3 tips for the maintenance of plastic injection molding equipment

3 tips for the maintenance of plastic injection molding equipment

The plastics industry is one of the engines of innovation by creating products and technologies that have helped the development of sectors such as the energy, automotive, construction, textile or food sectors. The equipment used in the plastic injection molding industry is therefore a key element in continuing this trend of innovation.

Due to the industrial processes, the equipment, as well as the plastic injection molding machines, are subjected to high pressure and temperatures, so it is unavoidable that certain problems may arise such as:

  • The pronounced wear of components
  • The high consumption of lubricants or energy

In this respect, a periodic preventive maintenance should be the focus point of any owner of plastic injection molding equipment. See below 3 useful tips that you can follow and that can help you in the maintenance process of plastic injection molding equipment.

1. Check the mechanical components of the equipment

Most of the mechanical wear is caused by improper lubrication of moving components of the equipment. Thus, those responsible for the equipment maintenance must constantly ensure that the industrial lubricants circulating in the lubrication system are clean and free of impurities. Also, if there are any blockages or oil leaks in the mechanical lubrication system, they must be remedied as soon as possible.

Additionally, the maintenance personnel should pay attention to any strange sounds that may occur during the equipment’s operation. Usually, the bearings are the first components that require replacement in these cases.

Any shock to the mechanical parts will help accelerate the wear of the equipment, so checking them constantly will help you make sure that the equipment will operate smoothly for longer periods.

2. Monitor the hydraulic oil temperature

Most equipment used in the plastic injection molding industry use hydraulic systems, so the temperature of the oil protecting them should be closely monitored. Usually, it should not be higher than 60° C because otherwise there will be an increased likelihood of oil leakage and the occurrence of oxidation. Also, too high a temperature will affect oil viscosity - aspect which will have further consequences on the entire system.

Hydraulic oil temperature monitoring in the equipment helps identify in advance any worn components and prevent more serious problems that can lead to the increase of downtime.

3. Perform regular oil analysis

The quality of the oil that protects the plastic injection molding equipment must be checked regularly. The Signum analysis, available in Romania through Star Lubricants, helps you make sure that the oil used was not affected by contaminants.

By analyzing oil samples, you can identify in advance potential problems existing in the industrial equipment, such as air filters malfunction or seals failure. By regularly using analyzes such as the Signum Analysis, you will be able to:

  • reduce the equipment downtime due to unforeseen failures and increase productivity
  • increase the life of equipment and reduce maintenance costs

In addition to the 3 tips above, regardless of the type of equipment you use in the plastic injection molding industry, choosing the right industrial lubricant will help avoid failures and increase your factory’s productivity.

To find out what type of industrial lubricant is suitable for your equipment, click on the image below and request a customized offer. A Star Lubricants representative will give you all the help you need to make the right choice.