Post by INGUN Group

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐂𝐓/𝐅𝐂𝐓 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? Side force occurs when test probes are not perfectly aligned while contacting test points on the PCB. This can result from the geometry of the test points, such as rounded or uneven surfaces, or from inaccuracies in the fixture’s approach mechanism. As a result, the plunger is deflected during the working stroke and exposed to additional mechanical stress. 💡𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰: Excessive side force can overload the plunger and lead to premature wear or damage of the test probe. While side force cannot be eliminated completely, it can often be reduced. The key is to ensure the receptacle is installed as straight as possible. In some cases, a different tip style can help further reduce side force. 👉 𝐈𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭: Side force increases mechanical stress on the test probe. Proper receptacle alignment and tip style selection are key to minimising it.