Sawing equipment is some of the major tools used in the metal fabrication industry. Using them as directed will ensure they last a long time. The second thing is through routine inspection and maintenance. Equipment that is not well maintained will keep breaking down, leading to downtime. This also means that money is lost. If you have bought sawing equipment from a company such as Pat Mooney Saws, it will be wise to maintain it well to prevent downtime caused by equipment failure. Here are some of the maintenance tips you should keep in mind.
Check Blade Tension at Every Blade Change
The sawing blade needs to be tensioned according to the recommendations of the equipment manufacturer. Overtensioned blades on saws are likely to cause the wheel bearing to wear off prematurely due to overstretching. Undertensioed blades, on the other hand, will not cut the metal well and may also develop fatigue cracks. Every time you change the blades of your saw equipment, check that they are properly tensioned.
Check the Sawing Fluid Daily
Use a refractometer to check the ratio and condition of the sawing fluid. If either is not right, your equipment may overheat and you may reduce blade life. Ensure you are maintaining the correct level of the sawing fluid based on the equipment’s specification.
Inspect and Adjust the Working Parts
Another important tip is inspecting the working parts of your sawing equipment and making the necessary adjustments. This will ensure that you get precise cuts and prevent damaging the equipment.
Ensure All Parts Are Well Installed
Most of the time, issues with equipment stem from improper installation. When installing any parts to your sawing equipment, ensure you follow the instructions as guided by the manufacturer. Otherwise, you will end up with crooked cuts and premature equipment failure.
Inspect the Belts Every Six Months
For the drive belt, check for stretching, cracks, and wear. These conditions can cause a change in the band speed, leading to reduced blade life and inconsistent cutting performance. You can prevent that by replacing the drive belt when necessary.
When it comes to the chip brush belt, check for stretching, wear, and cracks as well. If you notice any problem, replace the belt as directed by the equipment manual. Do not wait until it breaks while you or one of your employees is cutting.
Train Employees on Equipment Maintenance
Every time a technician comes in for equipment maintenance, allow a few of your employees to observe what is being done and ask the right questions. One of the benefits of on-job employee training is that you will save money in the long run. After a few visits, you will no longer have to call a technician to come and fix the problem. Your employees will have learned what is needed to be done.
Benefits of Preventative Maintenance
Here are some of the reasons you should maintain your sawing equipment:
- The cost of maintaining your equipment is less compared to the cost of fixing a failed machine. If you add up the cost of unplanned downtime, replacement parts, and labor, you will realize that preventative maintenance saves you money.
- Well-maintained equipment is safe to use. Through scheduled maintenance, you will be reducing the risk of injuries associated with faulty equipment.
- Preventive maintenance ensures that you consistently produce high-quality products. It is just like a car. If you do not inflate the tires or change the oil, you will get poor performance.
- You can extend machine life through equipment maintenance. Scheduled maintenance allows you to catch problems early and fix them before the damage becomes worse. The fewer repairs you make, the longer a machine will serve you.
Metal fabrication shops that stick to the correct preventative maintenance measures will maximize the cutting precision and efficiency of their sawing machines. In addition, they will be reducing expenses associated with costly repairs. As much as preventive maintenance will cost you for your saws and other machinery, it pays back big time in the long run.
