Obsolescence and Reliability

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discussing the article Kirk wrote titled “Why the Drain in the Bathtub Curve Matters” (see link in notes) about how technological obsolescence, and…

Reliability and Testing

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discussing how much of reliability engineering is devoted to testing and what other functions should a reliability engineer do.

Key Points

Join Kirk an…

Reliability and Bathtub Curve

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the origin and meaning of the reliability “bathtub” curve, and why it is not useful as a visual analogy.

Key Points

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FMEAs and HALT

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discuss the relationship between FMEA (Failure Mode Effects Analysis)  and HALT (Highly Accelerated Limit Test)

Key Points

Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss ho…

Dealing with HALT Fear

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discuss misunderstandings of the limit testing and believing it’s “just breaking it”

Key Points

Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss what happens when the…

Planning a Reliability Program

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the planning that goes into any reliability program.

Key Points

Join Carl and Fred as they discuss approaches to achieving high relia…

Practical Way to Learn Statistics

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss statistics! Yay! And how we can be better at using them in a practical way. And that starts with wanting to learn about statistics. B…

Choosing Reliable Suppliers

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss what you need to look for when choosing suppliers. The keyword here is the (human) suppliers … not the inanimate supplies!

Key Points

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Achieving or Calculating Reliability

Abstract

Carl and Fred discuss which reliability methods add more value to a project or program: those methods that are centered around calculating reliability or…

Thoughts on ISO Standards

Abstract

Carl and Fred discuss ISO standards and how they impact quality and reliablity of products.  The discussion begins with the ISO 9000 series and proceeds to a discus…

Still Need to Know the Basics

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss how in spite of all the wonderful new techniques and technologies that are becoming available … we still need to focus almost all our eff…

Are You Confident in Your Confidence?

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss what it means to be ‘confident.’ Is it the way you carry yourself? Is it being able to rely or trust on something? Or is it the p…

HALT and Safety

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discussing the relationship between reliability, the fundamental limits of technology, and safety.

Key Points

Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss possible risks…

A Great Customer Experience

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discussing Kirk’s experience with a new pinball machine’s component failures and the manufacturer.

Key Points

Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss re…

How Well to Know Failure Mechanisms

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the underlying mechanisms of failure, and how they impact our analysis and understanding of reliability.

Key Points

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Is There a Better Way than RPN?

Abstract

Carl and Fred take on the subject of Risk Priority Number, also called RPN, when used in FMEA. Is RPN a good way to prioritize risk in an FMEA, or is there a …

What Reliability is Good Enough

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discussing the expectations of reliability of their own vehicles  and some of the wear out mechanisms we expect.

Key Points

Join Kirk and Fred …

What is the Failure Mechanism?

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discussing a very important question in all of unreliability.

Key Points

Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the counting of failures and rate of…

What is this Risk Thing?

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss what ‘risk’ is. Or what most people think ‘risk’ is. Or what the experts think ‘risk’ is. Or what ‘risk’ feels like. Do you know what ‘risk’ i…

Hospital Power Supply Modeling

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss a real-world problem … how do we use reliability engineering tools to work out how select a hospital power supply system.

Key Points

Jo…