3 Ways To Maintain Metalworking Machines
If you own a metalworking business, you know it’s essential to maintain your equipment. Without adequately functioning machines, producing high-quality work is impossible. Continue reading to learn some ways to sustain 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 clean or repair the equipment you own correctly 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 assume they’ll refer to the manual once a problem arises, which can easily lead to more issues. You should be familiar with the machine's ins and outs beforehand. Manufacturers take thorough manuals for a reason. Through extensive experience, they know what their specific machine needs.
You and your employees should read and follow the equipment manual to learn important safety, operation, and maintenance tips. It should be mandatory for anyone handling the machine to read it.
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. It can also negatively impact the quality and performance of the machine and the final product.
Appropriately inspecting your machines’ alignment ensures your shop produces high-quality work. If you suspect misalignment, you can use precision tools like dowel pins to help secure and realign machine components. These are readily available online and can make a significant difference in maintaining accuracy.
Clean and Lubricate Machines
Another way to maintain metalworking machines is to clean and lubricate them regularly. Metalwork shops can be dirty and dusty, so you want to ensure every piece of equipment is free of substances and particles. Clean machines operate efficiently 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 risk encountering a more significant problem down the line. If your team understands the importance of cleaning and lubricating the equipment, you can potentially avoid substantial and minor maintenance issues.
With these tips and practices in mind, you can extend the life of your metalworking equipment. Adhering to a routine cleaning schedule can minimize major repairs and maximize productivity. Proper maintenance can enhance the performance of your machinery and create a safe workplace for everyone.
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