A few of us recently had the privilege of traveling to the 27th Annual Components for Military & Space Electronics Conference & Exhibition. For those who don’t necessarily work in these industries or couldn’t make it, let me catch you up on some of the hotter topics that had us buzzing: Alternate COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) for Space, High Reliability, and Lot Screen Testing. As a mechanical engineer in the space and military electronics industry, these topics can be a challenge during the product design and qualification process.
Samtec, one of the industry leaders and sponsors of the event, took the stage to present on Lot Screen Testing to the MIL-DTL-55302 standard. For those of us who enjoy delving into testing methodologies, the presentation at CMSE was certainly illuminating. It highlighted the utilization of existing EIA-364 testing standards, emphasizing their crucial role in guaranteeing the reliability of COTS parts intended for use in space and military applications.
![Lot Screen Testing](https://blog.samtec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-1.png)
Lot Screen Testing isn’t your typical screening process; it’s instrumental for companies like ours dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of product quality and reliability. It provides customers with greater assurance that their individual lot will not only meet but possibly surpass the comprehensive testing MIL-DTL-55302 subjects it to. With Samtec’s innovative business model and adaptability, we’re currently offering this cutting-edge testing solution to military and aerospace companies seeking the highest level of screening for their orders.
So, what exactly sets Lot Screen Testing apart?
First off, it’s all about rigorous testing on the exact materials and samples being made that will be part of the final assembly. With Samtec being a broad industry manufacturer our orders range from a one-piece sample to hundreds of thousands of parts in an order. We’re talking about subjecting components to a battery of tests that go above and beyond the standard requirements. This means pushing these parts to their limits to ensure they can withstand the harsh conditions of space or military operations, on your exact lot of material, right off the assembly line without skipping a beat.
![](https://blog.samtec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-2.png)
But here’s the kicker: Lot Screen Testing isn’t just about throwing every test in the book at these components. It’s about smart testing, leveraging existing standards like EIA-364 to streamline the process while still ensuring comprehensive coverage. It’s efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
A benefit to working with Samtec is our commitment to Sudden Service and flexibility. We understand that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to testing requirements. That’s why we are willing to work closely with customers to review Lot Screen Testing to make sure they meet the customer’s specific needs. Whether it’s tweaking the test parameters or customizing the testing workflow, Samtec is all about delivering a solution that works for you. If there is a specific requirement that is beyond our inline testing we have industry partners who can help further upscreen the parts to meet your needs.
But why does all this matter?
Well, in the world of space and military electronics, reliability is non-negotiable. A single-component failure can have catastrophic consequences. Lot Screen Testing isn’t just about meeting regulatory standards; it’s about instilling confidence that our products will perform flawlessly when it matters most.
Including the Lot Screen Testing in the manufacturing facility on COTS products can greatly reduce time to market and get your applications in space as soon as possible. As we move forward from CMSE, I can’t help but feel excited about the possibilities that Lot Screen Testing opens up for us.
If you’re as intrigued as I am and want to learn more about Lot Screen Testing and how it can benefit your projects, I highly recommend checking out Samtec’s resources on the topic:
- Contact [email protected] for questions on Lot Screen Testing
- Military & Aerospace Connectors and Product Applications | Samtec
- Samtec’s Space Legacy – The Samtec Blog
- Outgassing eBrochure
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