FAQ

Spring contact probes contain valuable and scarce raw materials. Therefore, worn contact probes may and should be returned and recycled. Gold and silver, for example, can be reused. This protects the environment and ensures that our products are used sustainably.

High-frequency probes (RF probes) are connected to the test instrument via an RF coaxial cable. The cable is plugged directly onto the probe. Feinmetall offers the corresponding cable for each probe. The exact cable required can be found in the product data sheet.

The wobble function allows the probe body to move freely within a certain range. This allows the probe to compensate for misalignments (deviations from the contacting axis) to the DUT and the error rate during the test is greatly reduced. In addition, this results in gentler contacting of the DUT.

A crown head shape is usually used when contacting solder bumps. A crown catches the solder bump and provides a more reliable contact than a tip. However, when contacting a flat PAD, a pointed head shape should be used as this provides a centered contacting of the DUT (Device Under Test). In addition, dirt and oxide layers can be penetrated better by the tip than by a crown.

Depending on the measuring accuracy, the position determination can be carried out with different possibilities:

1. with normal switching probes to obtain a yes/no statement.
2. with off-on-off probes to limit the test range to a relatively small measuring range.
3. with the Position Sensor System the exact position/length of a component can be determined.

In the case of a lateral presence test, conventional contact probes have a significantly reduced service life due to the lateral forces. In order to carry out this test optimally, there are contact probes with ball head developed by Feinmetall which deflect the lateral forces and can make contact without scratching.

Push Back Probes are used to check if connector elements (inlays) are really firmly seated in the housing or if they could come loose during use. For this reason, Push Back Probes usually have a significantly higher spring force than other types of Probes.

In contrast to pluggable contact probes, screw-in versions cannot simply be pressed into the receptacle, but must be screwed in with the appropriate tool. For this purpose, Feinmetall offers the appropriate screw-in tool for each screwable probe.
To ensure that the probes are screwed in with the appropriate torque, these tools are also available with a screw-in aid.

The correct fit of a contact element in a connector can be checked with Step Probes. If the contact element has the correct length or position, contact is made and an electrical signal is passed on. If this is too short or not present, the step of the contact head hits the connector housing and cannot penetrate further. As a result, no contact is made and the error is detected.