How to Use Predictive Maintenance

In today’s ever evolving manufacturing landscape, more companies are adopting lean manufacturing principles. A key component of success with this strategy is having machine tools ready to run parts at a moment’s notice. Not only run parts, but make good parts. This is where predictive maintenance can be a huge help.

Performing Checks

What is predictive maintenance? This is the practice of performing checks on your machine tool at scheduled times and comparing the results to baseline results taken when the machine was new or known to be in good working order, and using the results of the checks to determine if components are beginning to fail or fall out of tolerance. Once you have this information you can make a plan for fixing the issue at a time of your choice. Thus, you plan the downtime.

Add Predictive Maintenance to Your Preventive Maintenance

For instance, if you perform backlash tests on the machine axes when the machine is new and within factory specs, you’ll have a great baseline and later tests are compared to these metrics. As part of the preventive maintenance you’re already doing to the machine tool, add these predictive maintenance checks. If a problem is found, you can schedule a time to have the issue fixed. The same could be done with spindles by monitoring heat, vibration, runout or noise. Compare the values found to the baseline test results and determine if the spindle is developing an issue.

Being able to plan your downtime is paramount to success in a lean manufacturing situation.

Thanks to Charlie Cagle (Support Center Technician, Okuma America) for providing this Service Tip.  

MORE: Get more tips in our popular blog post "Handy Tips for Preventive Maintenance"