Achieving quality in the manufacture of connector contacts

Summary form only given, as follows. Achieving quality in the manufacture of connector contacts begins with a complete understanding of the performance requirements of the customer's system (including environmental, mechanical, electrical, technological, and reliability requirements) before the contact design is begun. Ensuring conformance to these requirements by the completed connector configuration starts with the initial design and continues through a carefully controlled design review system from concept to the high-volume manufacturing stage. Carefully written inspection plans, process capability studies, process controls, and continuous measurement of PPM rejection rates for all phases of the manufacturing process (including stamping, machining, plating, and assembly) will provide a contact that performs as required. Part of the quality process must be an understanding that goals must be set for continuous improvement and reject reduction.