Why do you need to perform regular maintenance on injection molding machines?
- It ensures injection mold longevity
- Alleviates operational problems
- Preventive Maintenance is observed
Always opt to maintain your injection mold machine. Mold making in China is rigorous and requires a lot of dedication and attention to detail. Failing to maintain one part spells a potential accident in the molding process. A well-maintained machine lasts longer and can save a lot of projects and money in the future.
Some manufacturers find this maintenance process tedious. It involves downtime for machines. There are potential extra fees for maintenance personnel. Production breakdowns can be prevented with regular maintenance.
Ensure injection mold longevity
Perform injection mold maintenance as regularly as possible. Keep your production on track and your machines in check as much as possible. Preventing machine failure is of the utmost importance, especially for any manufacturing company.
Always keeping your machine in check means that your parts and the molds are in top condition. Quality assurance and maintenance are mutual processes that are important for the overall performance and condition of the injection molding machine.
Alleviates Operational Problems
The injection molding process can cause a lot of stress on the machine. The meticulous process can impact the machine from the mold and natural wear and tear. A poorly maintained mold can risk premature failure. Skipping out on thorough maintenance can produce lasting damage that is more expensive to repair in the long term. Watch out for these potential problems:
- Mold Design Damage
- Temperature Fluctuations
- Part Friction
- Ejector Pin Malfunction
- Abnormal Cooling Systems
- Inadequate Cooling Supply
- Partially Opened Water Valves
- Abnormal Water Pressure
- Water Blockage
- Abnormal Cooling Temperature
- Damaged Pumps
- Abnormal Pressure Regulator
- Contaminated Air Pumps
- Viscous Hydraulic Oil
- Internal Leakage
- Abnormal Pressure
Preventive Maintenance
Regularly maintaining the injection mold machine can help identify potential problems in the future and how to solve them. The said issues wouldn’t evolve into emergencies, a better time saver than a rushed and sloppy repair job. Major maintenance checks can aggravate repercussions that can blow over a manufacturing process into smoke. Preventative maintenance is a process of inspection and prevention to extend the life of injection mold parts.
Hydraulic
Oil shortages in your hydraulic parts can significantly increase temperature and damage. Replace any tubes that are leaking and tighten loose parts. Be aware of the hydraulic system temperature. The quality of the seal can decay as time progresses due to rapid temperature changes. The common causes of temperature fluctuations can be from faulty oil cooling systems.
A good hydraulic oil is chemically stable. It has oxidation stability that can immediately determine the serviceable life of the oil. Any external oxidation from other materials can potentially penetrate and increase the wear of the oil. Oil filters can be cleaned regularly once every three months. This ensures the flow will be smooth. Cooler systems should be cleaned once a year to prevent any blockage.
Electric
Check the joints of the electronics if they are in the right position. Poor joint positioning can affect signal transmission. Make sure the joints can be tightened if it’s loose and use the proper indicated pressure from the manufacturer. Ensure that the position of the joints has no damage from heat or sparks.
Most motors are air cooled. Dust accumulation in motors can cause heat damage. Optimize the electrical power used appropriately. Regularly clean the motor as much as possible for optimum performance.
Heating tubes should maintain an effective heat transfer. These tubes can suffer from heat damage and oxidation damage. Electromagnetic contactors are also prone to melting because of overheating. Replace the contactor immediately once any signs of damage are shown.
Computerized parts of an injection molding machine are prone to malfunction. Voltage fluctuations can render a system obsolete if not immediately attended to. The temperature and humidity of the area should be compatible with the parts to prevent damage. Maintain proper ventilation to regulate effectiveness.
Mechanical
Maintain the proper position of the template and keep it parallel. The mold thickness has to ensure smoothness and long term serviceability. Proper lubrication is needed for all mechanical parts, especially those that are constantly in motion. Good lubrication ensures that there is no long-term damage from friction.
Use a clean lubricant, free of contaminants to prevent any clogs. Inconsistent changes in speed and movement can disrupt operations. Shifty speed can speed up the wear and tear of the mechanical parts if not properly addressed. If any bearings are significantly worn, replace them immediately. If there are abnormalities in the molding process such as slow melting, and burnt spotting, check the screws, rings, and barrels for signs of wear.
Key Takeaway
All machines need proper maintenance. Injection mold machines are no exception. To ensure that the Mold Making in China is in operation, proper maintenance and repairs should be practiced. Some may think that this is a tedious part of a routine but going through maintenance can prevent potential failures and problems. This is a forward movement towards saving money in the long haul, allowing for machines to last longer and run smoother.