Pinbot is an open-source platform for quickly building test jigs for electronics QA. The platform is made up of mechanical fixture (this repo), control electronics, jig-level software and backend to store all test results.
See mechanics in action:
This repository contains the mechanical design files for the Pinbot test jig along with minimal assembly documentation. The complete jig consists of two assemblies:
- Chassis
- Cradle
For convenience, each assembly is also provided as a .step (AP214) model. These files are located in their respective directories together with mechanical drawings, the Bill of Materials (BOM), and a readme.md file containing assembly notes and manufacturing recommendations.
This is a traditional, "bed-of-nails" fixture design for printed circuit board testing. It may appear overly complex, "old school", or expensive by DIY standards, but this is the type of fixture that has proven itself over decades in production lines and R&D laboratories. When manufactured with appropriate materials and proper tolerances, the fixture is capable of surviving thousands of test cycles with minimal maintenance.
- Supports Devices Under Test (DUTs) up to 120×90mm.
- The Chassis and Cradle are separate assemblies, allowing multiple Cradles to be used with the same Chassis.
- Test probes may contact the DUT from the bottom, the top, or both.
- The internal compartment opens completely, providing unobstructed access. Making internal electronics easy to install, wire, and service.
- Compatible with control displays such as the Makerbase MKS Mini 12864.
- Overall dimensions (W×D×H): 180×180×320mm
- Weight (excluding control electronics): 2.7kg
To use Pinbot with your own PCBA design, three parts must be customized to match the geometry of your DUT:
- Push Plate — applies clamping force to the DUT. The holes for the pressure pins should be positioned so that force is applied over areas supported by probe clusters, pressing on the PCB laminate rather than on electronic components.
- Cradle Plate — the upper plate of the Cradle that locates, align and supports the DUT.
- Pin Plate — the lower plate of the Cradle that holds the spring-loaded test probes. The probe locations must precisely match the test points on the DUT.
The photos currently show a Cradle and Push Plate customized for the Raspberry Pi CM5. This customized assembly will be published in a future revision of the repository.
We also plan to release a software tool that will simplify generating these three custom parts from a 3D model of your DUT, which can typically be exported from KiCad, Altium Designer, or similar ECAD software.
- The Pinbot Chassis is CNC machined from ESD-safe phenolic.
- The Cradle components are CNC machined from FR4 (the same laminate used for printed circuit boards) or ESD-safe HPL. The Cradle should be manufactured with the highest practical dimensional accuracy.
- We strongly recommend using quality linear guides, bearings, fasteners, and test probes from reputable manufacturers. They are considerably more reliable than inexpensive no-name alternatives, such as those commonly found on AliExpress.
For detailed manufacturing recommendations, material selection, and assembly notes, refer to the readme.md file in each assembly directory.
A more comprehensive beginner-friendly guide—with manufacturing examples, customization workflow, and design recommendations—is planned for a future release.
- GNU GPLv3 for software: firmware, libraries, generators, tools, examples, etc
- CERN-OHL-S for hardware: PCB schematic, layout, BOM, gerbers, 3D models, g-codes, etc.
- CC BY-SA 4.0 is for docs, pictures, articles, video, assets, etc.
Pinbot projects structure may mix different sources and artifacts — check corresponding dirrectories for LICENSE file.
This project is sponsored by NLnet as a part of NGI Zero Review program.
