Which aspect is a drawback of Veroboard when compared to PCBs?

Veroboard, made of a plastic backing with copper tracks, has a less compact design compared to printed circuit boards (PCBs). This is primarily due to the nature of its layout and the physical size of the board itself. PCBs are manufactured to accommodate dense layouts of components and connections using advanced techniques, allowing for smaller and more complex designs that are both efficient and space-saving. Veroboard requires manual placement and wiring of components, which often results in a larger overall circuit assembly, as components need to be spaced further apart to accommodate hand wiring. This broader spacing leads to the board being less compact, making it less advantageous for applications where space efficiency is key.

In contrast, the other aspects mentioned, like production costs, heat generation, and susceptibility to damage, may vary based on design specifications and application specifics, but the overall compactness attributed to PCBs sets a clear distinction in design advantages when comparing them to Veroboard.