OEM Archives - Means Engineering, Inc.

Understanding In-Circuit Testing

March 27, 2020 By meiadmin

Electronics manufacturers must take necessary precautions to ensure nothing goes wrong with finished products. This is especially important for manufacturers creating devices for the medical, aerospace, and defense industries. Even devices made for other industries require careful assembly if manufacturers wish to avoid costly rebuilds, repairs, and recalls.

In order to ensure proper operation of all parts and components, electronics manufacturers must continuously test throughout production. Using a wide range of tests at different parts of the process helps ensure the quality and reliability of all finished products.

One of the most commonly used tests, in-circuit testing (ICT), helps ensure contract manufacturers and OEMs consistently meet defined parameters during production. ICT provides valuable information about problems with the board. This can prove extremely beneficial as most issues with electronic devices occur because of short circuits, wrong components, and open circuits on the board.

How it Works

ICT relies on a special test fixture, commonly referred to as “bed of nails” because it contains multiple contact pins. The contact pins come in contact with circuit nodes on the printed circuit board (PCB) to measure performance of the components. ICT allows contract manufacturers to measure various parameters including resistance, capacitance, and the operation of analog components. ICT is also sometimes used to measure functionality of digital circuits. However, full testing of circuit functionality isn’t usually feasible due to circuit complexity.

Benefits of ICT

When performed correctly, ICT can catch around 98% of faults with the board. Test results provided by ICT are easy to interpret. This makes it possible for manufacturers of all skillsets to locate problems quickly. Programming an in circuit tester is extremely easy. Electronics manufacturers can use information provided in the PCB layout to generate most of the program.

Disadvantages of ICT

Although ICT remains one of the most popular printed circuit board testing methods, it’s not without its disadvantages. As the size of components shrink, it’s becoming more difficult for manufacturers to gain access to all nodes on the board. This can lead to unreliable test results.

Contract manufacturers and OEMs must rely on a number of different testing methods to ensure the quality of finished products. This is especially important for those responsible for the creation of potentially life-saving products. Although ICT provides an effecting method for testing PCBs, it’s important that electronics manufacturers use additional tests to determine the quality and reliability of circuit boards.

Why OEMs Need Contract Manufacturers

October 19, 2018 By meiadmin

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) face numerous challenges when it comes to locating qualified talent. This shortage is driving OEMs to partner with Contract Manufacturers (CMs) on a more regular basis.

Design, Production, and Testing of Products

OEMs are enlisting the help of qualified CMs early in the process, for help with design and development. This is especially true for OEMs responsible for the production of medical devices, which must meet a number of regulatory requirements. Planning must begin much earlier with these types of products to ensure compliance.

Market delays and recalls are extremely expensive. Working with a CM helps increase the quality of products produced and reduces or eliminates the likelihood of issues. The prevention of potential issues is significantly more cost-effective than saving costs on production.

When involved in the design process, CMs are able to locate areas that could benefit from improvement. This might involve reducing costs and increasing quality by changing materials or simplifying processes to reduce time to market.

Quality CMs have years of experience creating a wide range of products for a variety of industries. They understand unique industry requirements and know how to create products to meet strict rules and regulations.

An experienced CM has access to the latest equipment and technologies. This can be beneficial for OEMs looking to create complex electronic devices. CMs deliver high-quality products built to the specs of the OEM.

Choosing a Qualified CM

When choosing a company to work with, OEMs must ensure that the CM they choose is willing to understand and achieve their end-goal target. Although many OEMs focus on price when selecting a CM, there are other factors that are far more important. It’s crucial that OEMs partner with a CM that is flexible when it comes to integration, project management, and responsiveness. This helps ensure growth, regardless of future market changes.

Means Engineering Inc. provides CM services to OEMs across a wide range of industries. Our experienced team works directly with each of our clients to locate ways to improve product design, reduce production cost, and improve product quality.

Avoiding Problems Associated With Outsourcing

November 10, 2017 By meiadmin

Avoiding Problems Associated With Outsourcing

Most electronics manufacturers simply would not survive without the help of a contract manufacturer (CM). Outsourcing allows electronics companies to create more products, improve quality, save money and reduce time-to-market. Despite the numerous benefits, many OEMs have problems with outsourcing. It’s important to avoid the following pitfalls if you want your CM partnership to be a success.

Choosing the wrong contract manufacturer to work with

Whenever you outsource, you give up control of the manufacturing process. The biggest issues with outsourcing occur when you choose the wrong contract manufacturer. Working with the wrong CM can lead to a number of problems for your business. It’s extremely important that you hire a company you can trust. The right contract manufacturer will become a reliable partner that you can work with for years to come.

Before hiring a company, you need to find out as much as you can about their business. Consider all factors that could affect your relationship with them such as geographic location, technical capabilities, experience, quality control practices as well as strategic and financial fit.

Make sure that the company you choose is able to handle your needs. They should be up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques. They should be able to handle a wide variety of projects. Experience with multiple industries ensures diverse capabilities.

Spend some time developing a clear set of criteria for your contract manufacturer. A well-developed plan and a methodical process can go a long way towards a successful relationship with your CM.

Inadequate NPI Product Management

New product introductions (NPI) are a crucial part of the OEM/CM relationship. NPI is a complex process, involving multiple steps. In order to successfully create and launch new products, you need the right contract manufacturer on your side.

A CM can help design, produce and test new products. They provide a second set of eyes for your project. They are well positioned to catch flaws in design that could affect performance. The right contract manufacturer will point out ways to reduce costs and time of production.

The right contract manufacturer can help you produce high quality, reliable electronics. This increases public trust in your brand.