Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 10

BACK-2-BASICS 4529 HOW TO As the improved inspection methods help to determine with greater accuracy when individ- ual pieces of equipment should be overhauled, breakdowns will become less frequent. The main- tenance workshop will now be called upon to undertake pre- planned overhauls when ma- chines become available during off-production time. The function of the shops will thus gradually move away from the emergency squad activities toward controlled machine ser- vicing activities. The understand- ing and enthusiasm of those responsible for the execution of a preventive maintenance program are important factors in determin- ing its ultimate success. Consequently, it is important that both supervisory and technical personnel in the group receive formal training in the reasons for, philosophy behind and benefits derived from a preventive mainte- nance program. The success of the program also depends on obtaining the full support and understanding of production personnel. They must cooperate by advising of run- ning difficulties experienced with machines, modifications made to equipment and areas where the existing program is in need of revision. Moreover, they must understand that inspection is the key to successful preventive maintenance and be prepared to put each machine at the disposal of the preventive maintenance group at agreed times so that the necessary inspection and over- hauls can be performed. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM BENEFITS A sound preventive maintenance program provides important ben- efits: I. Reduced Downtime – An initial result of such a program is a sharp drop in the number of equipment breakdowns. This expresses itself directly as an increase in produc- tion machine running time and therefore in greater total work output. II. Reduced Equipment Repair Costs – When machines are in- spected regularly, the likelihood of detecting abnormal functioning, which may lead later to a serious breakdown of complicated repair, is greatly increased. The early detection and correction of minor operating irregularities in equip- ment leads to reduced overall expenditure on repairs. III.Reduced Maintenance Work Force – As the need to carry out major repairs diminishes, man- power requirements for such work also diminish and it should eventually be possible to reduce the size of the maintenance force. IV.Longer Equipment Life – Machines that are lubricated and inspected regularly will nat- urally remain in proper working order for a longer period. If your foundry embraces the importance of a robust and well-run preventative mainte- nance organization your ahead of many of your peers. If your foundry abandoned preven- tative maintenance in favor of production commitments, we hope you’ll take this article as a friendly reminder about the im- portance a preventative main- tenance program plays in your long-term success. If you need help re-establishing an effec- tive program, we can help with any portion of these suggested step. Contact: JERRY SENK [email protected]