Manufacturer of Hydraulic Presses

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Your Hydraulic Press

June 19, 2019

Press operators play a big role in ensuring that the equipment is running efficiently. If press machines are well maintained, strange noises and vibrations can be fixed fast and with ease. This means that fixing the problems will be less expensive and you will not have downtime from a broke hydraulic press. To ensure the hydraulic press is running smoothly, here are preventive maintenance tips you can follow:
 

i. Strictly follow the preventive maintenance schedule that was supplied with your press

Since hydraulic presses are different, they have varying preventive maintenance schedules. Therefore, ensure you read the instructions manual carefully so that you don’t miss any of the maintenance schedules.
 

ii. Check the fittings and hydraulic lines to make sure they do not have leaks

It is recommended you check the hydraulic fittings and lines because small leaks can cause huge messes if they are not fixed. If you detect a leak, tighten or replace the fitting or the hose and then monitor the repair to ensure the leak does not recur.
 

iii. Check for proper operating temperature and oil level

Checking oil level regularly is important because you will adjust the oil to required operation levels. Remember, improper oil levels can cause pump inefficiency because air enters into the liquid that’s being pumped. On the other hand, if the oil runs too hot, you should consider changing it because it can lead to the premature breakdown of the hydraulic press.

Monitoring the operating temperature is vital because it can help you determine if the circuit components are functioning optimally. For instance, if the hydraulic press is running on cool temperatures and suddenly becomes very hot, there is a high possibility that a circuit component is failing and immediate maintenance, repair or replacement should be done.
 

iv. Make sure that the oil used is clean

Your press should use clean oil at all times because contaminated oil can damage components, cause downtime as the appliance is fixed or cause a complete system failure. Depending on the press system you are using, your manufacturer should specify the required oil cleanliness to make it easy for you to determine whether the oil is contaminated or not. If you cannot determine if the oil is contaminated, hiring a reputable oil testing company is the best option. Alternatively, you can seek help from a local hydraulic component distributor because they have professionals who are trained and experienced for such tasks.
 

v. Check the safety system daily

Safety systems should be checked daily before the operations start. In case a safety device is defective or unreliable, necessary repair or replacement should be done before any operations commence. The E-stop safety circuit should be tested daily to guarantee safety at all times.
 

vi. Record press data

Even though a lot of people do not record their press data, it is very important because it can help you determine when the press machine is faulty. In fact, during equipment testing, your manufacturer can refer to the recorded data to understand how the hydraulic press  has been operating. If the data is not consistent, the press might be having faulty components that need to be fixed or replaced. When press data is recorded properly, an experienced professional can easily deduct reliable conclusions by just looking at the data.
 

vii. Replace press components regularly

If your press has a faulty component, replacing it fast not only saves you money but also a lot of time in the long run. Therefore, it is advisable to replace a component regularly rather than waiting until the component fails completely!

Finally, it is important to carry out regular maintenance practices e.g. lubricating moving parts as required and checking for loose bolts to guarantee efficiency and increase the life span of your hydraulic press machine.