At IPC APEX 2025, we sat down with Tim Kang from Hanwha to talk about next-gen automation, and let’s just say—Hanwha isn’t playing catch-up… they’re setting the pace.

From dual-lane ovens that run lead and lead-free at the same time, to pick-and-place systems that run two independent jobs simultaneously—we’re seeing innovation that’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the production floor.

🔧 Highlights from the convo:

Why CPH is overrated and output-per-day is what really matters

Hanwha’s dual-lane reflow oven with independent thermal chambers—run two profiles, two speeds, no cross-contamination

A dual job pick-and-place platform that supports multiple conveyor lengths and setups running at once

How cart-based feeder systems reduce changeover and operator strain

Why North American CMs need high-mix, low-volume friendly systems—not just speed

How Hanwha engages with customers post-sale to fine-tune performance and drive continuous improvement

It’s not just about selling machines—it’s about engineering solutions that actually fit the real-life factory floor.

Big shoutout to Tim and the entire Hanwha team for supporting The D Code Podcast and for continuing to bring disruptive innovation to the SMT world.