# Ep. 11 - Quality Control

- Show: [Open Hardware Manufacturing Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast)
- Published: 2023-12-21
- Length: 1h 08m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-12-21-ep-11-quality-control
- Listen: http://opulo.io

## Summary

Stephen Hawes and Lucian Chepa of Opulo discuss their quality control philosophy, emphasizing that testing is a critical second product. They detail the implementation of the 'QC Buddy' system to combat human error and the use of 'Gundam' software for functional testing of PCBs and assemblies. The episode covers decisions on traceability depth, AQL sampling for high-volume components, and designing foolproof jigs to prevent assembly mistakes.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-12-21-ep-11-quality-control#t=0) Introduction: QC Philosophy and Risk Thresholds
- [4:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-12-21-ep-11-quality-control#t=245) PCB Testing and Functional Validation
- [11:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-12-21-ep-11-quality-control#t=693) Poka-Yoke Jigs and Assembly Design
- [22:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-12-21-ep-11-quality-control#t=1326) Testing Full Ranges and Worst Cases
- [28:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-12-21-ep-11-quality-control#t=1717) AQL and Sampling Strategies
- [39:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-12-21-ep-11-quality-control#t=2369) The QC Buddy System and Human Error
- [48:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-12-21-ep-11-quality-control#t=2936) Gundam Testing Software
- [53:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-12-21-ep-11-quality-control#t=3212) Traceability and Root Cause Analysis

## Topics

- [Quality & yield](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/quality-and-yield)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Opulo (company)
- Gundam (tool)
- Ben and Jerry's (company)
- Formlabs (company)
- Winterbloom (company)
- Sandy Monroe (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [S2 E8: Quality Engineering and Strategy for Hardware with Matt Lipsitz](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2024-03-05-s2-e8-quality-engineering-and-strategy-for-hardware-with-matt-lipsitz) (The Builder Circle)
- [BONUS - Cybord CTO & Founder Eyal Weiss talks traceability and AI at APEX 2023 - EMSNOW & SCOOP On Location](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-02-08-bonus-cybord-cto-founder-eyal-weiss-talks-traceability-and-ai-at-apex-2023-emsno) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [071 - Steel Industry to MedTech & Important Quality Systems with Etienne Nichols](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2023-02-08-071-steel-industry-to-medtech-important-quality-systems-with-etienne-nichols) (Let's Combinate)
- [Implementing an eQMS after Switching from Paper](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2023-02-02-implementing-an-eqms-after-switching-from-paper) (Global Medical Device Podcast)
- [From Bottleneck to Advantage: Rethinking Manufacturing Testing Strategies w/ Garrett Partridge and Dan Wyatt](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-03-11-from-bottleneck-to-advantage-rethinking-manufacturing-testing-strategies-w-garre) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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