Merry Keyzermas!
Chris Gammell, an engineer at Valve, discusses the high-volume manufacturing of the Steam Controller, detailing the transition from prototype to a massive automated assembly line in Illinois. He explains the engineering challenges of designing for production variation, such as component tolerances and temperature-sensitive magnets, and the complexities of designing for automation. Gammell also shares insights from his frequent trips to China for PCB assembly, emphasizing the importance of a portable 'China kit' and rapid quality control processes.