SMT Thermal Discoveries has been among the leading manufacturers of thermal process technologies for the electronics industry since 1987. The company specializes primarily in equipment for reflow soldering and other processes based on convective heat transfer.
In March of this year, the partnership between IMT and this German manufacturer enters its third year. Today, SMT Thermal Discoveries technologies are used not only in reflow ovens, but also in processes such as curing and tempering.
Tradition, Quality, and Stability
Reflow soldering is a fundamental process within SMT (Surface Mount Technology) and has undergone significant technological development over the past decades. SMT Thermal Discoveries is one of the companies that has contributed to this evolution over the long term, particularly through innovations in thermal profile control and process energy efficiency.
For example, in 2009, the company was the first to introduce an inline vacuum reflow oven to the market, enabling void-free solder joints.
SMT Thermal Discoveries is a medium-sized family-owned company with approximately 200 employees. Today, it is managed by the second generation—the founder’s son and daughter.
This structure enables fast decision-making and the flexibility to respond to specific customer requirements. All development and manufacturing activities take place at the company’s headquarters in Wertheim, Germany.
Part of IMT Since 2024
IMT took over the representation of SMT Thermal Discoveries technologies for the Czech and Slovak markets in 2024 from the Slovak company SMT-Service. The transition included not only the installed equipment base, but also the commercial and service teams. As a result, customers continue to benefit from consistent technical support and service infrastructure, which is being further expanded.
Reflow ovens as a core SMT manufacturing technology
The core SMT manufacturing process chain consists of three main steps: solder paste printing, component placement, and reflow soldering in an oven.
SMT Thermal Discoveries focuses exclusively on technologies based on convective heat transfer, which is essential for the reflow process.
Reflow ovens from this brand are designed with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency. They minimize electricity and nitrogen consumption while also reducing heat loss into the production environment. In terms of carbon footprint reduction, SMT Thermal Discoveries ranks among the industry leaders.
Tailored Thermal Processes
Convective heat transfer technology is not limited to reflow applications. SMT Thermal Discoveries also develops equipment for curing, tempering, and other thermal processes in the electronics industry.
A key characteristic of these systems is their high level of customization for specific customer production applications.
These ovens can be designed as horizontal (in-line) systems as well as vertical configurations, which significantly reduce the required production floor space.
Technical Support in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Following the integration of SMT-Service activities, IMT now operates service facilities in two locations—Valašské Meziříčí and Košice. This infrastructure enables faster response times for service interventions and provides strong technical support for customers in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Customer Testing Directly in Germany
Customers have the opportunity to test their samples directly at the SMT Thermal Discoveries showroom in Wertheim, Germany. These tests allow for validation of reflow process settings, optimization of thermal profiles, and evaluation of product behavior under real process conditions.
