Whether it’s a manufacturing company or a mining project, no business likes to suffer downtime.
Unexpected downtime comes with a lot of financial expenses. Aside from that, it might even cause your business to lose against your competitors.
In almost every manufacturing company, pieces of machineries are the backbone of the business. The proactive maintenance of your machine pieces is probably the ideal way to prevent unplanned downtime.
Furthermore, preventative maintenance also guarantees better performance, saves energy and fuel consumption, and promotes a safe work environment.
Here’s what you need to know about machine maintenance.
Train Your Employees
Any worker who interacts with a machine needs to know how to utilize it. An employee who isn’t trained will not notice the warning signs when something is wrong with the machine.
If the employee won’t notice the early warning signs, it can result in unexpected downtime.
Workers need to know what to look for when it comes to output quality and machine performance.
For example, if a worker knows the difference between globe valve vs ball valve, they can easily notice any issues in the machine that may indicate a malfunction of these components.
Be Proactive
The ideal way to maintain a machine over time is to make sure that you maintain it properly. Every single piece of equipment needs to be operated in a well-kept and clean area.
While a couple of jobs are messy by nature, routine cleanings of both the space and the equipment will keep unwanted debris from clogging up.
To avoid scraping and grinding, machines need to be lubricated properly. Regular PM checks help to keep track of the machine’s health and determine issues early.
If you begin to think something isn’t right, it is ideal to investigate as soon as possible.
Keep Manuals Close
Oftentimes, manuals are misplaced. However, it is vital for machine operators to have access to them. The manuals contain important details about the machine.
This includes housekeeping suggestions, safety guidelines, operational instructions, parts identification, and electrical prints.
Almost every manual also has a maintenance section that details what you need to do and how often you should do it.
This kind of information is particularly crucial to operators. This is particularly true if they’re working with high-quality machines, such as a medical plastic injection molding machine.
Purchase Spare Components Before You Need Them
Ask your machine provider for a suggested list of spare parts. You do not have to purchase all the things on the list.
However, you should try to ask your provider what parts they recommend you should always have in hand.
Typically, the most required components can be bought cheaply. This lowers downtime when they are required.
Protect Your Machine During Storage
You need to store big pieces of machineries under cover as much as possible. Mixers, turbines, motors, and other machines need to be frequently rotated.
Check idle machines for contamination, condensation, and rust. You should also not forget to examine every lubricant.
Oil-mist lubrication is an ideal solution for the damaging effects of humid and warm environments.
Usually, a high-quality auto part manufacturer will always lubricate their machines to ensure it works well.
Monitor And Check Parts For Damage And Wear
A planned maintenance schedule can help identify possible wear of components. Try to check parts visually to keep track of wear and avoid equipment failure.
Parts that need to be replaced ahead of schedule might indicate a bigger issue that you have to determine.
Examine chains, pulleys, and belts for condition and alignment. Check sprockets and gears for misalignment, cracks, and broken teeth.
Also, a fluid analysis should be part of your routine maintenance schedule. Analysis of fluids, such as lubricants, is a great approach to determine issues and avoid machinery breakdown.
Clean And Lubricate Frequently
Working machines need maintenance every day. A couple of parts, particularly moving components in power trains and engines, require regular lubrication.
Other parts, such as bearings and hydraulic lifts, should be lubricated and monitored at the first indication of need.
Contamination can result in the breakdown of your machine. One of the primary causes of corrosion is water. Lubrication can help avoid corrosion.
Maintain A Schedule Of Planned Maintenance
You can avoid the deterioration of your machine. Parts will also break down eventually. You should develop predictions for the expected life of all parts and replace them on schedule.
Only professional technicians should replace parts of your machine.
The key components of some machines are bearings. Unfortunately, they can easily be worn or damaged. That is why you have to regularly maintain bearing housings.
This includes inspection of wear and corrosion. If necessary, replace them. You should also keep a maintenance log to guarantee routine checks aren’t ignored and your employees measure compliance.
By keeping a schedule of planned maintenance, you can easily avoid the downtime of your soda glass bottles wholesale manufacturing company.
Conclusion
You can save yourself money and time with a bit of additional effort. Routine machine maintenance will save you money by preventing costly repairs.
With the tips mentioned above, you can easily improve the lifespan of your machine and boost and improve the ROI of your business.
Image Reference: Image by MustangJoe from Pixabay
