selected for the National Intelligent Manufacturing Special Project.