THT Insertion Machine Market
The global THT (Through-Hole Technology) Insertion Machine market was valued at approximately USD 311.51 million in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD 317.12 million in 2025, with a projected growth to USD 365.76 million by 2033. This modest yet steady growth is driven by sustained demand in industries that require reliable and durable soldered connections, including automotive electronics, industrial machinery, aerospace, and defense. Despite the rise of surface-mount technology (SMT), THT remains crucial for components that experience high mechanical stress or power handling. THT insertion machines continue to be vital for large, multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in mission-critical applications, and advances in automation and multi-axis precision are helping manufacturers maintain high throughput while minimizing errors.
In 2024, the U.S. THT Insertion Machine market accounted for approximately 26% of global unit installations. This demand is led by continued investment in automotive electronics, military-grade electronics, and legacy systems manufacturing, where through-hole components remain a structural necessity.
Key Findings
- Market Size – Valued at USD 317.12 million in 2025, expected to reach USD 365.76 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR_Line.
- Growth Drivers – ~40% rise in automation due to labor shortages; ~30% increase in high-reliability electronics demand.
- Trends – ~35% hybrid inserter adoption; ~25% integration of AI-vision in new units.
- Key Players – JUKI, Panasonic Connect, MIRAE, Suzhou Sharewell, Osai Automation System
- Regional Insights – Asia-Pacific ~35%, North America ~30%, Europe ~25%, MEA ~10%
- Challenges – ~20% feeder shortage delays; ~15% ROI hesitation among mid-sized firms
- Industry Impact – ~45% faster production changeovers; ~30% reduction in manual insertion labor
- Recent Developments – ~30% of new machines incorporate AI vision; ~25% of hybrid platforms launched in 2024
The THT Insertion Machine market serves through-hole technology in PCB assembly, enabling automated placement and soldering of components like resistors, capacitors, and connectors. As of 2024, demand remains strong in industries requiring high-reliability electronics—such as automotive and aerospace—where manual assembly remains prevalent due to quality control demands. Leading vendors are enhancing cycle speed, inserter accuracy, and modular tool heads. THT Insertion Machine systems support mixed-technology boards, offering programmability and changeover flexibility. Growth is driven by rising electronics complexity, demand for consistent solder joints, and labor shortages in electronics manufacturing hubs.
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THT Insertion Machine Market Trends
The THT Insertion Machine market is evolving with advanced automation, hybrid processing, and demand from legacy-product segments. One noticeable trend is integration with SMT lines: about 45% of new hybrid HT inserter models purchased in 2023 are capable of in-line SMT labeling and pre-insertion checking cameras. In North America and Western Europe, over 30% of electronic contract manufacturers now deploy dual-head inserters to handle both through-hole and box-build insertion in one pass.
Automation is another major trend. Automated tray-loading and reinforcement of pick-and-place feeding systems have increased cycle rates by ~20% compared to manual setups. As board complexity grows, vertical inserter configurations with robot guidance are being adopted; ~40% of new vertical units sold in 2023 included robotics for part alignment. Simultaneously, some back-insertion machine designs now include smart inventory tracking—reducing component shortage downtime by ~25%.
Higher-end THT Insertion Machine systems are increasingly software-driven: advanced interfacing options allow MES and ERP integration, used by 35% of tier-1 manufacturers. In Asia-Pacific, rising demand from automotive electronics and EV charger makers—accounting for 28% of global demand—has led to hybrid inserters with corner-insertion capability and enhanced error detection.
Sustainability is another emerging trend. Approximately 15% of 2023 machine orders featured energy-saving drives and low-waste feeding systems. Taken together, market trends signal a move toward smarter, integrated, and versatile THT Insertion Machine platforms tailored for mixed-technology electronics assemblies.
THT Insertion Machine Market Dynamics
The THT Insertion Machine market is shaped by fluctuating electronics demand, component mix changes, and operational efficiency improvements. In industries like aerospace, medical, and automotive, through-hole mounting remains essential due to component robustness and testing reliability. Manufacturers are upgrading fixed-inserter lines with vertical and horizontal inserters to handle denser board layouts and higher-mix production. Meanwhile, labor shortages in Asia and Europe spur mechanization investments, particularly for repetitive tasks like resistor insertion. However, supply chain constraints for feeders, motors, and vision systems present a bottleneck—lead times lengthened by approximately 12 weeks in 2023.\
Growth in hybrid inserter adoption
Hybrid THT Insertion Machine platforms—capable of performing both SMT and THT in line—are creating opportunities among manufacturers looking to streamline production. In 2023, hybrid machine sales rose by 22% year-over-year, particularly in Europe and North America where production is bringing low- to medium-volume runs in-house. Hybrid adoption allows board manufacturers to avoid transfer delays and reduce fixtures. Upcoming launches feature configurations for box builds, cables, and wiring insertion—broadening THT insertion into industrial electronics lines.
Demand for high-reliability electronics in automotive and aerospace
Automotive and aerospace segments continue to drive THT Insertion Machine adoption. In 2023, over 45% of vertical inserters were installed in these sectors due to certification requirements and harsh usage conditions. Through-hole components like coil inductors, connectors, and high-voltage film capacitors dominate safety-critical PCBs. EV charger manufacturers reported a 30% increase in vertical inserter orders as mixed-technology boards became standard. This trend underlines the need for precise, reliable automated insertion for mission-critical electronics.
RESTRAINT
"High upfront cost and slow ROI"
Advanced THT Insertion Machine systems carry high capital costs—typically 3–4 times that of SMT-only pick-and-place machines. About 25% of mid-sized EMS firms delay purchasing vertical inserters due to long ROI timelines. Complex feeder systems and peripheral modules add setup costs. Fast-moving contract manufacturers report that new inserter orders are delayed by 18–24 months until multi-million-dollar board buildouts justify the purchase. Cost pressures from offshore competitors further limit acquisition budgets.
CHALLENGE
"Supply chain bottlenecks for precision feeders"
Feeder units for different component types are critical; shortages in micro-feeders and dual-track systems led to machine installation delays in 40% of new order backlog lines in 2023. Pass-through components such as connectors also require custom feeders, stretching lead times to 16 weeks. Vendors are responding with modular feeder kits, but precision feeder assembly remains a challenge due to parts shortages in motors, solenoids, and vision cameras, prolonging production deployment.
Segmentation Analysis
The market segments include vertical and horizontal THT Insertion Machine types, and applications across electronic components, home appliances, automotive electronics, and others. Vertical inserters dominate safety-critical PCB lines—about 55% of 2023 sales—whereas horizontal platens serve modular and wire harness configurations. Electronic component manufacturers comprise roughly 35% of applications, relying on high-speed insertion for capacitors, connectors. Home appliance and automotive electronics sectors account for 40%, driven by mixed-technology requirements and assembly complexity. Others—including military, telecom, and consumer products—negotiate niche insertion needs handled by custom machine builds.
By Type
- Vertical THT Insertion Machine Vertical THT Insertion Machine systems operate through-hole insertion from head-down orientation, ideal for high-throughput insertion of capacitors, resistors and connectors in compact boards. These machines represented ~55% of total THT system revenue in 2023. High-volume electronics lines—like power supplies and EV controllers—favor vertical inserters because no repositioning is needed. With robotic assistance, vertical configurations complete 1,200 insertions per minute in dual-head models—about 30% faster than horizontal types. Modular vertical inserters with auto-splicing feeders reduce changeover times by approximately 25%.
- Horizontal THT Insertion Machine Horizontal THT Insertion Machine units are optimized for multi-row insertion, cable harnesses, and large connectors. They make up around 45% of the 2023 market. Horizontal models allow feeder placement from multiple sides and are preferred for aerospace PCBs and box-build electronics. Machine cycle rates reach up to 1,000 insertions per minute, with placement accuracy within ±0.1 mm. Hybrid models combining horizontal movement and camera vision have improved board acceptance rates by 15%. These machines are often used in small-batch production where flexibility is key.
By Application
- Electronic Components Electronic component manufacturers, including capacitor and connector production lines, account for about 35% of THT machine usage. These industries require high-speed insertion to match compounding assembly lines. Insertions on power-supply boards, backplanes, and test jigs drive heavy usage of vertical THT systems. These factories demand uptime, leading to preventive maintenance programs on 90% of machines to sustain OEE levels.
- Home Appliances Home appliance manufacturers such as washing machine and HVAC PCB makers represent about 20% of THT applications. These electronic systems require mixed SMT/THT boards for controls and sensors. Using vertical or horizontal inserters reduces production costs by 15% compared to manual insertion. In 2023, batch-oriented appliance plants adopted hybrid inserters to flexibly integrate assembly steps, reducing board turnaround time by approximately 40%.
- Automotive Electronics Automotive electronics drive approximately 20% of demand due to complex PCBs in power modules, lighting, and infotainment controllers. These boards use through-hole inductors and high-current connectors requiring automated insertion. THT inserter orders from this sector increased by 30% in 2023, reflecting demand for passenger EVs and ADAS units. Stringent quality standards necessitate closed-loop vision and insertion force monitoring.
- Others Other applications—industrial controllers, telecom, medical devices—represent the remaining 25% of market usage. These segments often require small-batch customization and frequent setup changes. Flexible inserters with VARIABLE-type feeders supporting odd-shaped components are used. In 2023, niche OEMs located in North America and Germany installed horizontal THT machines with rapid tool change capability, enhancing production flexibility across mixed-technology builds.
THT Insertion Machine Regional Outlook
The THT Insertion Machine market exhibits strong geographic variation driven by manufacturing density and industrial automation trends. North America and Europe maintain a focus on high-mix, low-volume assembly with advanced insertion accuracy and vision systems. Asia‑Pacific leads in volume demands, automation adoption, and domestic OEM growth. The Middle East & Africa region shows nascent demand, primarily from telecom and industrial electronics sectors, with occasional infrastructure investments prompting equipment upgrades. Regional distributors and service providers tailor THT solutions to local production formats, regulations, and labor availability, making regional market dynamics distinct and responsive to macro trends.
North America
North America accounts for approximately 30% of global THT Insertion Machine installations. U.S.-based EMS providers continue upgrading lines to high-speed vertical and hybrid inserters, with nearly 40% of new machines in 2023 integrating autonomous vision alignment. Canadian manufacturers are adopting vertical platforms in electronics-heavy white goods production, contributing 8% of North American demand. The region has high aftermarket service rates; about 70% of inserters are under annual preventative maintenance contracts for motors, feeders, and vision modules. Government grants for advanced manufacturing tech have financed around 20% of installations in small- to mid-sized factories, boosting THT adoption in Mexico and Canada.
Europe
Europe commands roughly 25% of the THT machine market. Germany and Italy lead automated insertion purchases in auto-components and control systems, representing over 45% of regional equipment value. U.K. electronics manufacturers prefer hybrid inserters to handle low-volume, high-mix runs—about 35% of machines there are of modular hybrid design. Nordic countries rely on vision-enhanced inserters with automation used in industrial sensors and instrumentation. Eastern European EMS companies are expanding with low-cost vertical models, growing demand by approximately 15% annually for sub-$100k systems.
Asia‑Pacific
The Asia‑Pacific region represents the largest share at approximately 35%. China leads with 45% of regional installations owing to rising domestic electronics capacity. South Korea and Japan account for 20%, deploying advanced hybrid inserters in automotive electronics and medical devices. Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia) grew THT machine uptake by 30% in 2023 as contract manufacturers adopt hybrid workflows. India and Taiwan combined represent 10%, expanding in telecom and power electronics sectors. Local OEMs like Mitsubishi-faced offshoots have reduced cost barriers by offering sub-$80k smart inserters.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa region holds roughly 10% of global THT installations. Demand from telecom base station and industrial control panel producers contributes about 60% of regional ICT demand. Initial automation in South Africa’s EMS plants included 15% of hybrid inserters last year. GCC manufacturing projects have initiated plant upgrades with basic vertical inserters, accounting for 5% of regional machine demand. Import tariffs and limited local service infrastructure continue to slow uptake, but public-private manufacturing initiatives indicate growing strategic interest.
List of Key THT Insertion Machine Market Companies Profiled
- JUKI
- SMD-TEC
- MIRAE
- Suzhou Sharewell
- Osai Automation System
- Lazpiur
- TE Connectivity
- Dongguan Trand
- Delta
- Guangdong World Precision Technology
- Shenzhen Zhonghexu
- Panasonic Connect Co.
- Universal Instruments
- FINECS
- TDK
- Southern Machinery
- Yamaha
- Fuji
- Cencorp
- Tungson Electronics Machinery Ltd
- B&P Automation Dynamics Ltd
- Shenzhen Fuxing
- Shenzhen Dezhong
- Hanwha Precision Machinery
- Castec International
- Marantz Electronics Ltd
- Sunil Mechatronics
Top 2 Companies by Market Share (2024):
JUKI: ~20% JUKI released a new high-speed vertical inserter capable of 1 500 insertions/minute, with auto changeover modules for feeder systems. Panasonic Connect launched a compact hybrid inserter with built-in AI‑vision for 50% faster program setup and zero-defect placement
Panasonic Connect: ~15% Panasonic Connect launched a compact hybrid inserter with built-in AI‑vision for 50% faster program setup and zero-defect placement. Suzhou Sharewell introduced a modular horizontal unit capable of mixed-height component insertion and wire harness integration.
Investment Analysis and Opportunities
Investment in THT Insertion Machine technology remains robust in 2023–2024, with global manufacturers prioritizing automation to meet reliability and efficiency demands. JUKI upgraded two North American factories with high-speed vertical inserters achieving 25% throughput improvement year-over-year. Panasonic Connect expanded hybrid inserter production in Asia by 30%, supplying automotive electronics plants. Contract manufacturers in Southeast Asia opened three new lines using hybrid THT systems, aiming to reduce manual insert labor by 40%.
EU-funded robotics grants financed 20% of vertical machine adoption for German EMS companies, while the U.S. R&D tax credit subsidized vision system integration costs for inverter electronics producers. Local ADB-backed projects in Vietnam deployed low-cost vertical inserters in electronics parks. OEMs are forming partnerships with software providers to integrate THT inserter data into MES systems, which now accounts for 35% of new machine packages.
These investment strategies reflect a move toward smart, flexible manufacturing suitable for mixed-technology assembly. The THT segment offers high-value ROI through labor savings and repeatability gains, particularly in high-mix low-volume production segments that manual approaches cannot reliably support. Mid-tier markets—such as Eastern Europe and Indonesia—represent untapped potential for low-cost vertical inserter adoption.
NEW PRODUCTS Development
2023–2024 saw THT insertion machine vendors introducing innovative models with advanced precision, flexibility, and vision features. JUKI released a new high-speed vertical inserter capable of 1 500 insertions/minute, with auto changeover modules for feeder systems. Panasonic Connect launched a compact hybrid inserter with built-in AI‑vision for 50% faster program setup and zero-defect placement. Suzhou Sharewell introduced a modular horizontal unit capable of mixed-height component insertion and wire harness integration. Lazpiur focused on energy efficiency with an inserter requiring 30% less power due to servo drive upgrades.
Other manufacturers like MIRAE and Osai Automation delivered hybrid models with mesh mesh configurable feeders, reducing changeover time by 35%. TE Connectivity integrated THT systems into automotive electronics lines, facilitating 25% faster line certifications. Shenzhen Fuxing launched a compact in-line vertical inserter specifically for telecom boards in emerging markets. These product introductions reflect a push toward speed, modularity, energy efficiency, and ease of integration in modern electronics assembly environments.
Recent Developments
- JUKI commissioned two North American plants with high-speed vision-enabled vertical inserters in Q2 2023.
- Panasonic Connect increased hybrid unit output by 30% in Japan in early 2024.
- Osai Automation rolled out mesh feeder-enabled horizontal THT inserters in mid-2023.
- MIRAE launched low-power vertical insertion platforms reducing energy use by 25% in late 2023.
- Suzhou Sharewell introduced compact telecom board inserters for Southeast Asian lines in early 2024.
REPORT COVERAGE of THT Insertion Machine Market
The report provides thorough insights into the THT Insertion Machine market, covering machine types (vertical and horizontal), application sectors (electronic components, appliances, automotive, etc.), and regional demand dynamics across North America, Europe, Asia‑Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. It includes volume and value outlooks segmented by machine speed, feeder types, and production environments.
Comprehensive profiles of key vendors—JUKI, Panasonic Connect, MIRAE, Suzhou Sharewell, Osai—feature production capacity, R&D platforms, and market strategies. Technology evolution chapters analyze hybrid inserter platforms, AI-powered vision integration, and automation-driven feeder systems. Market dynamics, including labor shortages, energy constraints, and supply chain delays in precision parts, are explained with supportive data. Integration themes—such as MES/ERP connectivity and IoT-enabled maintenance—are covered alongside regional adoption incentives and funding initiatives.
Strategic case studies include contract manufacturers in North America upgrading to vertical inserters, automotive- electronics plants in Asia deploying hybrid systems, and telecom OEMs in Middle East entering THT segment. The analysis supports OEMs, investors, and assembly line integrators in decision-making across supply chain optimization, capital investment, and product development.
| Report Coverage | Report Details |
|---|---|
|
By Applications Covered |
Electronic Components,Home Appliances,Automotive Electronics,Others |
|
By Type Covered |
Vertical,Horizontal |
|
No. of Pages Covered |
131 |
|
Forecast Period Covered |
2025 to 2033 |
|
Growth Rate Covered |
CAGR of 1.8% during the forecast period |
|
Value Projection Covered |
USD 365.76 Million by 2033 |
|
Historical Data Available for |
2020 to 2023 |
|
Region Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East, Africa |
|
Countries Covered |
U.S. ,Canada, Germany,U.K.,France, Japan , China , India, South Africa , Brazil |
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