If you own a metalworking business, you know it’s highly important to maintain your equipment. Without properly functioning machines, producing high-quality work is impossible. Continue reading to learn some ways to maintain metalworking machines with ease.
Reference the Manual
Every piece of metal fabrication equipment requires routine maintenance. However, since each machine is unique, knowing how to properly clean or repair the equipment you own can be difficult. Therefore, reading the machine manual is vitally important. For example, safely cleaning your vertical drill press will differ from how you clean a milling machine. Make sure you research the needs for different types of equipment.
Many people assume they’ll reference the manual once a problem arises, but this can easily lead to more issues. You should be familiar with the ins and outs of the machine beforehand. Manufacturers take the time to write thorough manuals for a reason. Through extensive experience, the manufacturer knows what their specific machine needs.
You and your employees should read and follow the manual to learn about important safety, operation, and maintenance tips. In fact, the equipment manual should be mandatory reading for anyone handling the machine.
Clean and Lubricate Machines
Another way to maintain metalworking machines is to clean and lubricate them on a regular basis. Metalwork shops can be dirty and dusty spaces, so you want to make sure every piece of equipment is free of substances and particles. Clean machines operate at maximum efficiency and can boost your business’s overall productivity.
Additionally, every machine with moving parts needs regular lubrication to operate smoothly. If a machine struggles to perform daily, you run the risk of encountering a larger problem down the line. If your team understands the importance of cleaning and lubricating the equipment, you can potentially avoid big and small maintenance issues.
Inspect the Alignment
Proper alignment is paramount when working in the metal industry. A misaligned workpiece can lead to wasted materials and injury to the operator. Misalignment can also negatively impact the quality and performance of the machine, as well as the final product.
To ensure your shop is producing high-quality work, appropriate inspection of your machines’ alignment is necessary. If you suspect misalignment, consult the equipment manual to realign the machine yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable fixing the problem on your own, call a professional to make sure the machine is aligned according to its exact specifications.
With these tips and practices in mind, you can extend the life of your metalworking equipment. Plus, by adhering to a routine cleaning schedule, you can minimize major repairs and maximize your productivity. With proper maintenance, you can enhance the performance of your machinery and create a safe workplace for everyone.