When the packaging or filling machine breaks, it can derail the normal process of the production line. The proper maintenance of packaging and high-quality liquid filling equipment is crucial for the smooth operation of manufacturing plants across various industries. Apart from preventing delays in operations, regular maintenance helps machines last longer at optimal performance.
For all companies that want to minimize costs and maximize profits, here are the most important maintenance tips to know:
1. Perform preventive maintenance regularly
Just like with any other type of equipment, packaging machines work best when they undergo preventive maintenance regularly. From minor tune-ups like lubricating moving parts to major repairs such as replacing worn components, preventive maintenance stops issues in their tracks or prevents them from happening altogether.
Establish a preventive maintenance schedule that covers all the basic maintenance tasks, such as inspection, lubrication, changing of worn parts, and cleaning, to name a few. Similarly, ensure that these tasks are done by personnel with appropriate qualifications.
2. Clean machines daily
Another crucial part of preventive maintenance is periodic cleaning of machines. Have a daily cleaning schedule to get rid of dust and dirt buildup on the surface of the machines. For the internal parts and hard-to-reach areas, schedule a deep cleaning every month or every two weeks, depending on how much the machine was used.
3. Follow the manual
Always make sure that maintenance personnel is following the manufacturer’s guide when cleaning, repairing, and tuning up the machine. Otherwise, your maintenance measures may be causing more harm than good.
4. Keep environment clean
Just as you would keep machines clean, manufacturers should also keep the work area free from dirt, dust, and debris that may interfere with the machines’ performance. Ensure that there are filters that keep the air free from excess amounts of contaminants. At the same time, clean the immediate surroundings with regular sanitation practices.
5. Maintain a complete maintenance record
Keep a record of all the maintenance checks that each machine undergoes, including details about any repairs or replacements that occur. A detailed maintenance record can help you troubleshoot problems in the future, as well as determine the machine’s value when you decide to sell it.
6. Have spare parts handy
A manufacturing machine often comes with a list of spare parts, which is subdivided into high wear, medium wear, and low wear. It’s a good idea to keep a lot of high wear parts on-site since these parts have the biggest odds of failing. As for medium and low wear parts, you can manage with keeping only one piece per part as these parts should not and may not break.
7. Know when to upgrade
Filling and packaging systems are continuously developed every year, meaning the components of your machine will become obsolete at some point. That said, you must be ready to upgrade your machine before the components are phased out.
These are the most important maintenance strategies to ensure that your packaging systems remain efficient, high-performance, and durable until the end of their service life. With these tactics, your operations can enjoy smooth-sailing processes day in and day out, helping you achieve your sales goals without a hitch.
