Hanwha PCB Solutions: From Materials to Assembly Equipment

If you’ve spent any time on a PCB assembly floor, you’ve likely encountered Hanwha equipment without even realizing it. What surprises most engineers is discovering that Hanwha‘s involvement in the Hanwha PCB ecosystem extends far beyond the pick-and-place machines humming away on production lines. From the flexible copper clad laminates inside your smartphone to complete Industry 4.0 smart factory solutions, Hanwha has quietly assembled one of the most comprehensive portfolios in electronics manufacturing.

Having worked with Hanwha equipment across multiple facilities over the years, what consistently impresses me is the strategic integration between their different product lines. This isn’t a conglomerate throwing random acquisitions together—there’s genuine engineering synergy here. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Hanwha PCB solutions, whether you’re sourcing materials for high-reliability flex circuits or evaluating capital equipment for a new SMT line.

Understanding Hanwha’s PCB Ecosystem

Hanwha Group is a South Korean conglomerate with roots going back to 1952. Most PCB engineers encounter the group through two main divisions: Hanwha Solutions (formerly Hanwha L&C) for advanced materials and Hanwha Semitech for assembly equipment. The Samsung connection often creates confusion—Hanwha acquired Samsung’s SMT equipment division in 2015 through the Samsung Techwin acquisition, which explains why you’ll still see Samsung branding on older machines in the secondary market.

The corporate restructuring has continued since then. In 2017, Hanwha Techwin spun off its SMT pick-and-place business as Hanwha Precision Machinery, which later became part of Hanwha Semitech. Understanding this lineage matters when you’re sourcing spare parts or evaluating compatibility between older Samsung-branded equipment and newer Hanwha machines.

Here’s the quick breakdown of how these divisions serve the Hanwha PCB market:

• Hanwha Solutions/Advanced Materials: FCCL (flexible copper clad laminate), coverlay, bonding sheets, and EMI shielding materials for flex PCB fabrication
• Hanwha Semitech: SMT chip mounters, screen printers, dispensers, odd-form placement systems, and comprehensive smart factory software solutions
• Global Support Network: 7 regional hubs and over 35 authorized distributors providing sales and technical support across North America, Europe, China, India, and Vietnam

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If you’re fabricating flexible circuits or rigid-flex assemblies, Hanwha’s HANWHAFLEX product line deserves serious consideration. Their flexible copper clad laminates use polyimide films from established suppliers (Kaneka Apical, DuPont Kapton, and Taimide) with a proprietary C-staged epoxy adhesive system that’s been refined over decades of production.

The material science behind FCCL is straightforward: you’re bonding copper foil to a flexible polyimide dielectric, but the devil is in the details. Adhesive chemistry affects everything from dimensional stability during thermal cycling to the flex life of the finished circuit. Hanwha’s modified epoxy system strikes a balance between processability and end-use performance that works well for most commercial and industrial applications.

HANWHAFLEX Product Specifications

The table below shows key specifications for common HANWHAFLEX configurations. These numbers come from actual IPC testing per Method 2.5.5.3 and related standards—not marketing specs:

Property	IPC Spec	Typical Value	Test Method
Peel Strength (as received)	≥8 lb/in	9 lb/in	IPC-TM-650 2.2.4
Peel Strength (after solder)	≥7 lb/in	8 lb/in	IPC-TM-650 2.2.4
Solder Resistance	Pass @ 280°C/30s	Pass @ 320°C/30s	IPC-TM-650 2.4.13
Dielectric Constant (1MHz)	≤4.0	3.6	IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.3
Dissipation Factor (1MHz)	≤0.04	0.03	IPC-TM-650 2.5.5.3
Dimensional Stability (etch)	≤0.2%	±0.15%	IPC-TM-650 2.2.4
Volume Resistivity	≥10^4 Ω-cm	≥10^13 Ω-cm	IPC-TM-650 2.5.17
MIT Flex Cycles (0.38R)	≥1000	≥1500	IPC standard

What I appreciate about HANWHAFLEX is the processing flexibility. You can get both rolled annealed (RA) and electrodeposited (ED) copper options, with double-treated copper available if you want to skip surface prep before lamination. RA copper offers better flex life for dynamic applications, while ED copper provides finer grain structure for dense circuitry. The material ships in 610mm wide rolls on 76mm cores—standard dimensions that fit most flex circuit production workflows without custom tooling.

Material Selection Considerations

Hanwha’s product coding system tells you exactly what you’re getting. For example, HFLK-S511RN breaks down as: HFLK (Hanwha Flex Laminate with Kaneka PI), S (single-sided), 5 (25μm adhesive), 1 (1 mil PI), 1 (1oz copper), RN (rolled annealed Nikko copper). Understanding this nomenclature helps when specifying materials or troubleshooting fabrication issues.

Based on my experience, Hanwha FCCL makes the most sense for:

• High-reliability flex circuits where the 1500+ MIT cycle rating provides design margin
• Applications requiring tight dimensional stability through thermal cycling (±0.15% is excellent)
• Defense and aerospace work where UL certification (File No. E229475) and IPC 4204 compliance are mandatory
• Consumer electronics with flex-to-install requirements where cost matters
• Rigid-flex constructions where material consistency between flex layers reduces delamination risk

Hanwha PCB Assembly Equipment: The Complete SMT Lineup

This is where most engineers interact with the Hanwha PCB ecosystem. Hanwha Semitech (through its predecessor companies) produced South Korea’s first chip mounter back in 1989, and they’ve been iterating ever since. As of 2025, they’ve shipped over 50,000 chip mounters globally. That’s an enormous installed base generating production data that feeds back into their R&D—a genuine competitive advantage.

The medium-speed mounter segment is where Hanwha claims global market leadership, and the numbers support that claim. Their equipment runs in facilities ranging from EMS giants to small contract manufacturers, with particularly strong penetration in LED manufacturing, automotive electronics, and consumer device assembly.

Understanding the Platform Families

Hanwha organizes their SMT equipment into distinct platform families. Each serves different production profiles, and understanding the distinctions helps you match equipment to your actual requirements rather than over-buying on features you won’t use:

Platform	Speed (CPH)	Accuracy	Component Range	Best For	PCB Size Max
HM520	80,000	±25μm	03015-14mm	High-volume	750×580mm
XM520	100,000	±22μm	0201-150mm	High-speed flex	1200×510mm
DECAN S2	92,000	±25μm	03015-55mm	General purpose	1200×460mm
DECAN S1	47,000	±28μm	03015-55mm	Mid-volume	1500×460mm
SM481 Plus	78,000	±40μm	0402-14mm	LED/High-mix	610×460mm
SM485	35,000	±30μm	0201-55mm	Odd-form/THT	510×460mm

HM520: The Modular Workhorse

The HM520 is Hanwha’s flagship modular high-speed platform, and it’s earned the ‘workhorse’ designation through consistent performance in demanding production environments. At just 890mm line width per module, it packs 80,000 CPH into a remarkably compact footprint—40% more productive per unit area than the previous DECAN series according to Hanwha’s internal benchmarks.

The 20-spindle configuration (10 per gantry) with rotary heads hits real-world production speeds around 74,000 CPH with actual part mixes. That’s an honest number—refreshing compared to some vendors’ inflated ‘optimum conditions’ ratings that assume identical components and perfect feeder loading.

Key features that matter in actual production:

• 5-megapixel flying camera handles 0402 and 0603 components at full speed without accuracy degradation
• Redesigned HM feeder cuts pick-and-place cycle time by 24% compared to previous generation feeders
• Automatic detection and real-time compensation for pick/place position deviations
• Side-view vision system checks nozzle presence and component posture during production
• Badmark information sharing across the SMT line eliminates redundant scanning and reduces overall cycle time

XM520: When Speed and Flexibility Both Matter

Launched in 2022, the XM520 pushes to 100,000 CPH optimum while handling everything from 0201 metric chips to 150mm connectors—a component range that would typically require separate machines. The dual-gantry system with 20 spindles delivers ±22μm accuracy, tight enough for modern fine-pitch BGAs and QFPs without worrying about tombstoning.

What makes the XM520 particularly interesting is the cross-platform compatibility. The feeders work with DECAN and SM platforms, which is a big deal if you’re standardizing on Hanwha across multiple lines or facilities. You’re not locked into separate feeder inventories for each machine generation. The 2024 Mexico Technology Award for multi-function placement validated what production teams were already seeing: this machine handles high-mix work without sacrificing throughput the way many ‘flexible’ mounters do.

The improved fly cameras can inspect components as small as 0.2mm × 0.1mm on the fly, while the upgraded stage camera handles parts up to 150mm length with precision. For shops doing both chip-scale components and large connectors on the same line, this eliminates the head-change bottleneck.

Read more PCB Raw Materials:

T-Solution: Hanwha’s Smart Factory Platform

Here’s where Hanwha PCB solutions get genuinely interesting from an Industry 4.0 perspective. T-Solution is their integrated software suite that ties together material management, production planning, equipment monitoring, quality control, and predictive maintenance into a coherent whole.

Unlike bolted-on MES integrations that require extensive middleware, T-Solution was designed from the ground up for Hanwha equipment. That native integration means real-time data flows without the latency and reliability issues you often see with third-party connections.

Core T-Solution Modules

• T-PnP: Real-time production status monitoring with error alerts, emergency stop capability, and production result analysis. Accessible from mobile devices.
• T-Planner (OLP & ELITE): Offline programming with automatic job optimization, line balancing, and parts registration/management. Supports Gerber import for faster NPI.
• T-M2M: Machine-to-machine communication that adjusts placement parameters based on real-time SPI and AOI feedback. This closed-loop control significantly reduces defects.
• T-SMART: Wearable device integration (smartwatch compatible) for mobile production management. Engineers can monitor lines from anywhere in the facility.
• Smart Rack Integration: Automated material preparation with kitting verification that minimizes changeover time and prevents component mix-ups.

The practical benefit is end-to-end traceability. T-Solution tracks components from warehouse receipt through final placement, with barcode scanning and verification at every handoff. For automotive (IATF 16949) and medical device (ISO 13485) manufacturers where lot traceability is mandatory, this removes a significant compliance headache. The system maintains complete production history that auditors can access without manual record compilation.

Investment Considerations and Market Pricing

Hanwha doesn’t publish list prices—nobody in the capital equipment space does—but here’s the general market positioning for Hanwha PCB assembly equipment based on industry transactions and dealer listings:

Investment Tier	Price Range (USD)	Typical Equipment
Entry-Level / Used	$10,000 – $30,000	SM321, older SM series, refurbished units
Mid-Range	$50,000 – $150,000	SM481/482 Plus, DECAN S1, certified pre-owned
High-End / New	$200,000 – $500,000	XM520, HM520, full line configurations

The feeder ecosystem deserves consideration in your total cost analysis. Hanwha uses both pneumatic and electric feeders across their lineup, and they’re generally compatible within platform families. Electric feeders (SME series) offer better precision and automatic pocket adjustment but cost more upfront. If you’re already running Samsung-branded equipment from the pre-2015 era, most feeders will work on newer Hanwha machines with minimal or no modification.

Lead times for new equipment typically run 8-16 weeks depending on configuration and your region. The used and refurbished market (through authorized dealers like all SMT, Machinio listings, or I.C.T) can provide faster delivery for budget-conscious buyers willing to accept previous-generation platforms. A refurbished DECAN S1, for example, still delivers solid performance for high-mix, lower-volume operations.

Useful Resources and Technical Documentation

Here are the key resources for engineers evaluating or working with Hanwha PCB solutions:

Official Hanwha Documentation

• Hanwha Semitech Product Portal: www.hanwha-pm.com/en/product/smt/chipmounter.asp — Complete equipment specifications and configuration options
• T-Solution Software Documentation: www.hanwhasemitech.com/en/product/smt/swsolution.asp — Smart factory module details and integration guides
• Hanwha Advanced Materials (FCCL): www.hwam.co.kr/en/products/electronics-materials — LinkTron product line technical data
• After-Market Support Portal: www.hanwhasemitech.com/en/support/aftermarket — Software upgrades, hardware modifications, spare parts

Technical Datasheets and Catalogs

• HANWHAFLEX FCCL Technical Data: Available through Cirexx (cirexx.com/hanwha) — Detailed specifications per IPC standards
• HM520 Product Catalog: amtest-group.com — European distributor with downloadable PDF specs
• Equipment Comparison Data: smtnet.com company listings for Hanwha Techwin

Regional Sales and Support Contacts

• Americas: Hanwha Techwin Automation Americas — Primary contact for US, Canada, Mexico, and Latin America
• Europe: Regional authorized distributors including allSMT (Germany), Amtest Group (Central/Eastern Europe), Elite7 (UK)
• Asia-Pacific: Direct Hanwha Semitech support hubs in China, India, Vietnam, plus authorized retailers throughout the region

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Hanwha the same as Samsung for SMT equipment?

Yes and no. Hanwha acquired Samsung’s SMT equipment business in 2015 through the Samsung Techwin deal, later spinning it off as Hanwha Precision Machinery. Older machines carry Samsung branding, while equipment manufactured after 2015 uses Hanwha branding. The technology lineage is continuous—the engineering teams remained intact through the transition. Many feeders and spare parts are cross-compatible between Samsung-era and current Hanwha machines, though you should verify specific part numbers with your distributor.

2. Can Hanwha equipment handle 01005 and smaller components?

Yes. The DECAN series, XM520, and HM520 all support 01005 metric (0402 imperial) placement with appropriate nozzle and feeder configurations. The DECAN F2 and newer platforms can handle 0201 metric (008004 imperial) components. Placement accuracy on these ultra-small parts runs ±25-28μm depending on the specific machine and head configuration. You’ll need the high-resolution camera options and fine-pitch nozzles, but the platforms are capable.

3. What’s the typical lead time for new Hanwha equipment?

Standard lead times range from 8-16 weeks depending on configuration complexity and your geographic region. High-demand configurations may run longer. The used and refurbished market through authorized dealers can provide faster delivery—sometimes 2-4 weeks for stock equipment. For critical timeline projects, discuss demo equipment availability with your regional representative; sometimes floor models can be released for immediate delivery.

4. Does Hanwha offer materials for rigid PCBs or only flex?

Hanwha Solutions/Advanced Materials focuses primarily on flexible circuit materials: FCCL, coverlay, bonding sheets, and EMI shielding films. For rigid PCB substrates (standard FR-4, high-Tg materials, high-frequency laminates), you’d source from dedicated CCL manufacturers like Isola, Rogers, or Shengyi. However, Hanwha’s flex materials work well in rigid-flex constructions where the flex layers use their FCCL products bonded to rigid core materials from other suppliers.

5. How does T-Solution integrate with existing MES/ERP systems?

T-Solution provides standard APIs for MES and ERP integration, supporting common protocols for data exchange. The T-M2M module handles real-time bidirectional communication with inspection equipment (SPI, AOI) from multiple vendors including Koh Young and CKD. For full Industry 4.0 integration with your existing factory systems, Hanwha recommends engaging their applications engineering team early in the project to map data flows, identify integration points, and configure the appropriate interfaces. Most installations achieve full integration within 4-8 weeks of equipment installation.

Final Thoughts

The Hanwha PCB ecosystem offers a compelling combination of materials and equipment for manufacturers who want vendor consolidation and integrated support. Their equipment portfolio has matured significantly since the Samsung acquisition, with the XM520 and HM520 platforms representing genuine innovation rather than incremental updates to aging designs.

For flex circuit fabricators, HANWHAFLEX materials provide solid performance at competitive pricing points—not the cheapest option on the market, but reliable enough that you’re not gambling on yield. For assembly operations, the T-Solution smart factory platform adds real value if you’re serious about traceability and Industry 4.0 integration. The closed-loop quality control through T-M2M alone can pay for itself through defect reduction.

Whether you’re evaluating a single pick-and-place machine or planning a complete turnkey SMT line, understanding the full scope of what Hanwha offers helps you make better-informed sourcing decisions. The resources linked throughout this guide should provide enough technical depth for productive conversations with Hanwha representatives and their authorized distributors. Good luck with your evaluation.