History & Milestones
Since our founding, we've led the PCB manufacturing industry with groundbreaking technologies and unwavering quality. From pioneering ground-breaking technologies, to expanding globally, every step reflects our dedication to advancing electronics manufacturing. Join us in learning about our history.
During the 2023 Productronica show in Munich, Schmoll revealed their latest highlights:
- The Quatro Lot Buffer (QLB) is Schmoll latest automation solution, enabling product buffer-storage while having a minimal footprint.
- The 2nd generation PicoMaster machine is the next step in high-productivity laser drilling
With ever-increasing business and sales, the MDI department was steadily outgrowing its working space in the Schmoll main building. That's why everyone was very excited to move to a seperate facility just down the road from Schmoll headquarters. This gives our MDI team plenty of space to work and create great imaging machines.
In 2020 a new type of machine was introduced. High-speed and high-accuracy, specially designed for substrate applications with CCD registration technology. The Schmoll CpK machines represented a jump in Schmoll's substrate drilling capabilities and were the first machines using Schmoll's new S80 CNC controller.
2013 marks the year Schmoll launched its first Direct Imaging system. Since then, the product portfolio and technology has continuously evolved with an installation base worldwide and continued success, Schmoll is now a known supplier of Direct Imaging systems for various applications.
In 2001, Schmoll introduced several groundbreaking innovations: the Multi-X system, setting new standards for precision; a z-axis driven by linear motors, enhancing speed and reliability; and a high-speed spindle capable of up to 180,000 rpm. These innovations solidified Schmoll's position at the forefront of the global market for precision machinery.
Building on its success in Asia, the increasing number of machines sold there necessitated on-site service and customer support. Valuing excellent service, Schmoll established Schmoll Asia Pacific (SAP), opening its first office in Taiwan. Shortly after, a second office in Hong Kong was inaugurated, followed by another in Korea.
In 1994, Schmoll Maschinen had another innovative year. The company's patented contact bit drilling technology revolutionized PCB drilling precision and productivity. Additionally, laser measuring technology was implemented for the first time, enabling highly reliable tool measurement and significantly increasing process reliability.
Geopolitical shifts in Europe challenged Schmoll Maschinen to find new markets. A young engineer, Thomas Kunz, proposed a plan to save the company by focusing on the emerging Asian markets, particularly Taiwan. With the company's latest innovation, the Twin Spindle System, Schmoll began its success story in Asia.
Eastern Europe had always been an important market for Schmoll. However, after the end of the Cold War and German reunification, monetary policy decisions led to the collapse of the Eastern European economy. Many of Schmoll's customers struggled or went bankrupt, marking the company's first crisis with far-reaching consequences.
In 1989, numerous innovations emerged: a newly developed loader/unloader system significantly boosted productivity and automation. The introduction of the company's first X-ray drilling machine opened a crucial new market. At the end of the decade, Schmoll machines were drilling holes as small as 0.1 mm. All this lead to an ever increasing demand and prompted another expansion of the manufacturing site.
The machine business in Ober-Roden thrived, leading to the decision to split the companies. PCB machinery production continued under Schmoll Maschinen GmbH. Founder Heinz Schmoll stayed with the small business in Kronberg, while his son-in-law, Wolfgang Holzer, became CEO of the new entity. The Schmoll name remained, symbolizing reliability and continuity.
The next major breakthrough came in 1976 with the numerically controlled driller/router machine ABL-48, featuring 12 high-frequency spindles. Its big innovation was automated tool change, significantly enhancing productivity and marking a major step towards PCB production automation.
During the 1970s, the company grew rapidly, outgrowing its space in Kronberg. Despite an expansion, capacity was soon maxed out, leading to the establishment of a new plant in Ober-Roden, near Offenbach where many staff lived. R&D remained in Kronberg, while production moved to the new site.
The company's first big breakthrough happened in 1962 and came in the form of the ABH-28, the innovative printed circuit board drilling machine that, equipped with up to 8 drilling spindles, revolutionized the production process of electronics. This machine's success laid the foundation for the company's focus on special machinery construction, that would define its future.
In the 1950s, the company specialized in cutting and punching machines, precursors to modern drilling machines. They also produced electric and pneumatic assembly devices, cooling and heating technology, and radio and television systems. Schmoll became a household name in the greater Rhine-Main area.
After the war ended and the economy began to rise, the founding of the federal republic of Germany brought more opportunities. Work gradually increased, prompting a move to a larger building in the business area of Kronberg.
In 1943, as the war was nearing its end, engineer Heinz Schmoll founded his eponymous company in a garage. With the support of his wife, Tilly, who managed the office, the venture began its journey.