THT vs SMT

Categories: Blog, PCB AssemblyPublished On: September 29, 2025
THT vs SMT

Surface mount technology (SMT) and traditional through-hole technology
(THT) are both main element assembly processes in digital product assembly.

There are numerous distinctions in between the two in terms of parts, substratums, assembly procedures,
and so on, which cause different efficiency and application characteristics.

SMT vs THT– Basic Difference

The fundamental difference in between surface mount technology and traditional through-hole technology is
the components assembly way.

SMT is to place components directly externally of the PCB that makes use of a pick and mount maker,
while THT is to put leaded parts right into via holes on the PCB.

SMT Process Characteristics

The elements are small and lightweight, which decreases PCB mount and weight.

High assembly density can understand digital items with higher integration.

It has high production performance and can realize automated high-volume PCB assembly.

THT Process Characteristics

Components are large and hefty, needing more PCB mount and weight.

It has low assembly density and is difficult to recognize extremely integrated electronic products.

The manufacturing efficiency is reduced and requires more hand-operated procedures.

THT vs SMT– Specific Differences

There are specific distinctions in between SMT and THT in the complying with facets:

Substrate:

The PCB used in the Surface mount technology needs to reserve pads, while the PCB used in the THT
procedure needs to get with openings.

Parts:

The parts used in the SMT process are sheet parts, while the parts utilized in the THT process are lead.

Part Form:

The elements and solder joints of the surface mount technology are located on the same plane, while
the components and solder joints of the THT procedure are located on both sides of the board.

Solder Joint Form:

The solder joints of the SMT are rounded or oblong, while the solder joints of the traditional through-hole
technology are rectangular or diamond.

Surface Mount Technology:

The Surface mount technology process utilizes a placement maker and an SMT reflow oven, while the
traditional through-hole technology procedure utilizes a plug-in equipment and a wave soldering oven.

Performance and Application Characteristics of SMT and THT

There are distinctions between the SMT and THT procedure’s efficiency and application attributes.

1)Performance Advantages of the SMT Procedure

The performance advantages of surface mount technology are mostly in the adhering to elements:

Tiny and light-weight: The parts made use of in the SMT are tiny and light-weight,
which can properly save PCB room and weight.

It is significant for digital products that go after lightness, thinness, and mobility.

High assembly density: SMT technology can attain greater part assembly thickness,
therefore understanding much more extremely incorporated digital products.

It is considerable for digital items that pursue high performance and functionality.

High production performance: SMT procedure can recognize automatic mass production,
consequently boosting manufacturing effectiveness and lowering expenses.

2) Application Attributes of the SMT Procedure

The SMT process has the advantages of high integration and high manufacturing effectiveness, so it has
been utilized widely in customer electronic devices, communication equipment, and various other fields.

For example, nearly all electronic products, such as smartphones, tablet computers, and laptops, use SMT
innovation.

3) Performance Advantages of the THT Procedure

The performance advantages of the THT process are generally in the complying with facets:

High mechanical stamina: The parts and solder joints of the traditional through-hole
technology are located on both sides of the PCB, which has excellent mechanical toughness.

High dependability: The solder joints of the THT process usage molten solder, which has
high reliability.

It is considerable for digital products that require to operate in extreme atmospheres.

4) Application Features of the THT Procedure

The THT process has good mechanical strength and integrity, So there is still require in auto electronic
devices and the military. For instance, parts need to sustain resonance and impact in-car electronic
devices. They use the traditional through-hole technology procedure.

The Future Development of SMT and THT

With the continuous development of electronic items, Surface mount technology will certainly be extra
commonly made use of in the future.

As technology breakthroughs, the price of the SMT process will certainly be minimized, making it much
more affordable.

The THT procedure will certainly still have certain applications in some certain mounts, however its
application scope will progressively narrow.

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