Maintaining machinery that is out of service in our workshops is essential so that, when it is needed again, it will work properly. This downtime can be due to a variety of reasons, from reduced demand for products to strikes or natural disasters.
Most of the time the period of downtime is short and there is usually no major problem. However, when a long period of time goes by without use, a series of checks should be carried out. This operation must be carried out thoroughly by an industrial maintenance expert to ensure that there are no errors that could jeopardise the machine's return to operation.
The first check to be made is a general one. It is necessary to check the real state of the machine, if it works or if it needs some change so that it can be operative again. If faults are found or if it is found that a replacement part is needed, it is necessary to consider whether the cost of repairing it is worthwhile. In case you do not want to carry out the repair on the spot, you should record in a database what was found to be damaged, the estimated cost of repair and the date of the overhaul.
The life expectancy of the machinery is also an element to consider. If you have not used the machine for some time, perhaps the service life has shortened at a faster rate. Taking into account the age of the machine and how long it has been idle will help you to make a realistic planning of your resources.
It is also necessary to check not only that the machine is working, but that it is working at full capacity. It is important to see if the machine will operate at 100% capacity and if all functions are still running properly.
It is possible that some functions may be broken, as well as running at 50% of their capacity or using more energy than normal. In these cases, alternatives may need to be considered.
Overhauling machinery is a highly recommended activity to carry out periodically, both to keep control and to put it back into operation in your industry. Even so, it may be more cost-effective to consider replacing the machine.
A very common example in the cutting industry are the many companies that leave their punching machines idle for a while and, instead of bringing them back, they prefer to invest in a fiber laser machine.
We have already made an in-depth comparison between a punching machine and a fiber laser machine nd if you have not yet read it, we recommend that you do so. On the one hand, you will discover that cutting with a laser is much easier than with a punching machine, as the latter has a very complex preparation process, which makes it difficult to work with a wide range of shapes, materials and thicknesses.
On the other hand, in a fibre laser machine the cost of maintenance and consumables is low, while energy consumption is low/medium, depending on the power of the laser. The punching machine, on the other hand, has high consumable costs and medium/high maintenance and consumption costs.
Reasons such as these are the ones that may make you consider the possibility of changing machines when you review those that are unused. If you have any doubts about which machine is the one you need, ask for a free consultation with no obligation and one of our experts will advise you according to your situation.
