Conveyor belt systems are often regarded as the backbone of the manufacturing and processing units. Since years, they have been working efficiently in moving the bulky materials across the workstation and have reduced the burden of the labor force. Conveyor belts have resulted in reduced delays in product manufacture and improved production efficiency.
Improper maintenance of conveyor belts may lead to their break down, halting the manufacturing activities and ultimately costing you time, resources and money. Therefore, regular maintenance is significant to keep the heavy machinery work efficiently and smoothly in long-run.
Here are some essential tips for effective maintenance of conveyor belt systems to keep them functioning for a prolonged period of time. Read on.
- Planning of Preventative Measures:
In order to keep the equipment running in the long run, it is essential to follow the preventative measures as scheduled by the manufacturer. Inspecting the vital components, replacing the worn out spare parts, and upgrading the wires plays a major role in avoiding the expensive breakdowns and extends the life of the belt systems. As the conveyor belts are equipped with various small tools, they require different and suitable preventive measures. In order to upkeep the longevity of these components, it is essential to perform the recommended preventive services.
- Employ the Services of Maintenance Technicians:
Most of the companies do not avail the services of professional technicians for their conveyor belt systems. Maintenance technicians play a critical role in maintaining the conveyor belt systems. Being experts in dealing with belt systems, they are able to detect even the smallest problems with the conveyors and correct them to avoid major problems in future. No doubt it is difficult to find the right technician, yet appointing one will ensure thorough check of the conveyor systems and suggestions thereon.
- Replacement of Obsolete Equipment and Spare Parts:
As technology keeps on changing over and again, it is significant to keep yourself updated with the recent methods of processing. Discarding the obsolete technology builds up space for new one and improves the overall efficiency of the manufacturing units.
It is inevitable for the spare parts to get damaged and worn out due to their regular and continuous usage. Thus, replacing the worn out spare parts and other components of the conveyor systems is a close substitute for their complete breakdown in the long run.
- Documentation of Minute Defects:
To ensure smooth and efficient working of the conveyor belt systems, it is a necessity to perform regular checks of the systems. Ask a maintenance technician or supplier to come and hold periodic audits of the belt systems. Periodic inspections help in identifying the possible areas of damage and prevent catastrophic failures of the belt systems.
- Proper Clean-up and Lubrication of the Conveyor Systems:
The biggest contributors to inefficient working of conveyor systems are not cleaning them regularly. Majority of the breakdowns occur due to presence of junk and debris in the belt systems. Hence, it becomes vital to adhere to the cleaning schedules of the conveyor systems
Moreover, lack of adequate lubrication of the bearings also leads to poor working of the conveyor belt systems. Guidelines of the manufacturer should be followed while lubricating the belts to ensure their uninterrupted working conditions.