Continuous, stable, and efficient operation of machinery, equipment, and systems is a critical concern for factories and businesses. Therefore, instead of waiting for failures to occur, Routined maintenance is an indispensable activity that helps enterprises proactively inspect and maintain equipment, prevent breakdowns, and optimize operational efficiency. Let’s explore in-depth and comprehensible terms about Routined maintenance with INTECH Service in the article below!
What is Routine Maintenance?
Routine maintenance is the repeated maintenance of machinery and equipment at regular intervals. Maintenance tasks may include inspection, cleaning, lubrication, replacing worn-out components, adjusting technical parameters, etc., aimed at maintaining the optimal operational condition of the equipment.
The maintenance Routine can be determined based on usage time or operating hours.
For example, maintenance may occur every 500 operating hours or quarterly.
Benefits of Routine Maintenance
Improving Production Efficiency
Reducing Equipment Failure Risks: Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment help detect potential issues early, allowing for timely repairs before they escalate. This minimizes the risk of sudden failures that could disrupt production Routines and lead to economic losses.
Increasing Labor Productivity: Consistently maintained equipment operates smoothly with fewer incidents, enabling workers to concentrate on core tasks. This enhances labor productivity by minimizing interruptions caused by equipment breakdowns.
Cost Savings: Addressing minor repairs through regular maintenance is often much cheaper than dealing with major breakdowns or replacing equipment. Routined maintenance helps reduce repair and replacement costs, thereby saving production expenses for businesses.
Extending Equipment Lifespan
Reducing Wear and Tear: Regular maintenance and lubrication of equipment help minimize wear and tear on its components, thereby extending the equipment’s lifespan.
Minimizing Aging: Routined maintenance helps prevent the aging of equipment components, ensuring that the equipment operates more reliably and durably over time.
Ensuring Occupational Safety
Reducing Risk of Workplace Accidents: Equipment that isn’t regularly maintained may pose hidden risks to workers’ safety. Regular inspections and maintenance help identify and mitigate these potential hazards, ensuring safety for workers during equipment operation.
Improving Work Environment: A clean and safe work environment contributes to enhancing the health and morale of workers, thereby improving work efficiency.
Enhancing Business Image
Demonstrating Professionalism: Implementing regular maintenance demonstrates the professionalism of the business in managing and operating its equipment.
Boosting Brand Reputation: Products manufactured from regularly maintained equipment often exhibit high quality and meet customer demands, thereby enhancing the business’s brand reputation.
Tasks typically performed during Routine maintenance
Tasks typically performed during routine maintenance include:
Visual inspection
Checking the external appearance.
Assessing the overall condition of equipment, identifying signs of damage, leaks, corrosion, etc.
Example: Inspecting equipment casings, electrical wires, control cables, and joints.
Cleaning
Removing dust, grease, and contaminants from equipment surfaces.
Example: Cleaning engines, fans, and machinery compartments.
Lubrication
Lubricating moving parts of equipment to reduce friction and wear.
Example: Lubricating shaft bearings, gears, couplings,…
Replacing worn components
Replacing components that have worn out during use, such as bearings, seals, gaskets,…
Example: Replacing engine bearings, seals, door gaskets,…
Adjusting technical parameters
Adjusting the technical parameters of equipment to ensure accurate and efficient operation.
Example: Adjusting belt tension, hydraulic oil pressure, oven temperature,…
Checking safety devices
Checking the operation of safety devices such as brake systems, fire alarm systems, electrical cut-off systems,…
Example: Checking forklift brakes, workshop fire alarm systems, safety electrical switchgear,…
Recording routine maintenance logs
Recording comprehensive details of performed maintenance activities, equipment condition after maintenance,…
Example: Recording maintenance time, maintenance items, replacement components,…
Additionally, depending on the type of equipment and specific requirements, there may be additional routine maintenance tasks.
Comparison of Routine Maintenance and Preventive Maintenance
Similarities:
Purpose: Both routine maintenance and preventive maintenance aim to maintain efficient and safe operation of machinery and equipment, prolonging their lifespan and reducing the risk of breakdowns.
Activities: Both involve activities such as inspection, lubrication, cleaning, adjustment, and replacement of worn-out components.
Benefits: Both routine maintenance and preventive maintenance provide numerous benefits to businesses, such as reducing repair costs, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring safety.
Differences:
| Feature | Routine Maintenance | Preventive Maintenance |
| Execution Method | Conducted on a fixed Routine, regardless of equipment condition. | Conducted based on equipment condition, through monitoring and diagnosis measures. |
| Time of Execution | Regularly Routined, often frequent. | Executed as needed, when signs indicate potential issues or when equipment is at risk of malfunction. |
| Effectiveness | May not detect hidden issues of equipment. | Can detect potential issues early and take timely corrective actions. |
| Cost | Typically lower cost compared to preventive maintenance. | May incur higher costs due to the use of advanced equipment and technologies for monitoring and diagnosis. |
| Suitability | Suitable for simple equipment with stable operation and fewer breakdowns. | Suitable for complex equipment prone to breakdowns, operating in harsh environments. |
The choice of maintenance type depends on several factors such as:
- Type of equipment
- Operating environment
- Operating conditions
- Maintenance staff experience
- Business budget
Typically, businesses should combine both routine maintenance and preventive maintenance to achieve the best efficiency.
Process of Performing Routine Maintenance
The process of performing routine maintenance typically includes the following steps:
Step 1: Planning Routine Maintenance
Identify the type of equipment requiring maintenance.
Refer to the manufacturer’s user manual to determine the frequency of routine maintenance.
Detailed planning of routine maintenance, including: Maintenance schedule, maintenance items, executing unit, spare parts, necessary tools and equipment.
Step 2: Preparation for Maintenance Work
Ensure availability of all necessary spare parts, tools, and equipment for the maintenance work.
Disconnect power, water, compressed air, etc., from the equipment before maintenance.
Clean up the area around the equipment to ensure safety.
Step 3: Execution of Maintenance Work
Perform maintenance tasks according to the planned schedule.
Record all maintenance activities performed, and document the equipment’s condition after maintenance.
Step 4: Post-Maintenance Inspection
Start the equipment and inspect its operation.
Ensure the equipment operates normally, without unusual noise, excessive vibration, or leaks.
Step 5: Documentation of Routine Maintenance Records
Archive routine maintenance records to monitor the equipment’s operational status and take timely action when necessary.
Note:
Use genuine spare parts suitable for the equipment.
Perform routine maintenance according to the established plan and schedule.
Routine maintenance tasks should be carried out by specialized and trained personnel.
These are the information and procedures related to routine maintenance. INTECH Service specializes in reliable routine maintenance and servicing with service stations nationwide. Contact us today for prompt consultation on our services provided by experienced professionals in the field.