After two busy days at Hardware Pioneers 2026, the Active-PCB Solutions team came away with a clear sense of what engineers, product developers, buyers and technology businesses are prioritising when it comes to electronics manufacturing.
The conversations we had throughout the event reflected a market that is focused not only on PCB assembly, but on reliability, flexibility, supply chain confidence and practical manufacturing support from the earliest stages of product development.
Customers are looking for more than PCB assembly
One of the strongest themes from the event was that customers are increasingly looking for manufacturing partners who can offer more than build-to-print PCB assembly.
While high-quality assembly remains essential, many projects require wider support. This can include advice during prototype and NPI stages, help identifying manufacturing risks, support with testing requirements, guidance around materials and finishes, and additional services such as conformal coating, box build, rework and refurbishment.
For many customers, the value of a manufacturing partner is not simply in placing components on a board. It is in helping to make the overall process smoother, more reliable and more commercially practical.
UK manufacturing remains an important consideration
UK-based manufacturing support was another recurring topic.
For customers working on prototypes, new product introduction, low-to-medium volume production or complex assemblies, being able to work closely with a UK manufacturing partner can offer significant advantages.
Shorter communication routes, faster response times, closer collaboration and reduced logistics complexity can all make a difference, particularly when projects are still evolving or require a flexible approach.
In an environment where supply chain disruption and material availability remain important considerations, many businesses are also placing greater emphasis on confidence, visibility and responsiveness throughout the manufacturing process.
Testing and inspection are being discussed earlier
Another clear theme from the event was the growing importance of testing and inspection.
Rather than being treated as a final-stage check, testing and inspection are increasingly being considered earlier in the project lifecycle. This is a positive shift, as early planning can help identify the most appropriate approach, reduce the risk of delays and ensure that quality requirements are built into the process from the beginning.
At Active-PCB Solutions, testing and inspection can include automated optical inspection, X-ray inspection, electrical testing, functional testing and skilled manual inspection. The right combination depends on the product, application, complexity and reliability requirements.
Discussing these requirements early allows both the customer and the manufacturing team to make more informed decisions before production begins.
Conformal coating is relevant across more sectors
We also had a growing number of conversations around conformal coating.
Traditionally associated with high-reliability sectors such as aerospace, defence and medical technology, conformal coating is now relevant across a much wider range of applications.
Any electronic assembly that may be exposed to moisture, dust, condensation, chemicals, temperature variation or challenging operating environments may benefit from additional protection.
Since bringing conformal coating in-house, Active-PCB Solutions has been able to offer customers greater flexibility, shorter lead times and improved process control by integrating coating directly into existing assembly, testing and inspection operations.
Customers want advice, not just production capacity
Perhaps the most important takeaway from Hardware Pioneers was that customers are looking for manufacturing partners who can advise, challenge and support them.
Electronics manufacturing is rarely just a transactional process. Successful projects often depend on good communication, early technical input and a shared understanding of quality, cost, lead time and risk.
Whether a customer is moving from prototype to production, reviewing their testing strategy, considering conformal coating or looking for a UK manufacturing partner, the right support can make a significant difference to the success of a project.
Continuing the conversation
Hardware Pioneers 2026 was a brilliant opportunity to meet businesses from across a wide range of industries and to understand more about the challenges and priorities shaping the future of electronics manufacturing.
Thank you to everyone who visited the Active-PCB Solutions team during the event. We look forward to continuing those conversations and supporting customers with PCB assembly, testing and inspection, conformal coating, box build, rework, refurbishment and wider electronics manufacturing requirements.
