Test Process Tools

Abstract

Beyond the physical test equipment used by a manufacturer, the suite of test process tools that are available include a broad spectrum of test strategies. Competent process engineers take time to understand the advantages and disadvantages embodied in each of the strategies. The relative advantages of each process type are influenced by several variables, only a few of which are under control of the process engineer. Processes and test equipment constantly improves. New methods of analyzing information are developed regularly. Component manufacturers change their processes and designs change. To maintain the optimum type and amount of testing over the long term, test strategies must evolve as well. Obviously, some test processes are inappropriate for certain manufacturing styles or methods. Some types of test are best employed with low-volume processes, while large-volume manufacturing is best served by other test process types. Some test strategies work best when a small number of parts must be assembled, while others become more effective where there are a large number of parts in each assembly.