Methods and devices are provided for repairing a damaged contact pad that is located on a first surface of a printed circuit board and connected to a via that passes through the circuit board. A mathematical model is used to characterise wetness events, receiving as inputs variables derived from sensor signals and optionally, patient and demographic data. The multi-part fasteners are operated to move the shafts and couple the probe head, the stiffener, and other components of a microelectronic contactor assembly. The spring member may be configured to absorb and limit the variations in the pulling torque produced by the engine resulting in a smooth and constant pull force. The polarizer obtained by the production method has durability and has good optical properties over a wide band.