Testing and troubleshooting are relevant for machines because they ensure that the machinery is in top shape and ready for the next job. This article will discuss some of the most important tests and basic principles to remember when troubleshooting. It will also cover some common problems that may cause a machine to fail, such as corrosion and rust deposits.
Proper maintenance can prevent failure.
Keeping cnc machine shop running in tip-top shape is essential for business continuity. Unfortunately, equipment failures hurt productivity and delivery of services. However, you can take a few steps to protect your assets and prevent them from failing.
The best way to do this is by implementing a preventive maintenance program. These programs can improve the reliability of your equipment and reduce downtime, which can affect your bottom line. Therefore, a well-run preventive maintenance program should be an ongoing priority.
You can start by ensuring your staff is trained and familiar with your equipment. This will make them better equipped to handle it when it breaks down. It will also make them more productive and save you money in the long run.
Current tests
To improve the performance of a machine, periodic maintenance checks are often conducted. Electrical tests can increase reliability and help detect problems before they become serious. These tests are typically performed after a machine is manufactured.
Current tests include current and voltage measurements. They can detect fundamental problems, such as power loss, and identify a motor that is inoperable or has a high load. An engine can be rated for less current but should not draw more than the stated rating.
High current test sets consist of a control unit and output units: these test ground fault relays, circuit breakers, and other current relays.
Thermal imagers
A thermal imager is like a single-spot thermometer on steroids. It is a powerful tool that detects heat loss and leaks from plumbing and HVAC equipment. The device is also helpful in inspecting electrical components and circuits.
Firefighters also use thermal imaging to pinpoint hotspots and see through smoke. They can adjust the device’s dynamic range to cancel out the effect of flames. This allows them to quickly identify the temperature in different parts of a burning building.
Thermal imagers are not a replacement for conventional inspection cameras. Instead, they require precise measurements and clear thermal images. For this reason, it is essential to pick a model that offers accurate measurements and high-quality photos.
Vibration analyzers
Machine vibration analysis is an integral part of predictive maintenance and maintenance technology. It helps detect early warning signs of failure and improves machine performance.
This type of monitoring involves using sensors that transform mechanical motion into electrical voltage. The voltage output can then be integrated to generate speed and displacement information.
The most common vibration sensors are accelerometers and velocity transducers. Other vibration monitoring options include a sound pressure level meter and ultra-sound analyzers.
A portable vibration monitor is a great option to keep a close eye on your machinery. These handheld devices can collect almost any type of vibration measurement data.
Accelerometers
An accelerometer is an electromechanical device that converts mechanical motion into an electrical signal. They can be used in a wide variety of applications. Typically, they are used to measure vibration. Some of the most common applications for accelerometers are in industrial and civil engineering and medical devices.
Choosing the best type of accelerometer is crucial to making accurate and reliable measurements. Three leading technologies are widely used for this purpose.
Piezoelectric accelerometers rely on the piezoelectric effect. These devices use a beam-shaped crystal to generate a high-impedance electrical charge proportional to the unit’s force.
Corrosion causes rust deposits to clog a pipe.
Corrosion is an ongoing process that can cause rust deposits to clog a pipe. Pipes made of copper, iron, and steel are all susceptible to corrosion. The best way to prevent corrosion is to use the proper materials and adequately install pipes.
Rust is a mineral, and it is a result of a chemical reaction between metal and oxygen or hydrogen. Water can also be an ingredient in a corrosive response, and if it has been contaminated, it may eat away at the metal in a piping system.
Basic principles in troubleshooting
Maintenance personnel must use basic troubleshooting principles when machines fail to get them back up and running. These methods can help reduce failures and improve equipment quality.
Troubleshooting requires time and skill. To avoid re-occurrence, troubleshooters must determine the root cause of the problem. Once the cause is identified, the problem can be repaired. The process usually involves phases, including research, testing, and resolving.
Troubleshooting procedures vary by industry and machine type. However, typical steps include using a checklist, dividing the system into components, and analyzing the symptoms.
