Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast

MEP EP#266: The ExpertDesign for Manufacturing – Beyond the Digital Domain

Webinar that Chris Church (Co-Founder of MacroFab) will be co-hosting with Edwin Robledo of AutoDesk.

Building a Program and Testing procedure for your first production run

Take lots of pictures
Keep it up to date and version controlled
Hand off the procedure to a colleague and have them run through it
Work with your CM

MacroFab works closely to help flesh out procedures and fixture designs

What is you acceptable fall out from production

This is where scaling up production runs can help iron out QA procedures for your product
Find tolerancing issues with components

Keep in mind your target pricing

Elements of a good test procedure - THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

It is almost impossible to have too much information in your test procedure - within reason.
Remember - Your CM can always distill your information down to something less than what you provide
Typically they have one “expert” who knows everything and multiple operators who execute the tasks.
You don’t know when your documentation is needed so be thorough

Things to include in the documentation - preferably at the top

Product/assembly name
Test procedure Rev
List of board revisions that this procedure applies to
Map or image of terms or items
List of ALL software required

Do not assume that your CM has anything
If software version is important make sure this is called out

List of ALL files required

Be explicit with the names
Do not be shy with file structure

Be consistent

If you call a board X then always call it X

Test procedure Meat and potatoes

List of required equipment

What can be expected of a CM to have?
Be granular here. All the way down to cables
Do not be afraid to call out amazon links to required items


Avoid parallel anything - Sequential steps are the best
Always have criteria and be reasonable!

consider how the operator will approach your target and adjust accordingly!
Failures - Let the operator know what to do with a failure


If anything is to be marked or saved be explicit how and where to do it. If there is a sticker or label to be applied show a picture where you want it to go.

Show Notes

MEP EP#266: The Expert

    • Webinar that Chris Church (Co-Founder of MacroFab) will be co-hosting with Edwin Robledo of AutoDesk.
  • Building a Program and Testing procedure for your first production run
    • Take lots of pictures
    • Keep it up to date and version controlled
    • Hand off the procedure to a colleague and have them run through it
    • Work with your CM
      • MacroFab works closely to help flesh out procedures and fixture designs
    • What is you acceptable fall out from production
      • This is where scaling up production runs can help iron out QA procedures for your product
      • Find tolerancing issues with components
    • Keep in mind your target pricing
  • Elements of a good test procedure - THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
    • It is almost impossible to have too much information in your test procedure - within reason.
    • Remember - Your CM can always distill your information down to something less than what you provide
    • Typically they have one “expert” who knows everything and multiple operators who execute the tasks.
    • You don’t know when your documentation is needed so be thorough
  • Things to include in the documentation - preferably at the top
    • Product/assembly name
    • Test procedure Rev
    • List of board revisions that this procedure applies to
    • Map or image of terms or items
    • List of ALL software required
      • Do not assume that your CM has anything
      • If software version is important make sure this is called out
    • List of ALL files required
      • Be explicit with the names
      • Do not be shy with file structure
    • Be consistent
      • If you call a board X then always call it X
  • Test procedure Meat and potatoes
    • List of required equipment
      • What can be expected of a CM to have?
      • Be granular here. All the way down to cables
      • Do not be afraid to call out amazon links to required items
    • Avoid parallel anything - Sequential steps are the best
    • Always have criteria and be reasonable!
      • consider how the operator will approach your target and adjust accordingly!
      • Failures - Let the operator know what to do with a failure
    • If anything is to be marked or saved be explicit how and where to do it. If there is a sticker or label to be applied show a picture where you want it to go.

Creators & Guests

Host
Parker Dillmann
A Founder @MacroFab.Builds Electronics, Cars, & Jeeps.
Host
Stephen Kraig
EE
Producer
Chris Martin

What is Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast?

Dive into the electrifying world of electrical engineering with Circuit Break, a MacroFab podcast hosted by Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig. This dynamic duo, armed with practical experience and a palpable passion for tech, explores the latest innovations, industry news, and practical challenges in the field. From DIY project hurdles to deep dives with industry experts, Parker and Stephen's real-world insights provide an engaging learning experience that bridges theory and practice for engineers at any stage of their career.

Whether you're a student eager to grasp what the job market seeks, or an engineer keen to stay ahead in the fast-paced tech world, Circuit Break is your go-to. The hosts, alongside a vibrant community of engineers, makers, and leaders, dissect product evolutions, demystify the journey of tech from lab to market, and reverse engineer the processes behind groundbreaking advancements. Their candid discussions not only enlighten but also inspire listeners to explore the limitless possibilities within electrical engineering.

Presented by MacroFab, a leader in electronics manufacturing services, Circuit Break connects listeners directly to the forefront of PCB design, assembly, and innovation. MacroFab's platform exemplifies the seamless integration of design and manufacturing, catering to a broad audience from hobbyists to professionals.

About the hosts: Parker, an expert in Embedded System Design and DSP, and Stephen, an aficionado of audio electronics and brewing tech, bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the show. Their backgrounds in engineering and hands-on projects make each episode a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and practical advice.

Join the conversation and community at our online engineering forum, where we delve deeper into each episode's content, gather your feedback, and explore the topics you're curious about. Subscribe to Circuit Break on your favorite podcast platform and become part of our journey through the fascinating world of electrical engineering.