Precision Surface Mount PCB Assembly (SMT)

Modern, accurate and reliable SMT manufacturing built for UK industries.

Phase One Electronics delivers precise SMT assembly using high-accuracy placement machines, controlled reflow profiles and skilled inspection. Trusted by UK businesses for over 35 years, we provide dependable prototype and production builds for demanding industries across Portsmouth, Hampshire and the UK.

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What Is Surface Mount PCB Assembly (SMT)?

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) allows electronic components to be mounted directly onto the surface of a PCB. This enables modern, high-density circuitry with excellent reliability, repeatability and performance.
SMT assembly is essential for today’s electronics — supporting compact designs, complex microprocessors, fine-pitch ICs and ultra-small passives.

At Phase One Electronics, our SMT process combines automated placement machinery with controlled reflow soldering and careful human inspection.
This ensures every PCB is built with accuracy, consistency and long-term reliability.

Improved Electrical Performance

Shorter lead lengths reduce electrical noise, making SMT ideal for fast, sensitive or high-frequency circuits.

High-Density, High-Performance Electronics

SMT enables compact, complex circuit designs that would not be possible with traditional through-hole technology.

Suitable for a Wide Range of Component Types

From micro-BGAs and fine-pitch ICs to tiny 01005 passives, SMT supports high-precision modern components.

Reliable for Prototypes, Small Batches and Production

Our SMT process offers precise, repeatable results whether you need a single prototype or ongoing production batches.

Why Choose Phase One Electronics for SMT Assembly?

For more than 35 years, Phase One Electronics has delivered high-quality SMT PCB assembly for industries that depend on consistent build quality and reliable performance. Our combination of automated precision, engineering oversight and careful inspection ensures dependable results across every batch.

Over 35 Years of SMT Experience

We have been assembling SMT PCBs since the early days of surface-mount adoption, giving us deep experience in handling modern components, thermal requirements and manufacturing challenges.

High-Accuracy Automated Placement

Our SMT machines provide precise placement for fine-pitch ICs, micro-BGAs, QFNs and ultra-small passives — ensuring repeatable and reliable positioning.

Skilled Human Oversight and Inspection

Automated assembly is backed by careful manual inspection. Our team follows strict procedures to ensure every board meets professional standards before it leaves our facility.

Flexible for Prototypes, Small Batches and Production

We support one-off prototypes, small batches or ongoing volume manufacturing — giving you flexibility throughout your product’s lifecycle.

Engineering-Led Support and Honest Communication

If we see a potential issue with your design or build instructions, we flag it early. Our goal is to help prevent problems before production begins.

All SMT Assembly Completed in the UK

Every SMT board is assembled at our Portsmouth facility, ensuring reliable communication, controlled lead times and high-quality UK manufacturing you can trust.
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Our Surface Mount Assembly Process

Our SMT process is designed to ensure accuracy, repeatability and long-term reliability. Every PCB follows a structured workflow that combines automated precision with careful engineering oversight and skilled manual inspection.

1

Data Preparation &
Engineering Review

Before production begins, we review all design files including Gerbers, BOM, XI DATA and Assembly Drawings. We confirm component availability, identify potential issues and ensure your design is fully manufacturable.
2

Precision Solder
Paste Application

Solder paste is applied using controlled stencil printing. We ensure accurate alignment, correct pressure and consistent deposition — essential for strong joints and reliable SMT performance.
3

Automated Component
Placement

High-accuracy pick-and-place machines position components precisely, including fine-pitch ICs, micro-BGAs, QFNs and ultra-small passives. Feeder systems and coordinates are validated for correct placement.
4

Controlled Reflow
Soldering

Boards enter our controlled reflow ovens where carefully profiled heating curves create consistent solder joints. We monitor thermal limits, ensure correct wetting and avoid defects such as voiding or bridging.
5

Manual Placement &
Hybrid Assemblies

For mixed-technology PCBs or components requiring special handling, our technicians perform accurate manual placement. This includes large connectors, odd-form parts and sensitive components.
6

Detailed Visual
Inspection

Every SMT assembly undergoes careful inspection. We check solder joints, polarity, alignment, orientation, reflow quality and overall board cleanliness to ensure consistent reliability.
7

Testing & Functional Verification (Optional)

Where required, we perform electrical testing, functional checks, continuity tests, firmware programming or customer-defined verification routines. We can assist with fixture creation if needed.
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Industries We Support With SMT Assembly

Our SMT service supports a wide variety of industries that rely on performance stability, long-term reliability and consistent manufacturing quality. Many of our customers operate in demanding environments where precision and durability are essential.

From harsh environments to precision-driven applications, our SMT process is tailored to deliver long-term reliability, consistency and trusted performance.

Marine & Offshore

SMT boards designed for navigation systems, communication modules and harsh marine environments.

Medical & Laboratory Equipment

Precision SMT builds for safety-critical, diagnostic and high-performance medical devices.

Industrial Automation & Control

Boards designed for robotics, automated systems and long-duty-cycle industrial equipment.

Automotive & EV Systems

SMT assemblies for in-vehicle electronics, sensing modules and control systems requiring long-term performance.

Consumer & Embedded Electronics

Compact, efficient surface-mount assemblies for embedded systems and commercial electronics.

Telecommunications & Surveillance

High-density SMT assemblies built for communication systems, signal processing and surveillance equipment.

Defence & Security

High-reliability SMT builds suitable for mission-critical and sensitive defence applications.
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Free-Issue or Turnkey SMT Assembly

We offer both free-issue and turnkey SMT assembly options to suit your project requirements. Whether you prefer to supply components yourself or want us to manage procurement and traceability, our service is built to be flexible and efficient.

Free-Issue SMT Builds

You supply the components, and we assemble your boards. We handle component verification, storage, moisture control, documentation checks and full SMT production.

Turnkey SMT Assembly

We manage the entire procurement process — sourcing components, verifying authenticity, handling supply chain issues and providing complete traceability throughout the build.

Full Build Documentation

For turnkey projects, we maintain detailed build records, including part traceability, test results and batch-level data — ideal for regulated industries.

Whether you choose free-issue or turnkey manufacturing, our focus remains the same: dependable SMT assembly with consistent quality and clear communication at every stage.

Request an SMT Assembly Quote

To provide an accurate quotation for your SMT project, please include your design files and any specific build requirements. Our team responds quickly, clearly and with complete transparency.

Gerber Files

Complete PCB manufacturing files for layout, layers and drill data.

XI DATA / Pick-and-Place Files

Placement data showing component coordinates, orientations and rotations.

BOM (Bill of Materials)

A detailed parts list including values, packages and manufacturer references.

Testing Requirements

Details of functional testing, programming or inspection processes needed.

Assembly Notes or Drawings

Any special build instructions, polarity indicators or mechanical constraints.

Quantities and Lead Time

Prototype, small batch or production volume requirements.
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