When industrial machinery breaks it can have costly consequences. On top of having to repair or replace the machinery, not having a working machine could result in downtime that could cause you to lose business. Keeping your equipment well maintained can save you money by preventing excessive damage. Here are just 6 tips for looking after machinery, whether it’s an industrial printer or a construction crane.
Service your machinery regularly
Make sure that you’re carrying out regular servicing on your machinery. You may be able to carry out a full inspection yourself or you may find it more effective to call in a professional depending on the nature of the machine. Every time the machine is serviced, it should be recorded in a log book and any faults should be acted upon. This could help to prevent major damage by spotting warning signs early.
Use smart technology to predict damage
A modern alternative to servicing could be to integrate smart technology into your industrial equipment. Smart sensors can pick up on signs of wear and tear early and alert you of damage before it happens. You can buy machines that already have this technology wired into them or you can have smart sensors retrofitted into old machines using companies like ABB Ability.
Keep a cleaning schedule
Regular cleaning is also important. On top of cleaning the machines themselves to prevent blockages and other faults, it’s important to check the environment around the machine. Dust or dirt could contribute to making your equipment dirty and worn.
Consider the air quality
Few companies the effect that air quality can have on machinery. Too much moisture in the air could cause damage to machinery like compressors and could require buying extra machinery such as an ISC desiccant air dryer to prevent this. Fans may also be needed to provide cooling, whilst air extractors may be needed to prevent dust building up in the air.
Thoroughly train employees
Employees that aren’t trained up thoroughly are likely to damage machinery through improper use or by failing to do maintenance checks. Make sure that anyone using your equipment is qualified to do so. Many employers focus their training primarily on health and safety when teaching new employees to use machinery, which is essential, however you should also make sure that your training helps to preserve machinery.
Insure your equipment
Insuring your equipment won’t prevent damage from occurring but it could help to cover the costs of repairs and replacements in the event that damage does take place. It could also help to cover costs caused by damage as the result of a fire or a theft which you may not be able to predict. You may even be able to take out warranties on equipment when initially buying them. In all cases, always read the small print when taking out an insurance scheme so that you know exactly which damage is covered. You can find business equipment insurance from companies such as Jubilee Insurance.
