Industrial maintenance is a fundamental part of a company, as it ensures the optimal functioning of the machines and equipment used in production.
Its importance lies in preventing possible breakdowns, extending the service life of equipment and ensuring the safety of workers.
Adequate and constant maintenance helps to avoid unscheduled downtime in production, which can result in economic and time losses. In addition, keeping machines in good condition improves their efficiency and reduces energy consumption, which translates into savings for the company.
What is industrial maintenance?
It is an activity that is carried out to guarantee the correct operation of the machines and equipment used in industry. Its main objective is to prevent possible failures, breakdowns or unscheduled stops, thus optimising productivity and maximising the useful life of industrial assets.
Types
There are different types of industrial maintenance, which are classified according to the time at which they are carried out and the strategy used. The main types of maintenance are:
Preventive maintenance:
It consists of carrying out planned interventions on equipment before failures occur. It is based on carrying out periodic inspections, adjustments, lubrications, cleaning and replacement of worn parts, in order to prevent breakdowns and ensure the proper functioning of the equipment.
Predictive maintenance:
It is carried out by monitoring the parameters and operating data of the machines, with the aim of predicting possible failures and carrying out interventions at the right time. This type of maintenance is based on the use of technologies such as thermography, vibrations, ultrasound, oil analysis, among others.
Corrective maintenance:
It is carried out to repair equipment that has suffered a breakdown or unexpected failure. This type of maintenance is carried out reactively, once the problem has occurred, and aims to restore the machine to working order as soon as possible.
Autonomous Maintenance
This is the most basic form of equipment maintenance. This type of maintenance is carried out by the workers who use the equipment themselves and consists of simple tasks that do not require specialised training, but only brief training. Some of these tasks include cleaning, lubrication, data collection, retightening of bolts and simple visual inspections.
Zero Hours Maintenance (Overhaul)
This consists of carrying out procedures and tasks that leave the equipment in optimum condition, as if it were new. All worn parts are replaced with new parts, which helps to extend the useful life of equipment and machinery in the long term. This process can be carried out progressively. Although it is an effective and beneficial solution, it is important to note that it is costly, as it requires investment in new parts and trained personnel.
Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
It is a management system in manufacturing plants that promotes collaboration between operators and maintenance technicians to achieve production efficiency and uninterrupted operations. The goal is to prevent equipment problems and create an environment free of mechanical breakdowns by training operators in maintenance skills. This reduces reliance on engineers and mechanics and increases operational efficiency.
Benefits:
This task has multiple benefits ranging from improving efficiency and productivity, to reducing costs and ensuring safety and quality in production. It is therefore essential for any company wishing to remain competitive in the marketplace.
Efficiency gains:
Industrial maintenance ensures that machinery and equipment used in production are in optimal condition, thereby increasing production efficiency and reducing downtime.
Cost reduction:
By performing regular preventive and corrective maintenance, major breakdowns that could result in costly repairs or equipment replacements can be avoided. In addition, proper maintenance prolongs the useful life of industrial assets, which saves money in the long run.
Improved security:
This activity, carried out properly, ensures that the facilities comply with safety standards, reducing the risk of occupational accidents and guaranteeing the well-being of employees.
Compliance with regulations:
It helps to comply with established industry standards and regulations, avoiding potential penalties or fines for non-compliance.
Improved product quality:
Proper maintenance of industrial equipment ensures that the products manufactured meet the required quality standards. This enhances the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
Increased productivity:
By having equipment in optimal condition, interruptions in production are avoided and production capacity is improved, which increases the company’s productivity.
Maintenance scheduling:
It allows for proper planning of maintenance activities, which helps to avoid unplanned downtime and to optimise company resources.
Improving the working environment
It contributes to a safer and more comfortable working environment for employees, which improves the working climate and employee satisfaction.
Industrial maintenance is a necessary investment to ensure the continuity of a company’s operations, improve the efficiency of equipment and protect the safety of workers.
It is essential to ensure efficiency and safety in industrial processes. The choice of the type of maintenance will depend on the specific needs and characteristics of each company and its equipment. It is important to have an adequate and well-structured maintenance plan to ensure the proper functioning of machines and equipment.
It is therefore important to dedicate the necessary resources to carry out quality preventive and corrective maintenance.
