In the manufacturing industry, the tools and equipment used in the operations are considered an investment because they are essential in boosting work productivity and output. When buying any new tools or equipment, you need to ensure they will be sustainable and support your business in achieving its strategic aims. To prevent the expense of replacing items more frequently than necessary, it is essential you understand how to use and maintain all manufacturing tools you own correctly.
There are some practical ways you can ensure the sustainability of your manufacturing equipment.
1. Read The User Guide
Even though you have an idea of how to operate the acquired tools or equipment, it’s still a must to read the user guide to master how it works correctly. You will also find vital information about storing, cleaning, and maintaining it. The operator’s manual teaches the controls and safety features of the manufacturing tool to prevent untoward incidents while using it.
Most companies provide training on how to operate manufacturing tools and equipment. It’s essential to remember that the user manuals will come in handy if you forget the step-by-step process of running or using the equipment.
2. Use The Correct Equipment For The Job
Some manufacturing tools suffer unnecessary wear and tear because they may not be used correctly. Before buying any equipment, having a conversation with the dealer or supplier about your business requirements will enable them to confirm if the items you are considering are appropriate for your needs. Ensuring the size, strength, speed, etc., of the tools match your specifications will form part of this conversation and support your final decision.
For example, CBN grinding technology is primarily used to grind hardened alloys. If it’s used on wood and other soft metals, you won’t get the desired results. The equipment may overheat, displacing some of the grinding wheel’s parts that may cause injury. Employee safety should be a primary consideration when buying new tools or equipment.
3. Know Your Machinery
Before introducing a manufacturing tool into your work operations, employees who will be operating the equipment need to have explicit knowledge about what it’s for and how it works. Familiarity with the tools used in operation also increases productivity. Employee training on using equipment in the workplace should be part of your standard operating procedures. You cannot blame an employee for damaging a tool if they have not been trained on using it correctly. Of course, the tool’s life expectancy and warranty information must also be considered. Sharing this information with the team or those responsible for the equipment in your business provides a clear understanding of how long the items should last. They will also be aware of if there is warranty cover available should problems arise.
Consider providing the equipment users with ideas on basic troubleshooting, so if something goes wrong, the whole operation won’t be impaired. When you’re familiar with your tools and equipment, you know when to fix or replace them.
4.Inspect Regularly
To pinpoint any issues or inconsistencies with your tools and equipment, it’s important to carry out regular maintenance. Set a maintenance schedule for before or after working hours or even during day-offs to prevent interrupting production. As soon as you see issues, don’t delay the repair or replacement. Using malfunctioning tools may lead to injury, resulting in employee time off work and reduced output. In severe cases, it could result in expensive legal actual and damage to the reputation of your business.
A thorough maintenance inspection should be supervised by a professional, like an engineer or technician, and the supplier or manufacturer. Detecting the issue and taking action to correct them immediately before it gets worse is more cost-efficient.
5. Clean It After Use
After a hard day’s work, cleaning your manufacturing tools may seem like a daunting task. Maintenance is vital to preserve the good condition of your equipment to ensure it lasts. When dust, grime, and other particles are left unchecked, these may affect the tools’ efficiency and, worse, may result in permanent damage. A part of storing your tools properly is checking if they’re clean and ready to be used by the next operator or the next day.
Before introducing a cleaning routine, make sure you know the proper way to clean each tool. Some equipment can be cleaned just by wiping their surface, while others require specialised cleaning apparatus, especially if they have hard-to-clean areas.
6. Opt For Repair And Refurbish Than Replacement
If your manufacturing tool still works fine but starts to look old and tired, replacing it isn’t always the best option. In this case, refinishing it to make it look presentable is the most practical solution. It is unavoidable that old tools will suffer wear and tear, so in this case, you must assess whether they can be repaired by replacing some parts or if you can save more just by replacing them.
When the manufacturing tool you’re using starts to malfunction, you should check if the manufacturer’s warranty covers it. This usually covers the expenses for the repair, or in some cases, they may send you a new one, depending on the condition of the tool or equipment.
Final Thoughts
As an employee, it’s one of your responsibilities to care for the tools you’re using to increase productivity. If you are unsure of the correct use or procedures, ensure you let your manager or employer know that you require training to help you.
As a business, ensure your manufacturing tools and equipment meet your sustainability goals. Procure the right items to meet your specifications and provide your workforce with the necessary knowledge and confidence to operate, maintain and repair the equipment you buy or own. Make sure you introduce regular cleaning and maintenance as part of your workplace operations, and to protect your bottom line and the environment, where possible, arrange for equipment to be repaired instead of replaced.
