Demand increases for inspection equipment

MARCH 26--According to market-researcher Frost & Sullivan (San Jose, CA; www.electronics.frost.com), the world surface-mount-technology inspection-equipment market totaled $403 million in 2002. Total market revenues could reach $1.1 billion in 2009.

Continuing integration of machines and software coupled with increasing circuit density on printed-circuit boards and finer pitches is driving the need for state-of-the-art inspection equipment. The accelerated trend toward miniaturization and the increasing use of advanced packaging technologies is forcing assembly manufacturers to buy new inspection equipment.

Leading original equipment manufacturers and electronic manufacturing service providers are relocating their production facilities to lower-cost areas, such as China and Asia-Pacific, and simultaneously rushing to build into the rapidly growing telecommunication infrastructure in these regions. This is boosting the demand for inspection equipment.

However, not all suppliers have the resources to extend their global reach and maintain a presence in new markets. As competition increases and new companies emerge, suppliers are exploring opportunities outside computing and communications in end-user industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and defense.