Daily Maintenance FAQ for Palletizers and Depalletizers
Q1: We check off all the items on the daily inspection form, but the equipment still breaks down frequently. Why?
A: The inspection has become a formality—checking boxes without actually verifying.
Correct approach: Implement a “visual maintenance card”, mark a photo and number for each lubrication point and fastener is marked with a photo and number. Follow the chart to inspect item by item. The team leader should conduct weekly spot checks and take photos for documentation.
Q2: Can I use any grease for the palletizers and depalletizers?
A: No. Using the wrong lubricant will accelerate wear.
High-temp bearings + ordinary grease → hardening and jamming.
Gears + lithium grease → abnormal wear.
Correct approach: Create a lubrication chart specifying the lubricant type, interval, and quantity for each point. Use dedicated grease guns—no mixing allowed.
Q3: Is it okay to blow dust off the electrical cabinet with compressed air?
A: Absolutely not. High-pressure air will blow dust into circuit boards and relays, causing shorts.
Correct approach: Use an industrial vacuum cleaner + anti-static brush for the electrical cabinet. For photoelectric sensors, wipe gently with non-woven fabric dipped in 75% alcohol.
Q4: When should parts like suction cups and belts be replaced?
A: Don’t wait until they fail, which can cause sudden production stops.
Correct approach: Keep a service life log for wearing parts, recording cumulative operating time for suction cups, belts, seals, etc. Purchase spares when the life reaches 80% of the limit and proactively replace them before 100% during scheduled downtime.
Q5: Can I just roughly fill out the maintenance records? Is detailed recording really necessary?
A: Yes, it’s necessary. Without records, recurring issues will persist, and later maintenance won’t know what was replaced.
Correct approach: Maintain a maintenance log for each machine, including at least: date, maintenance personnel, replaced part models, abnormalities found, and corrective actions taken.
Q6: Production is too tight maintenance always gets postponed. What should we do?
A: Mandatorily schedule maintenance time into the production plan. Don’t wait until downtime.
Correct approach: Set aside 15 minutes at the start and end of each shift for compulsory maintenance. Shift handover is only allowed after completion. This counts as planned maintenance, not downtime loss.
Q7: After cleaning, can I wipe the guide rails and chains with a wet rag?
A: No. Water residue will cause rust on rails and chains.
Correct approach: First wipe off oil and dirt with non-woven fabric, then blow dry with compressed air, and finally run the equipment idle for 5–10 minutes until fully dry.
Q8: Can anyone perform daily maintenance? Is special training required?
A: Require training. Operators who don’t understand the structure may tighten screws incorrectly or use the wrong lubricant.
Correct approach: New employees must pass a maintenance skills assessment before working independently. Conduct hands-on refresher training every six months, focusing on correcting improper techniques.
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