A large number of products are made with paper. Machines in paper factories are expected to function non-stop and meet production requirements. Proper lubrication and preventive maintenance are the best techniques to ensure the smooth operation of paper machines. Most paper machines come with hundreds of lube points that require proper grease or oil application.

In a competitive environment, manufacturing equipment is pushed to its limits. Manufacturers expect their equipment to stay up and running to ensure uninterrupted operations. The demand for low maintenance, high accuracy, low energy consumption, and reliable industrial machines has also increased over the last decade.

Contamination is the reason why more than 80 percent of all hydraulic system failure occurs. You can keep downtime to a minimum if you properly maintain your hydraulic systems and maintain a recommended cleanliness level and oil temperature. 120°F is the ideal oil temperature for industrial hydraulic systems. When the temperature reaches 140°F, oil starts to break down. 15°F rise in the temperature above 140°F will cut the oil life in half.

Some companies give up on their oil analysis programs because they can’t achieve the desired results or apparent benefits. They take the samples and send them to the lab but still find it difficult to either identify or resolve the lubrication or maintenance-related issues.

The purpose of oil sampling is to use oil as a technique to uncover the performance of a machine. It can help maintenance teams achieve the highest level of equipment reliability in a cost-efficient manner. The initial samples help identify the machines with critical levels and establish a benchmark.

The process to remove dirt from oil involves considerable cost which can be hundreds of thousands of dollars per year if you own or manage a large plant or fleet operating in a not-so-clean environment. You might consider it optional to clean the oil before making it a part of your equipment. It’s possible to achieve oil cleanliness at affordable rates.

Most companies treat lubrication processes as trivial matters. As a matter of fact, grease-lubricated components lead to many tragedies around the world. From unexpected downtime and higher maintenance costs to personal safety risks, poor lubrication practices can create many problems down the road. It’s time for you to stop considering grease as a simple substance that is pumped randomly into equipment.

There is a correlation between safety and how well you manage your lubrication strategy. Many companies don’t realize how safety has anything to do with lubrication. Manufacturing is probably the most hazardous and dangerous industry where workers have to deal with hazards on a daily basis. Chemical exposure, slipping, tripping, and machinery interaction are some of the safety hazards that can be avoided through proper lubrication practices.

There are many organizations who fail to comprehend the significance of an effective lubrication strategy and how to apply the 5 R’s of lubrication. When it comes to implementing a world-class preventive maintenance strategy, companies must pay due attention to the following 5 R’s lubrication procedures

Safety is one of the most important considerations across all industries. It’s not wise to compromise on safety just to get a certain job done more quickly. Whether your equipment requires planned maintenance or an urgent repair, all kinds of maintenance activities must be carried out in a safe manner.