PCB Manufacturing
What is PCB manufacturing?
PCB or printed circuit board manufacturing is the process of creating the boards that form the backbone of electronic and electrical devices. PCBs connect components through tracks and pads etched into layers of copper, which sit between non-conductive substrates.
PCBs are found in a vast range of products, from every day electronics to industrial equipment, capacitors, transformers, and beyond. Essentially, PCBs are everywhere, powering the systems and devices that make modern life possible.
At ABL Circuits, we are experts in PCB manufacturing and fabrication. We handle every aspect of the process, from product management and design to prototypes, small-scale and large-scale manufacturing, full fabrication, and complete PCB solutions. Our clients can choose from a variety of PCB types, including blank boards, single-sided, double-sided, multilayer, flexible, and even reverse-engineered PCBs. Whatever your requirements, we can provide the right solution for your project.
Quality and control you can rely on
Every PCB that leaves our facility in Baldock, Hertfordshire is produced with a total commitment to quality, adhering to ISO 9001-2015 standards. Our production control systems monitor every aspect of the manufacturing process to ensure consistency and reliability. Our team combines expertise with a personal approach, guiding you through the process to deliver boards that meet your exact specifications.
Inspection and testing
To guarantee a perfect PCB, our manufacturing process includes rigorous inspections at every stage. Each board undergoes detailed checks, with inspection results carefully logged by our highly skilled technicians. If required, we also carry out electronic bare-board testing using our four-head flying probe tester, giving you complete confidence in the final product.
Precision connections
ABL Circuits’ manufacturing process ensures complete consistency and eliminates variability. Prior to copper plating, shadow line plating coats each hole in the panel with a layer of carbon, guaranteeing a perfect connection from one side of the board to the other. Using the latest CNC drilling technology, we can produce boards of any shape or complexity with perfectly accurate holes every time. Our state-of-the-art auto-tool change head selects the correct tool for each design and adjusts speeds and feeds for maximum precision. The system then laser-checks diameter, length, concentricity, and positional accuracy to ensure measurements down to the micron.
Key Differences Between SMT and THT Assembly
PCB assembly uses two main techniques:
Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
SMT components are soldered directly onto the board’s surface, offering:
1
Often using Pick and Place machines.
2
Ideal for compact, high-density designs.
3
Connections may be weaker under stress.
Through-Hole Technology (THT)
THT involves inserting component leads through drilled holes for a stronger connection:
1
Ideal for high-vibration or high-power applications.
2
Additional drilling and soldering steps required.
3
Due to lead-based design and extra material.
Related Case Studies
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Can you do complex curved outlines on your printed circuit boards?
Can I have my printed circuit boards left in a panel for assembly?
Looking for a bespoke manufacturing solution?
See how ABL Circuits can help you today:
Quick Quote
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ABL Circuits have offered a state of the art PCB Manufacturing Service for over 40 years.
ABL Circuits Ltd Icknield Way,
Baldock Hertfordshire, SG7 5BB
United Kingdom
