Smart Tools for Failure Analysis

Some plants buy a high-powered microscope in order to do failure analysis. While this sometimes is necessary, it could be good to consider other options to get started.

Using smart tools for failure analysis

 Why not start with a $13 macro lens from Amazon?  The fracture surface in the picture below is about the size of 1/2 a dime (the center round area); you’ll see the tip of a ballpoint pen at the 6 o’clock position for reference.

The picture was taken with a 2 year-old iPhone 5 with a $13 macro lens in fairly poor lighting.  You can clearly see where the chevron marks are pointing at the 12 o’clock position this is the origin of the fracture.  We can also see that it is an instant break (not a fatigue break)… a pretty good start of a root cause investigation, right?

IDCON teaches the work process for root cause problem elimination using our How-Can Diagram together with some basic forensics of bearings, materials, lubrication, etc.  Consider an in-house class where we use YOUR plant problems, or come to our next open class.

At IDCON, we understand the pressure you face trying to build a reliable plant.
We provide side-by-side reliability and maintenance consulting and training designed to keep your equipment running.

For over 45 years, we’ve partnered with 100s of manufacturing plants around the world to eliminate the costs and the pressure caused by unreliable equipment. And we’d love to do the same for you.

Contact us today to see how we can help you keep your plant running.

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Torbjörn Idhammar

Torbjörn Idhammar

President & CEO, IDCON Inc. Reliability and Maintenance Consultant

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