Redundancy by Design Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing the use of backups and system redundancy in the design of electronics for increased reliability. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how a company that wants to use two combined stresses simultaneously, at three intensity levels, but not the same stress combinations at each […]
Wishful Accelerated Testing Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing a accelerated stress test that a listener was going to use a different combination of stresses on samples to determine life estimates. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how a company that wants to use two combined stresses simultaneously, at three intensity levels, but […]
Design Process Blindspots Abstract Carl and Fred discussing the interesting subject of “blind spots,” and how they can impede good designs. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the nature of “blind spots” and how they can be addressed in teams. Topics include: On an FMEA team, why not have the design engineer […]
Giving and a Reliability Career Abstract Carl and Fred discussing how focusing on helping others can enhance your reliability career and provide a sense of community. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss a philosophy of life that relates to giving. Topics include: The value of networking The value of working on standards […]
Reliability Lunch and Learns Abstract Dianna and Fred discussing how reliability engineers can promote engagement within their organizations, including reliability lunch and learns. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss reliability lunch and learns and other ways that reliability engineers (and others!) can promote engagement within their organizations. Goals of outreach programs hosted […]
Why is reliability engineering similar to marketing? Because first and foremost, we need to convince people that reliability engineering is important ... and will start saving them time and money starting now (not sometime in the future).
Reliability Engineering and AI Abstract Carl and Fred discussing the integration of artificial intelligence with the tools and procedures of reliability engineering. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the broad subject of models, AI, and various types of automation, and how they interact with the day to day activities of reliability engineering. […]
Identify Key Decisions Abstract Carl and Fred discussing the integration of reliability activities with engineering decisions, and how to enhance this important intersection. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the important of supporting the decision-making process with the tools of Reliability Engineering. Topics include: The origin of Speaking of Reliability Aligning reliability […]
Career Strategies Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss about a career progression in the field of reliability engineering and job movement in this post-pandemic work world. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss career paths in becoming a knowledgeable and more skilled reliability professional. Topics include: Kirk’s experience in semiconductor manufacturing, and later in […]
The Right to Repair Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss new efforts in states to legislate the consumer’s right to repair equipment they have purchased. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss new laws forcing equipment manufacturers to make diagnostic software, spare hardware parts and the tools needed to make repairs on their own. […]
Using Peck’s Equation Abstract Chris and Fred discussing the proper use of the equation often used to determine acceleration factors for accelerated temperature and humidity testing. Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss Topics include: The creation of the equation and the specific failure mechanism Other failure mechanisms and technologies most likely are […]
Failure Rate to a Distribution Abstract Chris and Fred discussing a listener’s questions on how to convert a failure rate to a distribution. Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss a rather common problem when a vendor only provides a FIT or failure rate as reliability information and you want to use a […]
Dealing with Reliability Risk Abstract Greg and Fred discussing how reliability inherently involves variability and risk. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss how to address decision making involving reliability and risk. Topics include: What does reliability risk mean? How to address reliability risks. What are the tools to address reliability risk in […]
Reshoring and Talent Abstract Greg and Fred discussing bringing suppliers back to the location of OEM headquarters and factories. A common risk is finding the talent to design and build these factories. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss reshoring and finding the right talent. Reshoring is the business of bringing suppliers back […]
We (for many reasons) need software to help us do reliability things. Humans aren't nearly as good as computers at doing complicated math. But still ... how do we know that the software packages are giving us the right (or useful) numbers?
We love podcasts where we answer a question from one of our listeners. This is one of those. One of our listeners has some questions about Accelerated Life Testing or ALT. Would you like to hear us talk about a real-world problem?
Reliability Predictions and FMEA Occurrence Abstract Carl and Fred discussing a reader question about FMEAs. Specifically, whether reliability predictions (for similar systems) are valid input to the Occurrence rating in an FMEA. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the subject of Reliability Predictions, and whether they can be used in an FMEA. […]
Selecting the Right Method Abstract Greg and Fred discussing the right method (s) to solve quality and reliability problems specifically answering the question ‘is the approach good enough?’ Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss how to approach a problem and make a decision. Asking the right questions in the front end saves […]
ChatGPT and Reliability Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the use of artificial intelligence engines such as ChatGPT in Reliability Engineering. A copy of the ChatGPT questions and responses that we discuss on this podcast is listed in the show notes below. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the recent introduction of the […]
Mechanical Lessons Learned Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing Kirk’s recent trip to the Texas Pinball Festival (TPF) and the reliability of Pinball Machines which new designs have been produced for over six decades. Some of the mechanical assemblies have not changed in design for those many decades, even though some changes would be simple and […]
Reliability Gap Assessment Abstract Carl and Fred discussing the second step in achieving high reliability: “Develop a Reliability Gap Assessment.” Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss doing a gap assessment, how it is done and why it is essential to achieving high reliability. Topics include: The core principles of doing a gap […]
Reliability Strategic Vision Abstract Carl and Fred discussing the first step in achieving high reliability: “Develop a Reliability Strategic Vision.” Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the elements that go into a reliability vision, and how it is developed. Topics include: Chapter 5 of the book: The Process of Reliability Engineering” The […]
Making the right decision means you need to understand 'value.' And different organizations have different definitions of value. It can't just be 'money' ... otherwise the right decision (every time) is to sell everything you have right now to make the most of this concept of 'value' as quickly as possible. So how does 'value' help you make better decisions - especially when it comes to reliability?
What is Accelerated Life Testing (ALT), and how many products or prototypes do you need to test to make it work? ... but first ... what is ALT supposed to do?
We use the term 'sedentary inertia' to describe organizations that struggle to change ... mainly because they are used to never having to change. Especially in the world of quality. Which in many cases, feels like it is stuck in prehistoric times. Sound familiar?
Two Sides of a Coin: Quality and Reliability Abstract Dianna and Chris discussing their different viewpoints of quality and reliability: how they are really two sides of a coin that are supported by the culture of an organization and by individual contributors. Key Points Join Dianna and Chris as they discuss two sides of a […]
Monitoring Manufacturing Product Reliability Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing how to ensure that the quality and reliability of the last units produced from a manufacturing line is the same as the first units produced. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the fundamental concern of any manufacturing operation, sustaining quality throughout the manufacturing […]
Issues with Single Stress Testing Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing a question from a listener regarding a specific failure mechanism and time to failure for the same, and how most failures are not due to a single stress condition. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss a solder crack and the forces that […]
What do you do if you feel like you are stuck in a job? This often happens for reliability engineers when they work in an organization that defines what you can and can't do. What happens if this sounds like you.
The annual Reliability and Maintainability Symposium (RAMS) used to be one of the 'flagship' gatherings of reliability talent. But after the 2023 version ... can we still say that it is?
