The bathtub curve is a visual representation of how equipment failure rates change over time. Imagine the shape of a bathtub. At first, failure rates are very high due to what we call ‘infant mortality.’ This phase happens shortly after equipment is put into use. As time goes on, failure rates drop significantly. This low failure rate phase represents the useful life of the component, where everything runs smoothly.
However, as time progresses, we enter the ‘wear-out’ stage. During this period, failure rates start to increase again. This increase occurs because components begin to wear down, leading to more failures. Understanding this curve is essential for maintenance and reliability work in various industries. It helps organizations plan for repairs and replacements effectively.
