Circuit board testing allows you to make sure your product works competently and precisely and with clear connections. This increases efficiency in productivity and yields error-free final products. Circuit boards have intricate paths so quality testing is critical, especially when it comes to quantity output. Business owners should work with testing equipment geared specifically toward their needs.

Knowing what sort of printed circuit board testing equipment, also called PCB testing equipment, you want and learning how to conduct accurate printed circuit board tests is the first step towards optimizing production. You also want to:

1. Scope out PCB testing equipment manufacturers who offer tutorials on product use to maximize testing accuracy.

2. Sample printed circuit board testers to ensure that you have the ideal equipment for your situation.

3. Purchase a printed circuit board tester from a supplier that offers training and product support.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Utilize refurbished or used PCB testing and maintenance equipment

When you buy refurbished PCB testing equipment or use a PCB equipment rental service, you save on business costs and have the opportunity to test equipment you might want to purchase. This helps you gage the pros and cons of the PCB testing equipment before you spend the money.

I recommend: Polar Instruments is a worldwide distributor of testing equipment including printed circuit board testers. It sells testing equipment and also rents equipment, so contact a distributor near you to find the best rental options for your purposes. If you want to purchase equipment to help you with general maintenance, consider used equipment from Hi-Tech Sources. It carries used and refurbished PCB cleaning machines.

Look at manufacturers of printed circuit board testers to find the best tools for your business

There is no need to filter through PCB test equipment tutorials when you can contact manufacturers directly to find the perfect testing and maintenance tools for your job.

I recommend: EXAIR produces circuit board testers with unique vertex tubes which the company designs for spot cooling. The tubes come with various features to aid in cabinet cooling. SenDEC is an ISO 9001:2000 certified contract electronics manufacturing service that includes testing tools like in-circuit testing and functional testing. The company designs testing tools for unique customer project requirements.

Learn the best tools for printed circuit board maintenance by consulting with an expert

Get the inside scoop on maintaining printed circuit boards from a consultant. Work with experts who teach you the fine points of PCB maintenance and testing.

I recommend: Agilent, a worldwide vendor of advanced electronics, offers consultants who come right to your work place to show you how to best use your equipment through maintenance and testing. ARDCO not only designs printed circuit boards but also offers consulting for testing systems. It is an expert in electronic systems design.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Whether you choose to go the route of PCB tester leasing, consider leasing from a supplier that offers an option to purchase equipment after your rental time ends.