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FMECA |
What is FMECA?
Failure Mode and Effects Criticality Analysis (FMECA) is an enhancement of the FMEA methodology in which a criticality analysis is performed. Criticality analysis involves assigning a frequency to each failure mode and a severity to each failure effect. Criticality is a function of the severity of the effect and the frequency with which it is expected to occur. The purpose of this analysis is to rank each potential failure mode identified in the FMEA study according to the combined influence of severity classification and its probability of occurrence.
FMECA adds to the benefits of the FMEA process by considering the following:
- Items to be given more intensive study to eliminate a particular hazard, increase the probability of a fail-safe outcome, or reduce the failure rate or extent and risk of resultant damage
- Items requiring special attention during manufacturing, as well as stringent quality assurance or special handling controls
- Special requirements in purchasing specifications concerning design, performance, reliability, safety or quality assurance
- Acceptance standards for subcontractors’ products, including parameters that should be stringently tested
- Any special procedures, safeguards, protective equipment, monitoring devices or warning systems
- The most cost-effective application of accident prevention resources
When should you use FMECA?
Since it identifies parts and systems most likely to fail, FMECA should be used as early in your design stage as possible. This allows you to eliminate or mitigate the major causes of failure in your design, and save you costly re-engineering at a later date.
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