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MTTF

MTTF — Mean Time to Failure

The average operating time until failure of a non-repairable asset or component.

Definition

Mean Time to Failure (MTTF) is a reliability metric representing the average operating time before a non-repairable asset, component or device fails. It is commonly used to assess the expected service life of items that are replaced rather than repaired, supporting reliability analysis, lifecycle planning and product performance evaluation.

Why It Matters

Mean Time to Failure measures the expected service life of non-repairable assets based on historical or predicted performance.

In Practice

MTTF is primarily applied to non-repairable components such as sensors, electronic devices and consumable items. Repairable equipment is typically evaluated using Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF).

Common Misuse

Mean Time to Failure applies to non-repairable assets, whereas Mean Time Between Failures measures the reliability of repairable equipment.

Term Details
Synonyms:
MTTF; Mean Time to Failure; Service Life Metric
Classification:
Reliability Engineering
Concept
Intermediate
Applications

Reliability Engineering; Maintenance Management; Performance Management.

Where It's Used

Electronics.; Instrumentation.; Manufacturing.; Oil and gas.; Utilities.

References

IEC 60050-192; IEC 60300

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