Failure Analysis service
We evaluate material failure using cutting-edge equipment’s and provide necessary insight to improve the performance of the device, component or structure.
What is Failure Analysis?
Failure analysis can be defined as the science of understanding why products, components and materials perform outside of their expected parameters. Failures can occur in all industrial sectors, be both product and manufacturing related and range in size from the very small, in the case of a micro-chip failure, to the very large, such as a bridge collapse. Failure analysis investigates the issues and determines a root cause such as poor design or manufacture of a component, or problems with manufacturing equipment resulting in the creation of wear particles that then fall into the finished product. Other types of failure can be more subtle but costly none the less, such as components breaking during assembly, incorrect material selection leading to low service lifetime or design issues resulting in an assembly being unfit for safe operation. Other examples of such issues are the unexpected failure of components in processing equipment, failure of electronic products, product discoloration, foreign material in products and raw materials, fracture of components or any other product non-conformance.
Prevent Failure Occurrence
It is essential to determine the cause of failure to prevent future occurrence and/or to improve the performance of the device, component or structure. Understanding the root cause is the most fundamental part of the failure analysis process. This involves data collection to ascertain whether failure occurred due to manufacturing, material defect or misuse. This may include fatigue cracks, brittle cracks produced by stress corrosion cracking or environmental stress cracking for example. Many failures can be attributed to oxidation, defective connections of electrical components, temporary shorts or opens in the circuits, temporary environmental factors, but also due to operator error. Human factors can also be assessed when the cause of the failure is determined. Once the cause of failure has been determined, corrective actions can be taken to prevent a recurrence of the problem. SEAM has over a decade’s experience in the remedy of such issues, be they in the food or bio-medical industry and all sectors in between. This has been made possible by the wide range of analysis techniques and equipment available at SEAM and the broad range of knowledge held by its experienced staff.
Discover SEAM Waterford’s advanced Materials Failure Analysis services, offering expert insights into cracking, fracture, voids, and component failures. Serving industries like aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and manufacturing with cutting-edge techniques, including non-destructive 3D analysis and detailed root cause investigations. Prevent failures, improve performance, and ensure reliability with SEAM.”
Improve Cost Savings
Failure analysis offers numerous opportunities for cost savings as manufacturing processes, products and components can be improved due to an understanding of the failure mode, not only to prevent the problem from happening again but to reduce production downtime and improve product yield. Failure can be costly, whether due to expensive outages, a stopping of production, or even legal action as a result. Undertaking failure analysis can prevent these problems from growing or potential failures from happening in the future. Failure mode and effects analysis can help to meet standards for manufacturing processes, failed components, products, or assets going forward.
One Stop Shop
The availability of cutting-edge equipment and expertise at SEAM allows a problem to be analysed using diverse approaches such as coupling computer simulation with mechanical testing or X-ray inspection with materials identification. This makes SEAM a one-stop-shop for your solution needs regardless of the complexity of an issue. Projects are undertaken promptly, as issues in industry are often costly with regards to production downtime, and results are presented in a clear and easy to understand format that allows solutions to be rapidly found and communicated to staff. SEAM has undertaken almost 2,000 projects in the last decade and has assisted almost 400 companies across all sectors, why not see how we can help you?
