Modern fabrication machines need pro maintenance

Much like common company cars - which previously had simple motors but now operate on computerised systems - sheetmetal machinery used by serious fabricators needs specialised, qualified personnel to oversee maintenance.

Nevertheless, the maintenance division of the renowned sheetmetal machinery supplier in Australia and New Zealand, Maxitec, still encounters far too many instances of unqualified in-house maintenance.

"Sometimes second tier management feels pressured by the output expectations of first tier management, so there is a belief that machines should keep going at all cost so most of the time the machines work without ever stopping," said manager of Maxitec's Maintenance Division, Mr Kevin Bentrup.

"But if management stopped its machines routinely for a couple of hours a week, or a couple of days a year, the outcome would be much better.

"Maintaining these world-class machines is not that simple because they often have servo electric motors, powerful software, lasers, senses and highly technical control systems rather than just oil filters and simple mechanical systems.

"There are also significant OH&S implications from self service of sheetmetal machines. If there is an accident resulting from a machine that has been serviced without the input of a qualified professional the employee can actually sue the employer because the owner would be deemed as the last to touch the machine.

"We have never heard of fabricators performing self maintenance on their company cars, yet sheetmetal machines as far more sophisticated so it is inexplicable why they would even contemplate self-servicing.

"Almost certainly, in-house maintenance is lowering the high tolerances and operating standard of the unit and is possibly even damaging the machine.

"But some fabricators are viewing their machines in a modern way that suitable to growing in global market. This type of successful operator recognises that they are not just purchasing a product, they are also purchasing the benefits that come with such a high-tech product.

"Hence, they do not even think about servicing machines in-house and as a result they reap all the operational benefits and profit margins."

Backup service and maintenance is now an absolute imperative for the sheetmetal and machine tool industry.

Automated sheetmetal production machinery covers everything from stand-alone production through to fully automated manufacturing systems, so an entire production line is likely to be affected.

"The technology that drives sheetmetal machinery is developing at such an exponential rate that we as a maintenance specialist feel we have to be there to partner our customers all the way," said Mr Bentrup.

"Australian fabrication companies expect high precision in sheetmetal manufacturing equipment and with us working alongside them with service and backup, there is absolutely no doubt that maximum productivity will return on their investments."

Maxitec's huge range of technology includes turret punch presses, press brakes and shears, laser and laser combinations, deburring, linishing and polishing units, automatic bending, ductwork machinery, punch press and press brake tooling, laser consumables and CAD and CAM software products.