3.2 PVT / Pilot Run Readiness: Tooling, Test & Yield
PVT (Production Validation Test) is not a "practice run"; it is a stress test of the manufacturing system. The objective is to prove that the process—not just the product—is capable of volume production at the target cost and quality. If you enter PVT with "redlines" on drawings or engineers fixing units on the line, you are not validating production; you are performing expensive R&D.
We enforce a strict "Stop" policy: If the line is not production-ready, the pilot does not start.
Readiness Definition (The Entry Criteria)
A pilot run is only valid if it mimics Mass Production (MP) conditions. If the environment is artificial → Then the data is worthless.
Tooling & Fixtures
- Hard Tooling: Molds must be T1 or T2 status with texture approved. No soft tooling allowed.
- Assembly Fixtures: All jigs (screw guides, press-fits, glue alignment) must be final design. No 3D printed temporary jigs.
- Stencils: Nano-coated stainless steel stencils cut to DFM-optimized apertures.
Test Readiness
Testing must be binary. Subjectivity is the enemy of scale.
- FCT (Functional Test): Automated sequence required. No manual probing.
- Limits Locked: Pass/Fail thresholds (Voltage, Current, dB, Lux) are frozen in software.
- MSA (Measurement System Analysis): Gage R&R < 10%. If the tester variance is high, you cannot measure product variance.
The Golden Sample
- Definition: A physical unit that represents the "Perfect Standard" for cosmetic and subjective fit/finish.
- Requirement: One Golden Sample must be present at the Final Quality Control (FQC) station.
- Sign-off: Signed/dated by the Customer and Quality Manager.
Pro-Tip: Remove the Engineering team from the assembly line during PVT. If an operator cannot assemble the unit using only the Written Work Instructions (SOP), the process has failed. Engineers must observe, not touch.
Yield Targets & Rework Limits
PVT must expose weakness. Do not mask issues by allowing infinite rework.
Yield Targets:
- FPY (First Pass Yield): Target ≥ 95%.
- Line Yield (After Rework): Target ≥ 98%.
- Cpk (Process Capability): ≥ 1.33 for critical dimensions.
The "Touch Limit":
Defects found during PVT must trigger a stop.
- If the same failure mode occurs > 3 times consecutively → Then STOP LINE. Call Engineering.
- If a unit requires > 2 rework attempts → Then SCRAP the unit. It is no longer representative of a standard product.
Pilot Readiness Checklist
Verify these checkpoints 48 hours before the scheduled pilot start.
Category | Checkpoint | Required State |
Documentation | Work Instructions (SOP) | Printed, laminated, and posted at every station in local language. |
Control Plan | Inspection points (IQC, IPQC, OQC) defined with sampling rate (AQL). | |
Material | Clear to Build (CTB) | 100% material on-site. No "shortages to be hand-carried." |
Component Prep | Moisture Sensitive Devices (MSD) baked and sealed. | |
Process | Reflow Profile | Profile measured and within spec for specific solder paste. |
Torque Settings | Electric drivers calibrated to spec; Bit verification done. | |
Test | Test Stations | 100% operational; "Red Rabbits" (known bad units) successfully failed. |
The Pilot Report Template (The Approval Artifact)
The Pilot Report is the "Gate Key" to Mass Production. It summarizes the build data into a commercial decision.
Section A: Executive Summary
- Build Quantity: [Input]
- Start/End Date: [Input]
- Result: [PASS / CONDITIONAL PASS / FAIL]
Section B: Performance Matrix
Metric | Target | Actual | Delta | Status |
FPY (Yield) | ≥ 95% | 96.2% | +1.2% | PASS |
Cycle Time | 60 sec | 68 sec | +8 sec | FAIL |
Shortages | 0 | 0 | 0 | PASS |
Critical Defects | 0 | 1 | +1 | FAIL |
Section C: Top 3 Pareto (Failure Modes)
- Ref Designator U14: Solder Bridge (Quantity: 5). Root Cause: Stencil aperture too wide.
- LCD Connector: Bent Pin (Quantity: 3). Root Cause: Operator handling error.
- Cosmetic: Scratch on case (Quantity: 2). Root Cause: Fixture interference.
Section D: Open Issues List (OIL)
- Issue: Cycle time 8 seconds over target.
- Action: Add second screwing station to balance line.
- Owner: Ops Manager.
- Due Date: Prior to Mass Production.
Section E: Sign-Off
- Approvals: [Plant Manager Signature] | [Quality Manager Signature] | [Customer Operations Signature]
Final Checklist
Control Point | Passing Criteria | State |
Red Rabbits | Test stations successfully caught known bad units. | Pass / Fail |
Cycle Time | Line speed matches the quoted commercial cost model. | Yes / No |
Cosmetic Alignment | Boundary samples (Marginal Pass/Fail) defined for FQC. | Defined |
Software Version | Firmware checksum matches the Golden Release. | Matched |
Traceability | Serial numbers recorded and linked to test data in database. | Active |