Functional Test Fixtures Owned by the Factory or the Buyer
Buyer-owned test fixtures require explicit PO line items, complete source files, and calibrated limit audits to prevent factory lock-in.
Test Fixture Ownership
Capital Title
Property rights define which party holds the legal claim to the specialized hardware used for verifying circuit boards. Test fixture ownership determines who is responsible for the maintenance and storage of the custom bed-of-nails or functional testers built for a project. This title is usually established in the initial manufacturing contract between the client and the factory.
It governs the management of the asset throughout the life of the product and ends when the fixture is retired or transferred.
Contractual Right
The holder of the title has the authority to move the equipment to a different factory if the production contract is terminated. When the client maintains test fixture ownership, they typically pay for the design and construction of the tool as a separate line item. This ensures that the client is not locked into a single supplier, as they can take their testing hardware with them to a new partner.
The manufacturer, in this case, acts as a custodian and must keep the fixture in good working order. If the manufacturer owns the fixture, they may charge a higher unit price for the boards to recover the cost of the equipment.
Lifecycle Expense
Regardless of who holds the title, the cost of repairs and calibration must be accounted for in the budget. Clear rules regarding test fixture ownership prevent disputes over the possession of the hardware at the end of a project. This clarity supports a stable relationship between the buyer and the seller.