potential failure mode

The manner in which the process could potentially fail to meet the process requirements and/or design intent. It is a description of the nonconformance at that specific operation. It can be a cause associated with a potential failure mode in a subsequent (downstream) operation or an effect associated with a potential failure in a previous (upstream) operation. However, when the "failure mode and effect analysis" (FMEA) is prepared, the assumption should be made that the incoming part(s)/material(s) are correct.

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