Accurate positioning and alignment of a component during processes such as reflow soldering

One or more channels are provided in the surface of a conductive layer of a PCB substrate in an area on which a component is to be placed. The channels can help reduce or prevent shifting of the component during reflow soldering through surface tension/capillary forces of the solder paste material in the channels. Such channels also can be used, for example, by an image processing system to facilitate accurate positioning and/or alignment of the component. The image processing system can use the location of the channels alone, or in combination with other features such as a solder mask or other alignment marks, to position and/or align the component with high accuracy.