Industrial machines are becoming high-tech, with IoT, cloud, and other technological advancements improving performance. But this doesn’t mean you should skimp on machine maintenance.
According to experts at Kor Pak, high-tech machines still require that old-fashioned maintenance. Poorly maintained machines may lead to failures and the risks of injuries to operators.
If you’re unsure of how you’re maintaining your industrial equipment or machine, the following are tips to help you improve your maintenance skills:
1. Inspect for Damage and Wear
Daily monitoring and inspection of machines will enable you to check wear and prevent your machine from failing. This can help you budget for elements, which require replacing ahead of time.
It is advisable to check the equipment’s friction, high temperature, and vibration on regular inspections. The beat usually comes from gears and belts that aren’t properly aligned.
Subsequently, shock happens when there is a poor operation or an accident, and high temperatures can come from worn-out parts, friction, and insufficient lubrication.
To avoid vibration, friction, and high temperature in the moving parts of your machine, apply ball bearings, sleeve bearings, and bushings.
2. Consider Creating a Reasonable Maintenance Schedule
Once you take stock of your machines and their maintenance requirements, you will have to create a reasonable maintenance schedule. The schedule must include routine maintenance tasks for every machine in the facility.
In some situations, you may need to follow and stick to an inspection, replacement, and service schedule after one week or month. But in most cases, it will be best to go by the operating hours.
3. Invest in Training
Operator training looks like it is not maintenance-related work. But the truth is that it may directly impact your capability to keep industrial machines in pristine working condition.
Besides, every piece of equipment comes with operating instructions to guide operators on how to use it. Over time, equipment manufacturers can update recommendations, and changes to the work environment may require some adjustments.
The real question, however, is whether your workers follow and know the best practices. Making sure that every staff member is well-trained may prevent accidental damage, which may happen as you try to push your machines beyond their limits.
4. Frequently Add Lubricants
Lubricants help to decrease friction around moving parts. The lubrication schedule helps prolong the life of machinery parts and equipment.
Lubrication is among the most important parts of maintenance. It involves looking for significant signs of too much grease or oil.
5. Clean the Machine Well
Cleaning doesn’t just revolve around improving the aesthetics of equipment. Although keeping your machine looking great is important for the image of your company, cleaning is a perfect chance for your employees to check if there is any sign of damage.
In a Nutshell!
Industrial machines need extensive operator training and substantial financial investment. This is why you must ensure the machine works smoothly, lasts long, and is in pristine condition. You can achieve this by cleaning your equipment well, adding lubricants, investing in operator training, and creating weekly or monthly maintenance schedules.
