FMEA

What is FMEA? 

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is an analytical method used to ensure consideration and resolution of potential failures, faults, and critical errors during the product design or manufacturing process design. It aims to analyse the causes and consequences of failure modes, their impact on the manufacturing plant, the customer, and the end-user. The goal is to implement effective preventive measures (APQP, STN EN 60812). The result is the documentation of collective knowledge by cross-functional teams. 

The methodology is currently detailed in the new harmonized AIAG / VDA handbook, valid from June 1, 2019, which includes rules for creating analysis for: Design of a new product (Design FMEA), Design of a new system (System FMEA), Design and analysis of a new process - especially production and assembly (Process FMEA), Design of a new machine (FMEA- Monitoring and System Response)

History of FMEA: 

• 1940s: In 1949, the US Army developed the MIL-P-1629 standard, which incorporated FMEA (FMECA) 
• 1960s: In 1966, NASA issued FMECA guidelines for the Apollo space project (space industry) 
• In 1974, the MIL–P–1629 standard was replaced by MIL–STD–1629 (SHIPS) 
• 1970s: The automotive industry began using FMEA - Ford Motor Company started using FMEA in 1970 after problems with their Pinto model 
• 1980s: FMEA expanded into many other areas; in 1980, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) issued IEC 812 (currently IEC 60812 - Failure modes and effects analysis) 
• It is part of standards (APQP, STN EN 60812) 

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