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SMT Manual Assembly
SMT Manual Assembly
At ProtoLab SRL, we offer reliable, high-quality SMT (Surface Mount Technology) assembly services tailored specifically for prototypes and low-to-medium batch production. Whether you’re developing a smart IoT device, EV charging controller, or industrial interface board, we help you bring your design to life with fast turnarounds and meticulous attention to detail.
As a small, design-oriented electronics bureau, we combine manual SMT assembly with outsourced automation for scalable and cost-effective production.
What is SMT Assembly?
What is SMT Assembly?
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is the process of mounting electronic components directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB), as opposed to inserting them through holes. SMT has become the dominant PCB assembly method for modern electronics due to its efficiency, compactness, and suitability for high-speed automated production.
Unlike through-hole assembly, SMT allows for:
High component density
Compact product design
Lower manufacturing costs (at scale)
Faster production times
At ProtoLab, we specialize in small-run SMT assembly, offering both hand-placed and partner-automated options depending on your needs.
Benefits of SMT in Prototyping and Small Batch Manufacturing
Benefits of SMT in Prototyping and Small Batch Manufacturing
For clients developing early-stage products, SMT offers a unique combination of speed, scalability, and functionality. Here’s why it’s often the preferred choice:
Miniaturization: Enables compact layouts for wearables, IoT, and portable devices
Faster Assembly: Even hand-placed SMDs are quicker to assemble than through-hole components
Improved Electrical Performance: Shorter traces reduce parasitic effects and signal interference
Design Validation: Faster iteration cycles accelerate product refinement
Seamless Transition to Mass Production: SMT prototypes are closer to final production layouts
With SMT, you can validate your real-world design, not just a breadboard simulation.
In-House Manual SMT Assembly
In-House Manual SMT Assembly
Ideal for prototypes and micro-batches:
SMD sizes down to 0402
Mixed SMT and through-hole builds
Fine-pitch ICs and passive arrays
Manual solder paste application or pre-pasted PCBs
Reflow soldering via hot air or small ovens
This gives us maximum flexibility when testing new designs, allowing quick changes, rework, and evaluation before scaling.
Outsourced Partner Assembly for Larger Runs
Outsourced Partner Assembly for Larger Runs
When your design is validated and you’re ready for 50–200 pcs:
We generate Pick & Place files and solder paste stencils
Partner factories in the EU or China provide automated SMT reflow assembly
We coordinate quality checks, delivery, and functional testing
This ensures your small-batch production remains affordable, professional, and fast, while you retain a single point of contact with our team.
Quality Inspection & Testing
Quality Inspection & Testing
Regardless of scale, every board is inspected before delivery:
Microscope-based visual inspection for alignment, solder bridges, and polarity
Multimeter probing for shorts or missing connections
Functional testing available for powered devices
Rework services available on request
For prototypes, we often recommend combining SMT assembly with our functional testing or compliance testing to catch design or soldering faults early.
Ready to Build Your Prototype?
Ready to Build Your Prototype?
If you need rugged and reliable assembly for your prototype or small-batch product, ProtoLab SRL is here to help. With a deep focus on design-led engineering and flexible low-volume production, we’re ready to be your hardware development partner from idea to functional board.
📩 Contact us today to get a quote or discuss your next project.
🔧 Let’s turn your schematic into a working device—safely, reliably, and fast.
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