Articles on Product Testing using Pogo Jigs

[Chuckt]

I didn't know these things existed but there is a way to test manufacturing of PCB makers with pogo pins or a bed of nails to find out which manufacturer is best for your Kickstarter project.

What is a test jig?

In metalworking and woodworking, a jig is a type of tool used to control the location and/or motion of another tool. A jig's primary purpose is to provide repeatability, accuracy, and interchangeability in the manufacturing of products.[1] A jig is often confused with a fixture; a fixture holds the work in a fixed location. A device that does both functions (holding the work and guiding a tool) is called a jig.[citation needed]

An example of a jig is when a key is duplicated, the original is used as a jig so the new key can have the same path as the old one. Since the advent of automation and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines, jigs are often not required because the tool path is digitally programmed and stored in memory. Jigs may be made for reforming plastics.

Jigs or templates have been known long before the industrial age. There are many types of jigs, and each one is custom-tailored to do a specific job. Many jigs are created because there is a necessity to do so by the tradesmen. Some are to increase productivity, to do repetitious activities and to do a job more precisely.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jig_(tool)


This article called "Test Fixture Development" shows a little bit of difference between PCB makers and it opened up my understanding as to why it is important to test:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pau ... sts/305527

PogoBeds: SparkFun Production and Testing

http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/138

Making a test jig w/pogo pins:

http://www.ladyada.net/make/pogojig/index.html



Hopefully production on your future kickstarter project will go better with a little product testing.

[brad]

I was just recently checking out how pebble used this sort of thing to test the watches