3 Reasons Regular Maintenance Helps Equipment Last Longer

Equipment is a large expense for companies so it’s important to help it last as long as possible, and regular maintenance plays a large part of that.

1. Keeps Things Lubricated

Lubrication keeps parts that rub against each other from wearing too much or too quickly. In some cases, such as within internal combustion engines, the lubrication actually keeps the parts from seizing with each other. Correct lubrication ensures longer motor and machine life, which reduces upkeep costs.

Well-lubricated machinery also performs at its full potential, which will save you money in the long run because you don’t have to run the machine more than absolutely necessary to accomplish the relevant tasks. And, even if the machine itself doesn’t fail completely, single components can fail and need replacement. Of course, all components will fail eventually, but the right lubrication will help keep that as far into the future as possible.

Lastly, by keeping a certain machine running smoothly, lubrication helps one machine support other machines in the same shop. For example, if there are three machines required for a process, one going down will keep the other two from fulfilling their tasks.

2. Finds Minor Things Before Something Major Happens

There’s the old story of, “For want of a nail, the horse was lost. For want of a horse, the rider was lost. For want of the rider, the battle was lost. For want of the battle, the kingdom was lost.” The same thing applies to machine maintenance. That single screw that needs replacing doesn’t seem like it’s all that important. But, if it were to fail, causing the part it holds in place to fall of and/or fly into other parts of the machine, not to mention other machines, wreaking havoc and damage, then not spending the few minutes to replace a simple screw could result in disaster.

And, the disruption of the workflow from one failed machine will wind up costing you extra money not only in repair costs but also in lost production. The dangers of both are the same as they are for not lubricating your machine properly. Also, when something major goes wrong with one or more machines, the employees can’t do their work. Major machine failures adversely affect morale because the situation erodes trust in both the machines themselves and in management for not seeing to the necessary maintenance.

3. Keeps Things Safer

A machine shop is a dangerous enough place with all of the machines working correctly. A machine that breaks could fling something injurious, or even deadly, around the interior of the shop. Similarly, a faulty machine could leak fluids of various kinds onto the floor, including slippery and/or corrosive stuff that could either hurt someone directly or cause a dangerous fall. Some machines might even emit noxious fumes or gases that could cause sickness or injuries if they’re not correctly maintained.

It’s not difficult to practice proper maintenance. The machines’ manufacturers probably provided a maintenance schedule, so all you need to do is follow it. Conscientiousness will yield the dividends of increased productivity, safety, and machine longevity as long as you maintain it.