We all know printed circuit boards (PCBs) as essential components we can find in almost all electronic devices we use. They are present in smartphones, computers, industrial equipment, and even automobiles. The UK PCB manufacturers play a crucial role in the boards’ production and supply. The manufacturers always ensure they meet the highest quality standards and deliver the boards on time to customers across the UK and beyond.
Most UK PCB manufacturers can provide various services contributing to the electronics industry. From prototyping and design to mass production and testing, the manufacturers work closely with electronics companies to create custom PCBs that meet the specific needs of their products. In addition, UK PCB manufacturers offer fast turnaround times, high-quality control, and access to expertise, making them a popular choice for businesses looking for reliable and efficient PCB manufacturing services.
UK PCB manufacturers remain resilient despite the competition in the field. We can attribute this to their ability to offer bespoke services and a competitive edge in quality, reliability, and speed. As a result, they form an integral part of the electronics supply chain. Continue reading to learn more about UK PCB manufacturers.
PCBs and their role in electronic devices
We define a PCB as a board made of insulating material like fiberglass or plastic, with thin strips of conductive material, usually copper, etched onto its surface. The strips of conductive material create a network of connections, or “traces,” allowing electronic components to communicate.
PCB plays a role in an electronic device by providing a stable and reliable platform to mount and connect electronic components. With a PCB, electronic devices would consist of loose parts that are easier to assemble and prone to failure due to loose connections or interference.
The global PCB market is likely to have a value of $107.3 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4% between 2021 and 2027. This growth depends on the increasing demand for electronic devices across various industries, including communication, automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics.
In addition, PCBs offer a range of other benefits. For example, they help reduce the size and weight of electronic devices since you can directly mount components onto the board. They also simplify manufacturing, using automated machinery to place components onto the board.
Overall, PCBs are shaping the future of technology. With the increasing demand for electronic devices, the need for high-quality PCBs and reliable PCB manufacturers continues to rise.
Types of PCBs and their Applications
The various kinds of printed circuit boards (PCBs) have specific applications. The classes include single-sided, rigid, double-sided, multilayer, flexible, and rigid-flex PCBs.
- The single-sided PCBs: The single-sided or single-layer PCBs have conductive material, typically copper, on only one side of the board. These are the most straightforward and affordable PCB types. You will find them in applications that don’t require complex circuitry, like calculators and toys.
- The double-sided PCBs: Double-sided or double-layer PCBs have conductive material on both sides, thus accommodating more complex circuitry. They are in applications like audio equipment, power supplies, and industrial controls.
- Multilayer PCBs: The multilayer PCBs have several layers of conductive material with insulating layers separating them, making it possible to accommodate even more complex circuitry. You will find them in telecommunications equipment, computers, and aerospace electronics applications.
- The rigid PCBs: The rigid PCBs are inflexible and provide a stable platform for electronic components. Medical devices, automotive electronics, and industrial controls are examples of applications using them.
- The flexible PCBs: Like the name suggests, adjustable or flex PCBs are flexible. You can easily fold, twist or bend them to fit into tight spaces. They apply to medical implants, wearable devices, and mobile devices.
- The rigid-flex PCBs: Rigid-flex PCBs combine the stability of rigid PCBs with the flexibility of flexible PCBs. You will find them in applications like military equipment, aerospace electronics, and medical devices.
Additionally, there are specialty PCBs, like high-frequency, high-temperature, and hybrid PCBs, designed for specific applications requiring specialized features.
PCB Manufacturing in the UK
PCB manufacturing is an essential industry in the UK for several reasons. The reasons include the following:
- A key driver of the UK’s economy: The electronics industry contributes over £80 billion to the country’s GDP. PCBs are a critical component of nearly all electronic devices, including smartphones, computers, and cars. As such, the demand for high-quality PCBs will continue growing in the coming years.
- The UK is home to several major electronics companies, including ARM Holdings, Dyson, and Sony. Such companies need high-quality PCBs to manufacture their products and often source them from UK-based manufacturers.
- The UK has a strong reputation for high-quality manufacturing and engineering expertise, with a long history of innovation in these fields. Such expertise highly contributes to the PCB manufacturing industry, where precision and attention to detail are essential in producing high-quality products.
- The UK government supports the growing electronics industry. The government has introduced initiatives like the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund to offer funding for research and development projects in the electronics and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Generally, the PCB manufacturing industry forms part of the UK’s electronics ecosystem and is a significant player in supporting the growth of the country’s economy.
A brief history of the industry in the UK
PCB manufacturing in the UK dates back to the 1940s and 1950s when the first printed circuit boards appeared. At such times, PCBs were primarily for military and aerospace applications with high specialization.
There was rapid growth in the electronics industry in the 1960s and 1970s. Such also meant that demand for high-quality PCBs was increasing. The UK became a major player in the industry, with several companies specializing in designing and manufacturing PCBs for various applications.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the UK PCB manufacturing industry grew. The driving force was the rise of personal computers and other electronic devices. As a result, the sector saw significant innovation during this time, with new materials and manufacturing processes enabling the production of increasingly complex and sophisticated PCBs.
In the early 2000s, the industry faces challenges from low-cost PCB manufacturers in Asia, who produce PCBs at significantly lower prices. However, many UK PCB manufacturers differentiate themselves by focusing on high-quality, specialized products and providing excellent customer service.
UK’s strengths and weaknesses as a location for PCB manufacturing
The UK has several powers as a location for PCB manufacturing, including a highly skilled workforce, a strong tradition of innovation, and a business-friendly environment. Additionally, the UK’s proximity to major European markets makes it an attractive location for companies serving European customers.
Key strengths are:
- The UK’s PCB manufacturing industry focuses on high-quality, specialized boards or products. Such boards find use in aerospace, defense, and medical applications.
- The UK has a strong tradition of innovation in the electronics industry, with several universities and research institutions dedicated to advancing the field. Such a culture drives the development of new materials and manufacturing processes, producing complex and sophisticated products.
- The UK has a business-friendly environment. This means low corporate tax rates and incentives for companies that invest in research and development.
Some of the challenges include the following:
- Competition from low-cost manufacturers in other parts of the world, especially Asia: The high cost of doing business makes it difficult for UK-based manufacturers to compete on price with manufacturers from different parts of the world.
- Limited availability of some critical raw materials and components for PCB manufacturing: Relying on importation can disrupt the supply chain disruption and increase costs.
- The uncertain political and economic climate like Brexit created challenges for UK PCB manufacturers: Such disrupts the markets and relationships with other states. Limited markets can lead to fewer growth opportunities and a hurdle to economies of scale.
Top UK PCB Manufacturers
Cambridge Circuit Company Ltd
Cambridge Circuit Company Ltd is a leading British electronics firm that designs and fabricates premium printed circuit boards. (PCBs). Established in 1986, the company has its headquarters in St. Ives, Cambridge shire, United Kingdom.
The company’s founders were a group of electronics professionals in the United Kingdom who recognized the need for a dependable and quality-focused PCB maker. They began by providing PCB design and prototyping services and gradually expanded their skills to include PCB fabrication on a large scale.
Products:
Cambridge Circuit Company provides a vast selection of PCBs for various applications, including single-sided, double-sided, and multilayer PCBs and flexible and rigid-flex PCBs. In addition, the company also provides more PCB technologies besides advanced PCB technologies such as HDI (High-Density Interconnect) and microvia PCBs. Furthermore, they offer cable assembly and box-build services in addition to SMT and through-hole PCB assembly services.
Customer Population:
The company serves a variety of industries, including aerospace, defense, medical, telecommunications, and the automobile sector. Rolls-Royce, Airbus, BAE Systems, and Thales are just a few of their well-known clientele within their respective industries.
Blue Lightening Solutions,
Blue Lightning Solutions Ltd. is a London, United Kingdom-based technology company that provides software solutions to organizations. A leading manufacturer, the company started in 2019 after a group of seasoned software engineers desired to satisfy the needs of modern businesses with unique solutions.
Products:
Blue Lightning Solutions’ principal offerings are software solutions aimed to assist organizations in automating and optimizing their workflows. These include software for enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and project management. Additionally, the company offers software development services to companies desiring to design custom software solutions.
Customers:
Blue Lightning Solutions provides its services to firms of all sizes and industries. There are startups, small and medium-sized businesses, and giant corporations among its clientele. Although the company focuses on working with retail, manufacturing, and financial services businesses, its software solutions are also relevant to various other industries.
One of the company’s core products is its ERP software, which automates inventory management, order processing, and financial management to help firms manage their operations more efficiently. With capabilities such as user-defined fields and workflows, the program is fully adaptable to the unique requirements of each firm. The company’s CRM software is also highly configurable and geared to assist firms in enhancing their customer interactions and fostering stronger client relationships.
With features like Gantt charts, task lists, and resource allocation, Blue Lightning Solutions’ project management solutions assist enterprises in managing their projects more successfully. In addition, the evident and user-friendly software makes it simple for project managers and team members to keep up with their assignments and deadlines.
Total Circuit Solutions
Total Circuit Solutions is among the leading United Kingdom-based provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS). The company, founded in 2011, has over a decade of experience in the sector and has become a prominent provider of high-quality electronic manufacturing services.
Products:
Total Circuit Solutions provides printed circuit board (PCB) design, PCB assembly, cable assembly, and box construction assembly among its product offerings.
In addition, the company provides a comprehensive selection of PCB design services, such as schematic capture, layout design, and prototyping. They employ sophisticated design software to ensure high-quality design and effective production. The PCB assembly services offered by Total Circuit Solutions encompass both surface mount technology (SMT) and through-hole PCB assembly. Their seasoned engineers use cutting-edge tools and methods to ensure the highest quality assembly.
In addition to offering cable assembly services, Total Circuit Solutions also provides bespoke wiring harnesses and cables to satisfy unique customer requirements. In addition to crimping, soldering, and termination, their cable assembly skills include bespoke over-molding and potting.
Total Circuit Solutions offers services for box construction assembly and PCB and cable assembly. This involves the incorporation of printed circuit boards, wires, and other components within an enclosure or chassis. Their mechanical assembly, testing, and inspection capabilities ensure that the finished product satisfies all standards and specifications.
Customer Base:
The customer base of Total Circuit Solutions is diverse and comprises organizations from numerous industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial. In addition, they work with various clients, ranging from small startups to huge international organizations, and provide customized solutions to match each client’s specific demands.
The engineers and technicians at Total Circuit Solutions aim to deliver the finest quality products and services to their customers. They employ sophisticated machinery and procedures to ensure the most significant levels of precision and dependability in their manufacturing processes.
Tate Circuit Industry
Tate Circuit Industry is a UK printed circuit board (PCB) supplier and manufacturer. The business has more than 50 years of manufacturing experience, and since its establishment, it has developed into one of the top PCB suppliers in the area. Tate Circuit Industry has built a reputation for dependability and creativity by committing to offering its clients high-quality goods and services.
Technology:
Tate Circuit Industry uses cutting-edge machinery and procedures to guarantee the most significant degree of quality in its goods. To ensure that all PCBs satisfy the highest standards of quality and dependability, they have implemented various quality control procedures, including automated testing and inspection.
Products & Services:
Various PCBs, including single-sided, double-sided, and multilayer PCBs, are available from the company. High-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs, which are applicable in multiple industries, including telecommunications, medical devices, and aerospace, are their area of expertise.
Tate Circuit Industry provides various services to its clients besides PCB fabrication. Along with PCB assembly and testing services, they also offer PCB design and layout services. In addition, their skilled staff of engineers helps support and guide the entire design and production process.
With a usual lead time of only 5-10 working days, Tate Circuit Industry provides quick turnaround times on their PCB production. In addition, they provide same-day production and delivery for some orders and choices for expedited delivery for urgent tasks.
Market:
The company has a wide range of clients, including electronics, telecommunications, and aerospace companies. From small startups to influential international organizations, they deal with various clients and offer specialized solutions to match their unique demands.
Quick-Teck Electronics
With its corporate office in Taiwan, Quick-Teck Electronics offers electronics manufacturing services (EMS) worldwide. Established in 1992, the company has grown to include numerous industrial locations worldwide. Among the many services Quick-Teck provides are PCB design and assembly, cable assembly, box construction assembly, testing, and inspection.
Items & Services:
Schematic capture, layout design, and prototyping are among the PCB design services offered by Quick-Teck. To ensure effective and top-notch methods, they employ cutting-edge software and tools. With the capacity to handle complicated, multilayer boards, their PCB assembly services encompass surface mount technology (SMT) and through-hole PCB assembly. In addition, custom wiring harnesses and cables with various termination choices, including crimping, soldering, and insulation displacement, are available from Quick-Teck’s cable assembly services.
The company integrates PCBs, wires, and other components into a whole enclosure or chassis as part of the company’s box-build assembly services. As a result, the finished product will fulfill all criteria and specifications by Quick-Teck’s skilled team of engineers and technicians.
For the most significant degree of quality and dependability in every product, Quick-Teck provides testing and inspection services in addition to their production services. In addition, the firm carries out functional testing, environmental testing, and reliability testing using cutting-edge tools and procedures. Quick-Teck’s dedication to excellence, effectiveness, and innovation is evident in its excellent product offerings.
Market:
Quick-Teck has a wide range of clients, including consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive, and medical companies. As a result of their extensive experience working with clients from all over the world, they have developed a reputation for providing dependable and high-quality electronics manufacturing services.
Because they have ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and AS9100 certifications, you may be sure that their production procedures adhere to the highest standards around the world. The business is likewise dedicated to environmental sustainability, and in its manufacturing facilities, it has put in place procedures to lessen waste and encourage energy efficiency.
LN Printed Circuits LTD
LN Printed Circuits LTD, a UK-based company, offers electronics manufacturing services (EMS) focusing on printed circuit board (PCB) design and assembly. Since its founding in 1978, the business has become a recognized provider of superior PCBs to clients worldwide.
Products:
The company offers single-sided, double-sided, multilayer, flexible, and rigid-flex PCBs in addition to other products. They use cutting-edge technology and tools for the highest degree of quality and dependability in their products.
LN Printed Circuits LTD’s PCB design services include schematic capture, layout design, and prototyping. Their expert engineering staff closely collaborates with clients to guarantee that each design meets their unique needs and standards. With the capacity to handle both small and large-scale production runs, the company also provides PCB assembly services, including surface mount technology (SMT) and through-hole PCB assembly.
LN Printed Circuits LTD additionally provides testing and inspection services to guarantee the highest degree of quality and dependability in its products. They carry out functional, environmental, and reliability testing using cutting-edge testing tools and procedures.
Market:
Businesses from various industries, such as aerospace, defense, medicine, and telecommunications, make up LN Printed Circuits LTD’s customer base. They have a track record of providing PCBs of the highest caliber and adhering to the most exacting industry standards and specifications.
Their dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer support enhances the products and services provided by LN Printed Circuits LTD. Due to their ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certifications, their manufacturing procedures adhere to the highest international standards. The organization also invests in research and development to stay abreast of technological advancements and market trends.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a UK PCB Manufacturer
When selecting a UK PCB manufacturer, you must consider several essential factors to ensure you choose a supplier who meets your exact requirements and specifications. The top five considerations are as follows:
- Knowledge and industry expertise: Choosing a PCB manufacturer who is knowledgeable about your industry and capable of meeting your specific requirements is critical. Find a PCB manufacturer with experience in your sector and can offer tailored services that meet your needs.
- Certifications: Certifications are crucial since they assure you that the manufacturer adheres to the highest quality and safety standards. Look for a provider who owns certifications like ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or AS9100 depending on the norms of your sector.
- Product quality: When it comes to PCBs, product quality is essential. Please ensure that the company you choose has a robust quality control process to ensure that its products meet your standards and specifications.
- Delivery on schedule: In any PCB manufacturing process, timing is everything. Your supplier should, therefore, have a track record of on-time delivery of orders.
- Cost: Price is an important consideration when selecting a PCB manufacturer. Find a supplier who offers cost-effective goods and services without compromising the standard of their work or the timeliness of their deliveries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UK PCB makers have the vast knowledge and practical experience to produce dependable and high-quality PCBs for various applications. Future advancement of the UK’s electronics industry will depend heavily on their already essential services. You can choose a PCB manufacturer who satisfies all your criteria and can offer the best services for your requirements by conducting the necessary research and considerations. Please research thoroughly before choosing a manufacturer to handle your project to benefit from dependable, high-quality PCBs. To sum up, any company named above can deliver unique solutions. Just select the one that suits you best.
