PCB Assembly Services UK
UK PCB assembly services backed by a 5 year warranty, no NRE charges and on-site design engineers. From prototypes to production runs, every board is assembled, inspected by 3D AOI and functionally tested at our Letchworth facility. You only pay for working product, only when you need it.
Your UK PCB Assembly Partner
DSL provides PCB assembly services for businesses across the UK from our facility in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire. We handle surface mount, through-hole and mixed-technology builds for prototypes, small batches and ongoing production.
Our team includes on-site design engineers who work with complex PCBs every day. They do not just follow your manufacturing data. They review it, flag potential issues and suggest improvements before production begins. That means fewer delays, better yields and boards that work first time.
Every PCB assembly we produce is covered by our 5 year warranty. We do not charge NRE fees. And our flexible delivery model means you can order in bulk for the best unit cost, then call off batches as you need them.
Key Facts
- ISO 9001:2015 certified
- UK facility, Letchworth, Hertfordshire
- 3D AOI inspection on every build
- Flexible delivery and just-in-time call-off
- Free NRE on all projects
- 5 year warranty on every PCBA
Talk to Us About Your PCB Assembly Project
Whether you need a quote, want to discuss switching your PCB assembly to a UK partner, or have a technical question about your design, our team is here.
Contact us today
Speak to one of our knowledgeable and experienced team.
PCB Assembly Company in the UK
DSL’s exceptional client feedback stems from our commitment to quality, innovation, and tailored customer service. Our team’s expertise and dedication ensure reliable PCB Assembly that meets specific client needs. We prioritise effective communication and support, fostering lasting relationships by delivering consistently high-quality and timely products.
Quality and Innovation
Customised Solutions
Reliable Communication
Customised Solutions
Surface Mount (SMT) PCB Assembly
Surface mount technology is now the standard method for most PCB assemblies. Components are placed directly onto pads on the surface of the board using automated pick-and-place machines, then secured through controlled reflow soldering.
Our fully automated SMT line handles fine-pitch components, BGAs, QFNs and passives down to 0402 with consistent placement accuracy across every board.
The process is fast, repeatable and requires minimal manual intervention beyond initial setup and programming.
SMT PCB assembly is the right choice for compact designs, high component counts and production volumes where consistency matters. If your design uses surface mount components, our line is set up to handle it efficiently and reliably.
Learn more about our SMT assembly process and equipment
Through-Hole (THT) PCB Assembly
Through-hole technology places component leads through pre-drilled holes on the PCB and solders them on the opposite side. This creates a stronger mechanical bond than surface mount, which is why through-hole remains essential for components that need to withstand physical stress: connectors, battery holders, transformers and large capacitors.
Our skilled operators handle through-hole assembly by hand using high-accuracy soldering stations. For mixed-technology boards that combine SMT and through-hole components, we sequence the processes so surface mount goes through the automated line first, followed by manual through-hole placement and soldering.
Through-hole PCB assembly is the right choice when mechanical durability matters more than board density, or when specific components simply are not available in surface mount packages.
How Our PCB Assembly Process Works
Every PCB assembly that leaves our facility goes through a controlled, repeatable process. This is how we maintain the quality that underpins our 5 year warranty.
- Design Review – Before production begins, our engineers review your manufacturing pack: gerbers, bill of materials and pick-and-place file. If anything needs attention, we tell you before it becomes a production problem.
- Component Sourcing – We source components from trusted, traceable suppliers. Our procurement team confirms availability and pricing upfront so there are no surprises mid-build.
- SMT Assembly – Solder paste is applied by our automatic stencil printer, components are placed by our dual in-line pick-and-place machines, and the board passes through our 12-phase reflow oven for controlled soldering.
- Through-Hole Assembly – Where your design includes through-hole components, our operators place and solder them by hand using high-accuracy soldering stations.
- 3D AOI Inspection – Every board passes through our 3D Automated Optical Inspection system. It checks every component and every solder joint from multiple angles against your design data.
- Functional Testing – Boards are tested against your specifications to confirm they work as designed. We can use your existing test procedures or work with you to develop them.
- Despatch or Box Build – Completed PCBAs are either despatched to you or moved to our box build team for integration into enclosures, firmware installation and final product testing.
Why Choose DSL for PCB Assembly Services
The PCB is often the most critical component in any electronic product. Its reliability is not something to leave to chance, and it is not something to hand to the cheapest bidder.
DSL has been assembling PCBs for over 35 years. In that time we have invested in the equipment, processes and people needed to produce boards that work reliably for years, not months. Here is what that means in practice.
5 Year Warranty
Every PCBA we produce is covered by a 5 year warranty. Not 12 months. Five years. This is only possible because of our process controls, our equipment and the skill of our team. If a manufacturing defect appears, our RMA team handles it promptly.
Free NRE
Most contract manufacturers charge NRE (non-recurring engineering) fees to set up production for a new product: stencils, machine programming, AOI profiles, test fixtures. We absorb these costs. No setup fees when you start working with us or when you switch from another supplier.
On-Site Design Engineers
Our engineers design complex PCBs every day. That depth of experience means they catch issues in your design before production starts, suggest improvements for manufacturability and help resolve component obsolescence problems. This is included as standard.
Flexible Delivery
Order your full production quantity to secure the best unit cost. Call off batches of any size, whenever you need them. You only pay on receipt. This frees up your cash flow and reduces the stock you need to hold.
Made in Britain
All assembly takes place at our facility in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire. UK production means direct access to our engineering team, full traceability and the quality control that comes from having everything under one roof.
What Our Clients Say About Our PCB Assembly Services
Read what our clients say about our exceptional PCB Assembly, Box Build and Electronics Manufacturing service.
Contact Us to talk about your requirements.
Why Choose DSL as Your PCB Assembly UK Partner?
The PCB is often the most critical component in any electronic product, making its robustness and reliability paramount. At DSL, we understand the importance of this function and ensure that it is not left to chance.
Whether you are completely satisfied with your current PCB design and simply need a reliable PCB assembly and manufacturing partner, or if you’re facing challenges and seeking expert advice for improvement, we are here to assist.
Experienced Team
Our UK based team at DSL combines extensive experience with a commitment to excellence, providing not just PCB assembly services, but we can manage the process end to end.
With an in-house facility in Letchworth, Hertfordshire we are equipped with the latest technology alongside our years of experience and expertise in the industry. In fact, we are so confident in our ability to provide the very best service to our customers that we offer Free NRE and a 5 year warranty – unheard of in the industry.
Trust DSL to deliver quality and expertise in every aspect of PCB assembly, from prototypes to manging the entire project, making us an ideal choice for your project.
PCB Assembly: Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to provide for a PCB assembly quote?
We need your manufacturing pack, which typically includes gerber files, a bill of materials (BOM) and a pick-and-place file. If you are not sure whether you have everything, send us what you have and we will review it and let you know.
How long does PCB assembly take?
It depends on several factors: component lead times, board complexity (a double-sided board goes through the line twice), production speed and our current scheduling. We can produce fast-turn prototypes when you need them, but as a general rule, faster turnaround increases cost. We will give you a clear timeline with your quote.
How do you inspect and test PCBAs?
Every board goes through our 3D AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) system, which inspects every component and every solder joint from multiple angles at high resolution. This confirms the board has been manufactured correctly. For functional assurance, we recommend functional testing before despatch, either using your existing test procedure or one we develop with you.
How can I give my prototype the best chance of being right first time?
Prototypes are rarely perfect. The prototyping phase is about confirming the design works and optimising it for production. Our free Design Health Check service puts your design in front of our in-house engineers, who review it for common mistakes and manufacturability issues before you commit to a build.
How do I get unit costs down for production quantities?
Volume is the biggest factor. The more you can build in a single run, the lower the unit cost. DSL lets you get the benefit of volume pricing without taking delivery of everything at once. We build the full quantity, then you call off batches on a schedule that suits you. You only pay when we ship.
Do you charge NRE fees?
No. We offer free NRE on all projects. That includes stencil manufacture, machine programming, AOI setup and test fixture development. We see NRE as our investment in building your product, not a cost to pass on.
What is your minimum order quantity?
We have no fixed minimum. We handle everything from single prototype boards to ongoing production runs of thousands of units.
Related Electronic Manufacturing Services
If your current design has manufacturability issues, uses obsolete components, or could be optimised for cost and reliability, our design engineers can help. Learn more about our PCB redesign service.
Flexible Delivery
Order in bulk, call off as needed, pay on receipt. Our flexible delivery model is designed to free up your cash flow and reduce stock holding. Learn more about flexible delivery schedules.
Box Build
Need a finished, tested product rather than bare PCBAs? Our box build service handles enclosure integration, cabling, firmware installation and final testing. Learn more about our box build services.