Equipment Maintenance

Ensure Proper Operator Training

The people operating the equipment will have a huge impact on how well the machine functions and for how long. When a user doesn’t have proper training, they won’t know how to operate it or care for it how it’s supposed to. Ensuring that your operators are well-trained to handle the machine is one of the key ways to keep used process equipment and industrial machinery in good shape for longer. And since industrial equipment typically has multiple operators, training ensures that they all handle it in a standard manner, which eliminates the risk of human errors that can lead to machine breakdown.

Proper and extensive training not only helps to keep your machines functioning properly for longer, but it also helps to keep workers safe from injuries that often arise from incorrect machine handling. Workers require ongoing training to keep up with industry standards and ensure that they are all on the same page.  Also, some updates and upgrades in technology may cause a change in how the machine is operated.

Training is also essential for new employees to get them quickly up to speed and ensure that thet start off on the right foot.

Ensure that the operator manuals are updated with any and all technology upgrades and written in a simple and easy-to-understand language.

Carry Out Preventative Maintenance

Industrial equipment is subject to harsh working conditions characterized by extreme friction, temperatures, shock, and vibration. These and other factors can lead to accelerated wear and tear and the inevitable breakdown of your machine. With time, you can expect issues such as cracked seals, warped and broken belts, and loose bolts that cause the machine to age much faster than expected.

Performing regular inspections for signs of wear and tear is the most effective way of prolonging the service life of your machinery. By scheduling regular professional inspections, you will be able to identify and fix any potential issues early before they cause a machinery breakdown and business loss. Preventative maintenance significantly reduces the risk of your equipment breaking down or a damaged part affecting other crucial components.

Check For Defective Parts

Many people commit the mistake of assuming that everything is okay with their machinery just because it worked perfectly in the previous shift. However, it is always crucial to perform a check before the start of any workday. This is aimed at checking for any defective parts, for instance, parts that may be misaligned or disconnected from the rest of the machine. Faulty or defective parts pose a serious threat to your business and worker safety as they can lead to industrial fire accidents and other incidents that can cause your business insurmountable losses.

Apply Proper Lubrication

As you might already know, industrial equipment consists of many moving parts including rollers and conveyor belts. The constant movement and friction make these parts more susceptible to damage. Thus, ensuring that they are well-lubricated is essential. Proper lubrication ensures that the moving parts have the right amount of fluid to delay the wear and tear process. During the lubrication process, the maintenance personnel will also be looking out for any signs of excess grease buildup.

Ensuring that the right type of lubricant is used is just as important as ensuring the right amount is used.

Clean the Machine Regularly

With time, your industrial machinery will experience a build-up of dirt and debris. This is normal, however, these elements need to be removed regularly as they can cause damage to the equipment. Dirt and debris can not only destroy seals and clog air filters but they can also inhibit the moving parts and functions of the equipment if they find their way to the gears. This can ultimately lead to bigger issues like machine breakdown, business downtime, and unnecessary expensive repairs.

Having the air filters and other areas where buildups occur cleaned regularly and thoroughly helps to keep the machinery running properly while prolonging its service life. Also, you need to ensure that the area where your machines are stored is kept clean and dry to avoid rusting of parts.

Establish A Maintenance Schedule

Same as with a car, industrial equipment requires regular care and maintenance to keep it running properly and efficiently. You need to keep a maintenance schedule for the things that need to be checked and for how long. Keeping a schedule helps to make sure that you don’t miss any necessary checks. Proper care and maintenance is crucial if you want to extend the life of the machine. And the easiest way to do this is to come up with a maintenance schedule.

While your staff keeps the schedule, professionals should handle the more thorough maintenance work. All service work performed on a machine need to be recorded, and a date for the next check should be clearly indicated. Failure to keep up with the scheduled maintenance of necessary parts compromises the life of the machinery.

Avoid Overworking The Machinery

Many times, your business will face the pressure of completing tasks and fulfilling client orders on time. However, it is highly unwise to constantly push industrial machinery to its limit as this can affect its lifespan. Every piece of equipment has its set production capacity that shouldn’t be exceeded. Do not try to force the machine to perform beyond its production capacity. This is a surefire way of causing premature wear and tear of crucial components and reducing the machine’s durability.

It is critical that you strictly abide by the manufacturer’s specifications on production capacity and intended processes to avoid your industrial equipment from breaking down unnecessarily.