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The IPC Hand Soldering Competition (HSC) 2026 UK Regional Qualification will take place from 3–5 February 2026 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, bringing together top electronics manufacturing professionals to showcase their precision soldering skills.
Professional competitors will be judged by IPC Master Instructors (MITs) on their ability to solder a complex printed circuit board within 60 minutes, in strict compliance with IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria. Evaluation will focus on workmanship quality, assembly process, electrical functionality, and speed.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top performers: €300 for first place, €200 for second place, and €100 for third place. The regional winner will also earn an all-expenses-paid invitation from the Global Electronics Association to compete in the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship at the electronica trade show in Munich, Germany, in November 2026.
In addition, companies are invited to nominate teams for the Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award, with combined scores from the top two competitors determining the winning organization.
Registration is free of charge and open to all professionals, no IPC membership or certification is required. Interested participants can secure their competition slot by completing the registration form; confirmed competitors will receive their assigned date and time by email.
