Speaking Of Reliability: Friends Discussing Reliability Engineering Topics | Warranty | Plant Maintenance

Cycles or Time Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss whether we should use time or number of cycles or total time a product has been available for use. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss a question from a listener on whether it’s better to use time or cycles as a reliability metric. Topics […]

Always complaining about your organization not being aware of reliability engineering? The reality is, we make ourselves aware of what we want to be aware of. So the trick is to motivate people. The most 'aware' person in the world won't use that awareness if he or she has no motivation to do it.

Ever heard of MIL-HDBK 217F? It is a document that contains lots of failure rate estimates for classes of electronic components ... compiled in 1991. Based on data provided by a small number of companies. With the gaps filled in by military data dating decades before that. And some people want to base reliability estimates on applying these failure rates to the smartphones, guided weapons navigation systems and other sophisticated electronics of today? Madness.

Using DFR Tools Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss using Design for Reliability (DFR) for reliability development of a new product. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the use of DFx, being design for tests, design for manufacturing and design for reliability and the basics of good designs. Topics include: There are many […]

Using Outside Labs Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the use and tradeoffs of using external environmental testing and failure analysis labs versus having in-house equipment Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the advantages and drawbacks of a independent test and or failure analysis lab, versus stetting up an internal lab. Topics include: […]

Dealing with Data Abstract Philip and Fred discuss the first basic steps when confronted with a pile of data. What do you do with a stack of data – can you make any sense of this – please? Can you believe the analysis results? Designing systems to capture the data you need, not the data […]

We often focus on the components and subsystems of our product when it comes to system reliability modeling. But what about consumables? The batteries, lubricants, gaskets and other things that we are going to routinely replace to keep our product going. Do we need to think about these when it comes to system reliability analysis? Hint ... yes you do.

Assumptions and Analysis Abstract Philip and Fred discuss a fundamental element of all statistical analysis. Key Points Join Philip and Fred as they discuss Topics include: Every analysis or model has assumptions – understand them first Check the assumptions Assumptions are not true because we wish they were Enjoy an episode of Speaking of Reliability. […]

Why is Reliability a Process? Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the process of reliability, which also happens to be the name of their new book. They answer the question “why is reliability a process”? and discuss what happens if reliability is only approached as a series of methods. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as […]

How Root is the Cause? Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the broad subject of identifying root causes and how deep to go.  It’s not as simple as getting to the “root.” Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they share experiences in root cause analysis and how it is applied in various reliability engineering methods. […]