The Top 5 Trends in Electronics Manufacturing You’ll See at SMTA International 2025
- Alec Young
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
The electronics manufacturing industry is advancing faster than ever. From the rise of additive processes to the growing importance of reliability testing, today’s engineers and decision-makers face constant challenges in keeping pace with new demands. SMTA International 2025 is where the industry’s top minds gather to share solutions, strategies, and research that will shape the future of manufacturing.
Here are the five major trends you’ll experience at this year’s conference and exposition, taking place October 19 – 23, 2025, in Rosemont, Illinois.
1. Additive Processes Are Moving from Concept to Application
Additively Manufactured Electronics (AME) is no longer just a buzzword. Advances in materials, recipes, and assembly techniques are unlocking new opportunities for miniaturization and complex designs. At SMTAI 2025, presentations in the AME track will showcase how additive processes are delivering real-world reliability and efficiency.
Why it matters:Â Additive technologies are enabling designs and manufacturing approaches that were previously impossible.
2. Advanced Packaging is Driving Performance
The demand for more powerful and compact devices is pushing innovation in packaging. Sessions in the Advanced Packaging (APT) track will cover breakthroughs in first-level packaging, materials, and assembly that improve performance while reducing size.
Why it matters:Â Advanced packaging is essential for keeping pace with the demands of high-performance computing, automotive, and consumer electronics.
3. Low Temperature Solder is Opening New Doors
Traditional reflow soldering has limitations, but new developments in low temperature solder (LTS) are creating opportunities for better energy efficiency and reduced material stress. Expect to see research and case studies on reflow soldering below 200°C.
Why it matters:Â Lower reflow temperatures reduce environmental impact and enable the use of more delicate components.
4. Reliability is Non-Negotiable
From aerospace to automotive, reliability in harsh environments (RHE) is more important than ever. Sessions at SMTAI will highlight new materials, testing strategies, and technologies that ensure products perform when it matters most.
Why it matters: Failure isn’t an option in mission-critical industries — reliability ensures trust and safety.
5. Inspection and Testing are Evolving
As designs get more complex, inspection and test methods must keep up. The Test and Inspection (INS) track explores tools and strategies that ensure both short- and long-term product performance.
Why it matters:Â Better inspection means higher yields, improved efficiency, and greater confidence in your process.
Where Innovation Meets Application
These five trends are only the beginning. With dedicated tracks in Manufacturing for Excellence (MFX)Â and Professional Development Courses (PDCs)Â led by industry experts, SMTA International 2025 provides unparalleled opportunities to learn, connect, and apply new knowledge to your processes.
Register Today
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the premier electronics manufacturing conference. Register by September 15, 2025, to save 10% on your conference registration.