Any business that uses industrial machinery or equipment should be well-versed in the importance of industrial maintenance. While new installations and custom fabrications are a big part of what we do as a mechanical engineering company, much of our technicians’ time is focused on maintaining the industrial equipment and machinery we service to ensure it stays in peak working condition and to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.
What is Industrial Maintenance?
Industrial maintenance involves all of the repairs, cleaning, and maintenance work performed on machinery and equipment in an industrial setting to optimize the efficiency, safety, reliability, and lifespan of the equipment. Without proper industrial maintenance, machinery is much more likely to break down or have complications that may lead to production interruptions or create a safety hazard for machine operators and other employees.
An industrial maintenance mechanic is versed in all aspects of industrial maintenance, whether brought in for a routine inspection or to repair a broken down machine. Types of equipment and machinery that require industrial maintenance include:
- Conveyor systems and part retrieval carousels
- Compactors and balers
- Dock doors and levelers
- Hydraulic or pneumatic motors, pumps, and cylinders
- Hoists and cranes
- Stretch wrap machines
- High-pressure hydraulic presses
Industrial maintenance can be the simple routine tasks performed by trained staff, such as cleaning off the conveyor belt or greasing its rollers. Or it may include more complex repairs and maintenance that require professional support.
Types of Industrial Maintenance
Industrial maintenance and mechanical service generally fall into three categories: preventative, repair, and emergency. Knowing which type of industrial maintenance you need depends on the state of the equipment when maintenance occurs.
Preventative Industrial Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is the most important—and most commonly overlooked—aspect of industrial maintenance because it protects machines from unexpected problems! Preventative maintenance is an essential part of any industrial facility’s workflow because it will help cut costs, reduce energy and resource consumption, and keep equipment within regulatory compliance.
Here are some basic tasks involved in preventative maintenance, whether performed by on-site staff or a professional industrial maintenance technician:
- Evaluating overall equipment performance and condition
- Inspecting equipment for damage or wear and tear that requires part replacement
- Replacing parts as recommended per the manufacturer
- Troubleshooting existing issues
- Cleaning equipment and lubricating moving parts
- Checking electrical connections
- Adjusting pressure gauges, tightening bolts and screws, etc.
- Checking fluid levels
- Load testing
- Performing equipment tests
Preventative maintenance also allows for more predictability with equipment downtime, as you can schedule when maintenance will be performed instead of waiting for it to break unexpectedly. Any industrial manager knows how vital it is to have a consistent schedule and reliable workflow, making preventative maintenance a must for ensuring optimal productivity and performance.
Repairs
Not all industrial maintenance problems are emergencies. Repairs to broken down or poorly operating equipment can occur at any time, and a professional industrial maintenance technician can inspect the issue at hand and determine whether the best course of action is repair or replacement. Repairs are usually possible so long as the machine hasn’t already undergone several intensive repairs, parts are available, and the equipment will be safe to use following repairs.
When you are committed to a good preventative maintenance schedule, repairs will be few and far between. Still, breakdowns can occur between scheduled preventative maintenance, making it essential to have a team of industrial maintenance technicians you trust to perform repairs and help you make informed decisions regarding your equipment.
Emergency Industrial Maintenance
The worst-case scenario for industrial maintenance is emergency repairs. These are the breakdowns that slow or completely stall production, and cut into your bottom line. Fortunately, the worst case doesn’t have to be a crisis if you have a reliable industrial maintenance partner at your back!
At Mathews Mechanical, we provide our customers with 24/7 emergency maintenance to ensure they never have to worry about the consequences of equipment failures and breakdowns. Our after-hours response team guarantees that you will get the help you need no matter the time of day or day of the week. During the work day, we typically respond within two hours, and our after-hours team typically responds within four hours or less.
The Industrial Maintenance You Need, Right When You Need It
Whether you need some basic repairs, preventative maintenance, or have an emergency equipment failure on your hands, Mathews Mechanical is here to help! Our industrial maintenance technicians are trained in a wide range of industrial equipment, understanding what to look for and how to fix countless mechanical problems to get your facility back to business as quickly as possible.
If you’re looking for an industrial maintenance team you can trust to be there whenever you need help, contact Mathews Mechanical to learn more about the services we offer. If your equipment requires non-emergency repairs, even if we did not originally fabricate or install your equipment, don’t hesitate to reach out and request service!
