Key Characteristics Revisited

Abstract

Carl and Fred having a new conversation about the age-old topic of key characteristics, and how they are used to improve products and processes.
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Question Everything

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the value of questioning in the process of learning and personal growth. Students and instructors should question each other as part of learning, engineering teams should question each other as part of achieving consensus.
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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 not product failures are the cause that cause many products to be retired or replaced.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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Dealing with HALT Fear

Abstract

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

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the planning that goes into any reliability program.
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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. But how do we make that happen?
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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!
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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 those methods that predominently support achieving reliability.

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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 discussion of standards in general.
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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 effort on the basics.
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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 probability that some variable quantity will be within two limits? More importantly … what does this mean in the domain of reliability and quality?
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HALT and Safety

Abstract

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