The biggest difference from a pure manufacturing standpoint is that
flying probe testing takes alot of time, based on my experience
about 70 minutes per board (assume 7500 test points per board).
The benefits are that the customer does not need to pay for a fixture,
therefore for prototypes it is the best way to go.  The machines
are somewhat spendy ($300K-$400K) and require the user to be well
trained.  From PCB consumer standpoint they are a great addition to
the world of electrical test (usually costing is done on a test point 
basis - ie one test point costs $0.04).  Another side benefit is the 
ability to test finer pitch devices, PCB manufacture of 10mil pitch
has really pushed traditional ET methods into a corner.  The more 
expensive flying probe are able to do 10mil pitch.  Anyway that is my 
opinion  

Regards,
Josh Moody
Process Engineer
Merix Corp.

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