Articles
Maintenance Strategies
Prevent From Major Repairs
The mechanical parts damages are the major root cause for most of the major repairing. If we look back our maintenance records, we will find that the mechanical wear & tear of our motors, pumps, gears, compressors air end, blowers, etc. are the main reasons to cost us more than million dollars as our maintenance cost per annum. This figure could be higher if we include the production downtime losses and this amount is reducing the company profits significantly.
It is very important that, as maintenance personnel to implement preventive & predictive maintenance programs to prevent from any major repair and maximize the machine reliability. It is desirable for every company to attain Zero Breakdown and this is the ideal concept to ensure the machine availability at all times and the cost for predictive & preventive maintenance is much lower than unexpected breakdown as well as major repair.
Rolling bearing is the most common rolling component in most of our machine. Therefore, bearings’ condition is the most concern issue in maintenance. Protect the bearings able to protect the machine effectively. In order to protect the bearings, here are the suggestions:
a) Correct Lubricant Selection
b) Re-lubricate Intervals
c) Amount of lubrication
d) Proper alignment
e) Eliminate vibration
In order to monitor the machine bearings condition, here are the suggestions:
a) Ultrasound inspection – Collect ultra sound to hear the friction & analyze oil film thickness
b) Vibration inspection – Collect vibration data to justify the corrective actions
c) Thermography inspection – Analyze the bearings temperature, to know the lubricant status and decide the re-lubricate intervals.
Company can reduce the waste in maintenance repairs, increase the production profits, if they able to handle mechanical components problems effectively.
Measures To Be Taken for Attaining Zero Failure Performance
Zero Failure Performance is, thus, not only desirable but also attainable and, in the long run highly profitable.”
The first and foremost requirement is to develop an optimistic attitude or approach to this question. The next few steps are:
- To analyze the current performance
- To investigate the failures carefully
- To determine the true and root causes of the failures
- To determine and implement the corrective steps in the appropriate stage (design, manufacture, installation, operation or maintenance)
- To monitor the performance after the corrective action
How to Prevent Machinery in Factories from Major Repairs?
The effective operation of machinery in manufacturing environments is critical for the smooth running of production processes; nonetheless, it carries a potential risk of failures and malfunctions, resulting in problems, delays, and high repair costs. To address these issues, proactive methods are required. In this complete guide, we’ll look at proactive ways to avoid significant repairs, from periodic maintenance checks to the use of advanced monitoring technology. Factory managers can minimise downtime, repair costs, and improve operational efficiency by adopting a proactive strategy and investing in machinery maintenance. Join us as we dig into these ideas for empowering facility managers and maintenance teams to properly secure their machinery assets.
1) Regular maintenance checks:
Maintaining machinery in factories necessitates a systematic method of upkeep, and frequent maintenance inspections are the foundation of this strategy. Developing a meticulous strategy for regular checks ensures that every single component of equipment receives the proper care it needs to work effectively. During these inspections, competent technicians extensively examine the machinery for any indications of wear and tear. This involves looking for loose parts, listening for unusual sounds that may suggest underlying problems, and examining for any leaks that might cause mechanical breakdowns. Furthermore, keeping meticulous records of these maintenance duties is critical. These records serve as a vital resource for tracking the health of the machinery as time goes on, allowing maintenance technicians to identify developing patterns and solve potential problems before they become major repairs.
2) Implement preventive maintenance programmes:
When it relates to machinery maintenance, the old phrase saying “prevention is always better than cure” can be relatable in this industry. By implementing an effective preventative maintenance plan that can be custmomized to the specific needs of every machinery is necessary and needed. Such a programme should include frequent service, lubrication, and calibration to ensure that machinery runs smoothly and effectively. Maintenance technicians are able to prevent additional damage and expensive maintenance by replacing worn-out parts in advance before they totally breakdown. Preventive maintenance also ensures that the machinery is in its best condition for a longer period, which minimises the possibility of severe malfunctions. It also promotes a proactive care culture around the piece of machinery.
3) Train staff on proper equipment use and maintenance:
Putting effort in the training of operators and maintenance for workers can ensures the longevity of machines. Comprehensive training provides staff with the information and skills needed to properly handle and maintain machines. They understand the necessity of following acknowledged maintenance procedures and are urged to report any problems they notice while doing their jobs. Furthermore, developing a sense of responsibility and ownership for equipment among employees is fundamental. When everyone on the team knows their responsibility in ensuring appropriate machinery maintenance, a culture of attentiveness along with responsibility arises, which contributes greatly to the equipment’s general health and durability.
4) Invest on quality machinery:
In machinery industry, the words of “you will get what you pay for” can be relate with whatever price you bought, that is the machine condition you will get. Investing in high-quality machinery and equipment from trustworthy manufacturers is a proactive way of minimising expensive breakdowns. Please consider the longevity of the machine overall condition, its accessibility of replacement parts, and the maintenance needs when making a decision to buy the machine. Although it could be alluring to save costs in a short while, doing so frequently results in more frequent repair demands and downtime over time. Prioritising quality over price allows managers of factories to reduce the risk of unexpected malfunctions and guarantee that their facilities run smoothly.
5) Monitor equipment performance:
In the modern world of technology, monitoring equipment performance has never been simpler. Using cutting-edge technology like sensors and predictive analytics, industrial managers may track machinery performance in every moment. Setting up reminders for departures from regular operating circumstances allows potential errors to be discovered and handled before they become serious problems. Furthermore, data generated from equipment monitoring systems gives significant insights that may be utilised to optimise maintenance schedules and proactively address emergent concerns, hence increasing machinery dependability and lifetime.
6) Establish a spare parts inventory:
A well-stocked inventory of vital replacement parts and components are necessary to minimising downtime in the unlikely event of a breakdown. Regularly checking and revising this inventory based on trends in usage and equipment needs ensures that essential components are always accessible when needed. Partnering with dependable suppliers is critical for assuring an immediate supply of spare parts to support maintenance operations. Furthermore, having an efficient spare parts management system in place speeds the maintenance process, allowing maintenance workers to handle issues quickly and minimise delays to production.
7) Conduct regular inspections and audits:
It is necessary to continually inspect industrial infrastructure and machinery to find possible issues before they become serious and demand repairs. Inspectors should extensively check any equipment that may exhibit signs of corrosion, wear and tear, or defects in structure that might jeopardise its ability to function appropriately. Furthermore, safety checks should be performed to detect hazards and ensure compliance with industry standards, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs due to avoidable events. Factory managers may avoid possible problems while maintaining the overall health and safety of their facilities by completing these inspections and audits on a regular basis.
8) Foster a culture of safety:
Setting priorities workplace safety is critical for safeguarding both employees and equipment from accidents and injuries. A safeguard-focused society requires proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict adherence to safety regulations. On top of that, by encouraging workers to report any safety issues or tragic incidents as soon as possible can promotes improvement in safety standards, minimising the probability of accidents that requiring expensive repairs. When safety becomes a fundamental part of an organization’s culture, it protects not just workers but also machines, assuring unhindered operation and reducing the chance of expensive maintenance.
Conclusion:
To summarise, protecting manufacturing machinery against major repairs necessitates a broad proactive strategy that includes regular maintenance, preventative measures, employee training, and investment in high-quality machinery. Adopting these preventive approaches allows managers of factories to not only reduce downtime and repair costs, but also improve overall facility efficiency. Prioritising preventive over reactive solutions is critical to ensuring machinery longevity and ongoing operations. As industry dynamics shift, adopting a proactive approach to machinery maintenance is critical for maintaining competitiveness and guaranteeing long-term success in manufacturing operations.