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Engineers learn failure mode effects analysis

A Hethel Engineering Centre product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 13, 2006

The Hethel Engineering Centre set up an FMEA training course at the request of Hamlin Electronics.

Hethel Engineering Centre offers the very latest equipment, facilities and training opportunities to support the growth and success of high performance engineering and manufacturing businesses.

The cutting edge training tailored to clients' needs sets Hethel Engineering Centre at a league above its competitors.

The centre prides itself on being able to deliver a comprehensive programme of training courses for the engineering sector.

The bespoke training ensures that the course content is relevant, focused and cost effective.

Hamlin Electronics, whose UK office is in Diss, Norfolk, recently sent a team of design engineers to Hethel for failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) training - used as a proactive engineering quality method that helps identify and counter weak points in the early conception phase of a product.

FMEA is an important part of the design phase and a standard tool that is used when engineering a new product, particularly within the automotive industry.

Design engineers at Hamlin had been using the tool previously but changes in the quality management system meant that the engineers had to be formally trained to use the tool.

The Hethel Engineering Centre set up the FMEA training course after Hamlin Electronics advised what training it needed.

Hamlin staff were actually trained using one of their own automotive products as an example - making the training relevant to how they will use the tool in their own design process.

Hamlin Electronics is recognised throughout the world as a leading supplier of quality electronic components.

Martyn Bensley, Director of Global Engineering and Supply Chain, Hamlin Electronics, said: "The Hethel Centre is very impressive and I'm really enthusiastic about what it can do for us".

"We've already been working closely but there is a great opportunity for our relationship with Hethel Engineering Centre to evolve and expand in the future which is really exciting".

"We want to utilise their equipment and help Hethel Engineering Centre to develop and grow so they can add new equipment in the future that we can also use".

"The rapid prototype technology at Hethel Engineering Centre is critical to reducing lead times to produce prototype parts which assists us in winning new business contracts and will hopefully help us to launch more new products as part of our business strategy".

Hamlin Engineering worked closely with the Hethel Centre during its setup and was able to offer advice and recommendations on training and equipment that would benefit local businesses using the centre.

For example, rapid prototyping machines were installed in the training workshops at Hethel after being recommended by Hamlin Engineering.

The equipment can produce a prototype in a matter of hours instead of having to wait weeks for a prototype injection mould tool.

Training at Hethel also offers an opportunity for networking and developing business relationships.

Other staff from Hamlin Electronics were impressed that they were able to meet staff from businesses based at the Hethel Centre and discuss future business opportunities.

The GBP 4 million Hethel Engineering Centre is working with partners such as Cranfield University, Cambridge Institute of Manufacturing and the Smallpiece Foundation to ensure it brings up-to-the-minute courses to the region's businesses.

A range of courses is available covering all aspects of running and growing a successful high performance or manufacturing company in the global marketplace.

The centre also provides an exceptional range of office suites and workshop incubator units and conferencing facilities.