How pinball machines are made

Inspect incoming parts

About 3,500 parts arrive for each machine. A sample of 20 percent is checked, such as drop targets fitted into a gauge, and a batch is rejected if 3 percent of the sample is defective.

Build the wiring bundle

Workers hand-lay wire into a bundle of 400 to 800 meters in total length. It takes about 5 to 6 hours and every configuration is tested by hand.

400 to 800 meters of wire

Apply the cabinet art

Decals go on the traditionally wooden cabinet. A worker sprays soapy water so the decal can slide into place, then squeegees out the moisture.

Build the mechanisms

Gimmicks such as loops with strong magnets and toys are put together and tested separately. Circuit boards drive the playfield's lights and effects.

Populate the playfield

On a rotating stand, workers bolt rails, ball guides, posts and mechanisms onto a playfield of plywood. The huge wiring bundle is then connected to LEDs, circuit boards, coils and switches.

Test every coil

A computer diagnoses the machine and tells the technician what to fix. Coils, switches and lights are tested before the playfield is lowered into the cabinet.

Install, check and ship

The playfield goes in the cabinet and is checked again. A display screen sits in the backbox on modern machines. The machine is then cleaned and shipped.