Plug and Pray
Abstract
Greg and Fred discuss why engineers plug numbers into a formula not really knowing why or what they are doing. At best, this is called ‘plug and play.’ At worst, this is called ‘plug and pray’ the formula works.
What is Fatigue?
What is ‘fatigue’? … and no I don’t mean feeling ‘tired’.
podcast episode with speaker Chris Jackson
Many reliability engineers know what fatigue is (in addition to feeling tired). Fatigue is an example of a ‘failure mechanism.’ A failure mechanism is the physical, chemical or electrical process that results in failure. Fatigue is interesting in that it allows something to fail without it ever being exposed to stresses that are beyond its strength. How does this happen? Fatigue is based on cracks. Cracks magnify stresses at their tips. So cycling stresses can have the effect of incrementally (and sometimes very slowly) increasing the crack length at the tip. Fatigue has caused all manners of failures that have surprised us throughout the history of engineering. But now we have learned so much more about this really fascinating failure mechanism can cause steel, aluminium and other material to fail, even when the stresses they experience are tiny. Want to learn more about fatigue? And how you can help prevent it? Join us for this webinar.
RM 132: A Conversation about Ultra-Thin Conformal Coating with HZO’s Lisa Rizzo
A Conversation about Ultra-Thin Conformal Coating with HZO’s Lisa Rizzo
Today we’ll dive deep into the world of conformal coating.
More and more assemblies are being subjected to conformal coating to protect the assembly from harsh environments. What’s leading the drive to conformal coat electronic assemblies? What types of conformal coating options are available? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type?
For circuit assemblies, the protective embrace of conformal coatings ensures reliability, longevity, and performance. As technologies advance, so does the demand for innovative solutions to safeguard our electronic products.
Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional, a curious tech enthusiast, or just someone who’s new to the world of conformal coatings, this episode is your go-to source for in-depth information on the growing trend of applying conformal coating to circuit assemblies.
So, join us as we peel back the layers, and immerse ourselves in the world of electronics protection, and learn how conformal coatings play a pivotal role in keeping our devices humming, even in the harshest environments.
To better understand conformal coating, I invited Lisa Rizzo to the show. Lisa is Senior Director of Strategy & Emerging Applications at HZO. HZO is a global leader & innovator in protective solutions that, according to them, “keep the world running”.
They provide products to markets including consumer electronics as well as high-reliability markets including automotive, industrial, medical, and IoT to deliver a more resilient, reliable, and durable level of protection. HZO specializes in nanocoating solutions that safeguard electronics, electrical products & critical applications in an ever-changing market.
Lisa Rizzo’s Contact Information:
lrizzo@hzo.com
https://www.hzo.com/
SOR 917 Bad History Challenge
Bad History Challenge
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss how to deal with those who have said that they tried using the HALT methodology with a past project but did not find any benefit from it.
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SOR 916 Cycles or Time
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.
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WQW 010: Managers can Count Better than They can Think
Managers can Count Better than They can Think
There’s a premise that I think can help Quality Warriors become more influential in their organization: Managers can count better than they can think.
Is this an attack on managers? No, it is not. It is a call for understanding and a challenge.
People who are not managers often don’t understand what challenges managers are facing. Their expectations of the managers can be unrealistic which undercuts their effectiveness and influence. This episode explores what managers are facing.
Of course, there are two sides to the issue. Many of the challenges managers face with their people are related to things that the managers are capable of controlling. That is also discussed.
Guy Kawasaki’s book “The Macintosh Way” is referenced in this episode. Guy has made a PDF version available for free at this link: TheMacintoshWay.pdf
Guy’s website is Guy Kawasaki
Edward R. Tufte’s book “Visual Explanations” is also referenced in this episode. His website is Edward Tufte website. The book’s webpage is Visual Explanations book. The specific chapter referenced in this episode was published as a booklet. It’s webpage is Visual and Statistical Thinking booklet
You can contact me via the website Way of the Quality Warrior or on LinkedIn Keith Fong
SOR 915 Creating Reliability Awareness
Creating Reliability Awareness
Abstract
Chris and Fred discuss how to help me, you and the people around us more aware of reliability (and reliability engineering)? Good question!
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SOR 914 Required to Use MIL-HDBK 217?
Required to Use MIL-HDBK 217?
Abstract
Chris and Fred discuss Military Handbook 217 Version F for the ‘Reliability Prediction of Electronic Equipment’ or MIL-HDBK 217F … and why being forced to use it is borderline evil.
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QDD 135 Taking a Brief Pause: Reflecting on Quality During Design’s Journey and Preparing for What’s Next
Taking a Brief Pause: Reflecting on Quality During Design’s Journey and Preparing for What’s Next
Blink and you’ll miss it, Quality During Design is taking a short, well-deserved break. We’ve journeyed together through a whopping 136 episodes over the last two years and eight months, and now it’s time for us to recharge, refocus, and return with a bang in a few weeks. While we are not releasing new episodes during this period, we’re excited to stay connected with you through our weekly email newsletters, loaded with the same quality content, professional wisdom, and valuable tips that you’ve come to expect from us.
Is there a particular topic you’d love us to tackle in future episodes? Now is the perfect time to share your thoughts! We’re eager to hear from you, so reach out via email or social media with your questions, feedback, or suggestions. Let’s continue to build this community together during our short hiatus.
I want to thank you for your support and participation. We’re already excited to return to your favorite podcast platforms soon with a fresh perspective, exciting guests, and a renewed commitment to bringing you the best insights into quality and reliability in design. Until then, stay inspired, curious, and in touch!
Reliability as a Process
Reliability as a Process
podcast episode with speaker Fred Schenkelberg
We do not “do reliability”. “Reliability” doesn’t just happen to a product – well, it does with or without our intervention. To achieve the stated reliability objectives for a new product or production line, we can trust to luck or sort out what needs to happen to realize the objectives. [Read more…]
RM 131: A Conversation with Industry Icon Bob Willis
A Conversation with Industry Icon Bob Willis
We are all aware of the supply chain issues our industry has faced. Beginning with electronic components, it has spread to so many other types of parts are industry relies on. Fortunately, it looks like we are beginning to come out the other end of the supply chain shortage.
But the supply chain problems have further spread to the labor market. If you are in a position to hire people for your company, you know firsthand how difficult that process can be today.
Adding to the level of labor acquisition difficulties is the great “Silver Tsunami”, otherwise known as the great retirement.
As I mentioned on our last episode, episode number 130, the fact is, baby boomers are entering retirement in greater numbers. According to government data, from now until 2030, 10,000 Baby Boomers each day will hit retirement age. Millions will begin to officially retire.
Some of these retirees are designated subject matter experts within their companies. Not only are people retiring, they are taking with them a vault of valuable knowledge.
This has created an even larger demand for consultants within our industry. I’ve had several industry consultants on my show over the last few years, including today’s guest.
And who is today’s Guest? Legendary industry consultant, Bob Willis. If you’ve been in this industry longer than 18 seconds, there’s a good chance you’ve at least heard his name. If you’ve been in this industry for virtually any length of time, there’s a good chance you’ve seen his videos, read his books, or watched him present at numerous industry conferences and symposiums. If I reviewed Bob’s complete professional biography, it would take an entire episode. Here’s my conversation with my friend and colleague, Bob Willis.
During our conversation, we discussed Bob’s newest book, “Robotic Soldering Inspection and Defect Guide”.
Anyone who makes a donation to Bob’s chosen charity will receive a download of his book as well as access to Bob’s complete book collection:
• Robotic Soldering Inspection and Defect Guide
• Pin in Hole Intrusive Reflow Desing, Assembly & Defect Guide
• Package On Package Assembly Inspection & Quality Control
• Solder Paste Print Inspection & Defect Guide
• Lead-Free Defect Guide 3
• Conformal Coating Inspection & Defect Guide
• QFN LGA Assembly Inspection & Defect Guide
• PCB Surface Finishes Inspection & Defect Guide
• Cleaning & Contamination Defect Guide
Click below for more information:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/bob-willis-roboticsolderingbook
SOR 913 Using DFR Tools
Using DFR Tools
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss using Design for Reliability (DFR) for reliability development of a new product.
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SOR 912 Using Outside Labs
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
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QDD 134 Timing Reliability in Product Design, with Jeffrey Lewis (A Chat with Cross-Functional Experts)
Timing Reliability in Product Design, with Jeffrey Lewis (A Chat with Cross-Functional Experts)
Dianna Deeney interviews Jeffrey Lewis about new product development: how timing the right activities can lead to product success.
This interview is part of our series, “A Chat with Cross Functional Experts”. Our focus is speaking with people that are typically part of a cross-functional team within engineering projects. We discuss their viewpoints and perspectives regarding new products, the values they bring to new product development, and how they’re involved and work with product design engineering teammates.
About Jeffrey
Jeff is a senior director of corporate quality at Globus Medical. He’s a quality, reliability, risk management and product development professional. He is experienced at building quality into products, manufacturing processes and all business processes. Jeff is an accomplished executive with experience directing design and development and quality staff to meet company goals and objectives.
Jeffrey and Dianna talk about:
- The delicate balance between knowing what you know and discovering what you don’t.
- Incorporating reliability tools like Design FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis) and TAFT (test-analyze-fix-test) into the design process to improve designs and make products more reliable and manufacturable.
- Signs that a product development process needs improvement.
- How, by fostering a collaborative environment, product designers can balance the pressures of completing a project within a given timeframe and still ensure the quality and reliability of their work.
Jeff’s wealth of experience and insights provide a roadmap for quality and reliability in product design, making it a must-listen for all in product development and design.
WQW 009: JiuJitsu Style Quality
JiuJitsu Style Quality
The names of Six Sigma certifications were taken from martial arts. Green Belt and Black Belt sound sexy.
But there are other things in the martial arts that could be adopted to drive continuous improvement. In particular, the idea of the “yielding art” of Jiu Jitsu where the opponents’ energy is used to defeat them. This episode discusses applying that idea in several contexts when solving problems.
Paul O’Neill, CEO of Alcoa from 1981 to 1999 is referenced. After listening to this episode, check out these videos on YouTube. This is a leader who demonstrates how to use organizational energy to overcome obstacles and attain excellence.
