(Newswire.net — December 6, 2019) — Gearboxes are crucial in any piece of industrial machinery. As such, they need proper care and maintenance to ensure they are working at their optimal level.
One of the ways to ensure your industrial robot’s gearbox serves you for longer is to practice regular maintenance. Have it checked regularly to catch and fix potential failures early enough. This will prevent the likelihood of surprise breakdowns that happen when you least expect.
Below are key maintenance tips that will ensure your gearbox remains in top-notch condition.
- Ensure the gearbox is lubricated all the time
When machines are working they produce friction which, in turn, produces heat. If your gearbox is not properly lubricated, it will suffer wear and tear, reducing the machine’s overall shelf-life. So, it is only right to regularly check the oil levels and refill when appropriate
You should always stick to the lubricant the gearbox manufacturer has recommended. Additionally, since gearboxes go for extended periods without needing an oil change, drain the ‘old’ oil before refilling.
- Always keep it clean
One of the most effective ways of ensuring your gearbox is always clean is to take care of its breathers. Gearbox breathers are strategically placed to minimize the chances of dirt going into the gearbox.
Dirt in the form of dust, water, and other debris can damage a gearbox. Although industrial gearboxes are used in areas with a lot of dirt, keeping your workplace clean is one step to ensuring the cleanliness of your gearbox.
Some manufacturers advise installing filters to keep debris at bay which, in my opinion, is a viable option
- The gearbox should cool properly after use
As stated earlier, when industrial machines are working, friction and heat are produced. Improper cooling makes the machinery perform at a lower capacity.
One of the main reasons industrial gearboxes overheat is due to friction and using the wrong lubricant. Look for the recommended oil that is of good quality to minimize the chances of a breakdown.
- Check the gear teeth once in a while
When a gearbox is put under too much pressure, it may break. One such pressure includes using the machinery for harder tasks that what they were designed for. The moment you notice damaged or broken gear teeth, get them fixed immediately
- Listen keenly to the vibrations from your gearbox
Another way to ensure your gearbox serves you for years to come is to closely monitor any vibrations the machine is emitting.
Go to a quiet room then switch on your gearbox. Look keenly at its movements and listen carefully to the sounds it is producing. If the gearbox has a problem, having a professional there as you do this is a great idea. He will be able to communicate to you what exactly the problem is.
As an entrepreneur, it is important to schedule a time for general preventive maintenance. Do not always wait until a problem has come up to start calling the repair guy.
When its all said and done, the most crucial thing is to always keep an eye on your gearbox to catch strange things as they begin to happen.