Companies thrive due to their manufacturing and fabrication systems.
Systems malfunction for even an hour could lead to production loss. This is why companies follow a strict maintenance and lubrication regimen that ensures peak performance of all machines and robots.
In addition, spare parts also play a very important role when it comes to robotic maintenance.
In fact, it comes above regular maintenance. We recommend manufacturing and processing companies to keep an inventory of spare parts they require for their robots and machinery as well as create, i.e. stock up on those spare parts.
Here’s why you should create a spare parts inventory:
Efficiency
It makes sense. Companies can go back online in very little time after suffering malfunction or any issue with machinery performance. Anticipating breakdowns and preparing for them well in advance (by keeping a stock of spare parts at the ready) will help to avoid unnecessary downtime while waiting for new parts to arrive.
Expense
The overall costs of spare parts are very low when compared to the costs incurred at a breakdown or in the case of not having spare parts on hand.
You may have to shut down the robotic machinery that suffered breakdown. This means lost profits and time.
Proper Repair
Many manufacturing companies are careless when it comes to robotic maintenance. They’re happy to conduct a ‘patch job’ on a piece of equipment to avoid a complete shutdown. The result of this is more detrimental than good, particularly for the robotic machinery. The machine’s malfunction in turn can badly affect product quality.
Now that you know the importance of having spare parts on hand, what are the maintenance tools necessary for the job?
Teach Pendant and Cable
This maintenance tool as well as the teach pendant cable helps with the robot controller’s connectivity.
Quick controller troubleshooting and replacement is possible if an extra of both tools is stored. Your manufacturing and production process won’t face drawback as keeping these spare parts give flexibility to work out any issue.
Consumables and EOAT Parts
You may need to keep some consumables and EOAT components on hand but that depends entirely on the application and tools of existing machinery.
Keeping a stock of welding wire consumables and other important spare parts will minimize the risk of lost production in the event of a machinery breakdown or malfunction.
Additionally, it’s important to have suction caps, pads, and other EOAT parts on hand as these can wear down with time and usage.
Amps and Routers
Your industrial robot and other machinery won’t function properly without well maintained routers and robot amplifiers. Even with maintenance, you may need to replace the parts. And so having spares is a good idea.
Another consideration in relation to spare parts and robotic maintenance is purchasing parts that match the brand of the industrial robot.
Using spare parts of Motoman for a Scara Robot won’t do much good in terms of efficient performance. Fortunately for manufacturers, we provide robotic spare parts for all major brands! Browse through our collection of spare parts for industrial robots.