Daily Machine Maintenance Checklist

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your machinery and ensuring safe, efficient operation. Here’s a practical daily checklist to keep your equipment in top condition.

1. Bolt Tightening

Check and tighten all bolts on molds and moving parts. Ensure there are no missing bolts and that each is properly secured. Loose bolts can lead to misalignment, wear, and even safety hazards.

2. Thermocouples

Thermocouple systems vary by machine type. Verify that they are correctly installed and functioning to ensure accurate temperature readings, which are essential for process stability and product quality.

3. Barrel Heating Time

Monitor the heating time for the barrel. Excessively short or long heating cycles may indicate issues. Also, inspect heater wiring for potential risks to heating coils, thermocouples, contactors, fuses, and other electrical components.

4. Safety Doors and Devices

Inspect all safety doors, limit switches, mold locking safety devices, emergency stop buttons, hydraulic safety valves, and additional safety covers. Ensure they are correctly positioned, responsive, and reliable to prevent accidents.

5. Cooling Water

For machines equipped with mold cooling flow detectors, check the positions of inlet and outlet connections, adjust flow rates as needed, and look for any signs of leakage. Proper cooling is vital for consistent production and mold longevity.

6. Lubrication

Machines may have oilers, grease cups, or centralized lubrication systems. Check oil levels and refill if below the required mark. Apply a small amount of lubricant to all sliding surfaces to reduce friction and wear.

7. Accumulator Charging

Accumulators must be charged with nitrogen gas only—never use other gases. Use the provided charging tool to fill the accumulator. Loosen the relief valve, remove the top cap, attach the tool, and connect it to a high-pressure nitrogen source. Slowly open the valve to reach the specified pressure (typically 2–3 MPa). If overpressurized, release gas via the vent plug. Regularly check and maintain pressure within the recommended range, as deviations can disable the hydraulic support system and affect mold movement. After adjustment, test with a mold to verify performance. Also, check for loose nuts and tighten them to ensure reliability.

8. Additional Checks

• Inspect all pipes and hydraulic units for leaks.

• Listen for unusual noises from motors, pumps, hydraulic motors, heating barrels, or moving parts.

• Verify that external wiring for heating coils is correct, undamaged, and securely connected.

• Finally, clean the entire machine thoroughly to maintain a tidy and safe working environment.

Regular maintenance not only prevents unexpected downtime but also promotes safety and efficiency. Incorporate these steps into your daily routine to keep your machine running smoothly.