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What Are the Best Tips for Industrial Maintenance?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Industrial maintenance is the process of repairing, installing, or otherwise maintaining various types of machinery in industrial settings. This job is usually performed by a trained professional, and many companies will hire more than one industrial maintenance technician to address equipment needs. It is important to choose a highly qualified professional to do this work, as various machinery can be quite complex and may require time-intensive repairs fairly often. If a business owner chooses to do these tasks himself or herself, it will be important to get the proper training, as many machine manufacturers will feature warranties that will be voided if untrained personnel attempt to do repairs.

Preventative industrial maintenance is advisable for most machines. This means tending to routine maintenance issues frequently, and addressing potential problems before they develop. Frequent inspections of various machines should be conducted by a trained professional who will be able to recognize a problem before it starts. If an issue does arise, the industrial maintenance mechanic will need to know how to shut down the machine immediately and read schematics to determine what course of action should be taken to resolve the issue. Never work on a machine that is still powered; this can lead to injury or even death in some circumstances.

Laser cutters and other industrial machines need to be regularly maintained.
Laser cutters and other industrial machines need to be regularly maintained.

Anyone working on industrial maintenance projects will need to have basic math skills and communications skills. Advanced repairs will require some knowledge of various sciences, as well as training in specific techniques such as welding or machining. It may be necessary to create new parts from scratch in order to repair a particular machine, so the industrial maintenance mechanic will need to have access to machining tools as well as the knowledge of how to use them. Computer numeric control (CNC) machines are most likely to be used for machining parts, so the maintenance mechanic should have specific training in the use of CNC as well as computer aided drafting (CAD) programs.

Industrial maintenance jobs may include electrical maintenance positions.
Industrial maintenance jobs may include electrical maintenance positions.

Choose an industrial maintenance mechanic with appropriate certifications and a track record for excellence. Various types of certifications are available, and it will be necessary to research the ones that are applicable in the area of a particular business. If possible, find a list of other clients the maintenance mechanic services, and call for references. Find out as much as possible about the mechanic before hiring him or her; look for information about his or her service track record, number of years in the industry, and prior training.

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    • Laser cutters and other industrial machines need to be regularly maintained.
      By: Kadmy
      Laser cutters and other industrial machines need to be regularly maintained.
    • Industrial maintenance jobs may include electrical maintenance positions.
      By: Kadmy
      Industrial maintenance jobs may include electrical maintenance positions.
    • Arc welding may be performed during industrial maintenance.
      By: uwimages
      Arc welding may be performed during industrial maintenance.
    • Industrial machines require regular preventive maintenance to avoid mishaps and production shutdowns.
      By: il-fede
      Industrial machines require regular preventive maintenance to avoid mishaps and production shutdowns.