Making the Most of Machine Tools

Learn how to make your machine tools last longer

Making the most of machine tools should be a key component of your machine shop operations. Keeping machine tool components operating at peak efficiency is necessary for you to get the most value from your investment. Knowing how to achieve that goal can make your shop operate in a safer manner as well.

With any industrial machine tools you will have to put up with considerable wear and tear on the machines, just by the nature of the metal work each machine does. It’s important that you know how to maintain your machines and know when the time is right to replace them. In order to do that, you should:

1. Periodically check machine tools for signs of wear. Each machine has its own set of operational standards provided by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

2. Budget for new equipment, allowing for improvements in machine tool technology to increase production for your business.

3. Prioritize by deciding what equipment your shop absolutely must have on a daily basis in order to function.

 

Begin making the most of machine tools by knowing more about them

Read operator's manuals periodically, regardless of how familiar you are with a machine. You can always learn more machine tool information and it's easy to forget information if you don't use a piece of equipment daily.
Try: American Machine Tools has detailed information on running many industrial machine tools, including information on how to safely operate a metal lathe. MachineToolsOnline.com offers extensive information on a variety of machine tools. Just search for the specific machine parts or machinery tools you want to know more about. From there you can find machinery parts, in addition to articles and other downloads.

Practice safety to make your machine tools last longer

Safety must come first at all times for your workers. But safe operations also means your machine tools are going to last longer. Set down strict rules and make sure your workers obey them.
Try: Harvard has a list of simple procedures to follow in a machine shop to make sure you are safe. You can easily adapt the directions provided to help with making the most of machine tools in your shop. You can find a discussion of safety related issues in this article from TheFabricator. It addresses industrial machine parts usage and safety according to OSHA standards.

Quickly identify machine parts when a repair is necessary

The quickest way to do that is to keep operator's manuals handy. Unfortunately they wear out or get lost. Find operator's manuals online so you can quickly figure out what parts you need to get repairs done in a timely manner.
Try: Enco provides a number of operator’s manuals for automated machine tools on their website. Gallery Of Machines has an extensive listing of operator’s manuals you can order.

 

• Visit with machine tool dealers regularly. Of course they want to sell you something, but a good dealer can give you information and tips to help you get more value from your machine tools.

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