PFMEAs are great tools for continues improvement.  There are really two
sections to a FMEA, the design FMEA and the process FMEA.  If you get
a design FMEA with a new product launch it helps insure a better design.
 The process FEMA is divided into operations (screen print, pick & place,
reflow, etc.) and looks at every thing that can effect the function of the
unit.  You then list the potential cause of a failure (solder shorts, opens,
out of date paste...) and the current process controls.  Each line item is
rated by severity, occurrence, and detection.
The document # is: SAE J-1739
I would suggest that any group look to use this system contact their local
ASQC chapter, there are some good training classes available.  I think
you can get manuals from ASQC (American Society for Quality Control)
and AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group).

>>> "Hamilton, Richard -4454" <[log in to unmask]> 02/12/98
11:24am >>>
Although not in the automotive industry, PFMEA sounds like a reasonable
process tool.

Where can I find out more about it?

Thanks!

Richard Hamilton
Clemar Mfg. / Rain Bird
[log in to unmask]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ed Holton [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, February 12, 1998 4:20 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      [TN] Automotive PFMEA for electronics assembly
>
> All of us automotive suppliers have to develop a document known as a
> PFMEA
> (Process failure mode effects analysis) about the production process.
> For
> those of you who are familiar with this document, read on:
>
> The RPN number (risk priority number) is used to rank order the
> concerns.
> For years I have used this document to identify the problems and
> improved
> those processes with the highest numbers.  During a QS9000
evaluation,
> they
> want me also to set a number at which we decide to take action, (i.e.
> any
> RPN number above 50 must be corrected, any thing below 50 is
> acceptable).
> For those of you who have created and worked with PFMEA's what
number
> do
> you recommend?
>
> I am also willing to share non-proprietary portions of PFMEA's that I
> have
> developed with others if you will share with me (i.e. SMT placement,
> thru-hole, reflow, etc.)
>
>
>
> Ed Holton
> Hella Electronics
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
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