Bar bending machines are dynamic in every construction project, as they offer quality bends and proper shaping of the steel bars. Similar to other kinds of machinery, these tools need to be serviced often to give great service and to be very reliable. Failure to maintain will result in expensive repairs, downtime on the machines, and low quality in work deliverables. Here in this blog, we will illustrate everything that you should do to keep your bar bending machine running efficiently and for a longer span.
Why Proper Maintenance is Essential
Bar bending machines experience high tensile loads and repetitive motion during operation, as they work under controlled stress. In particular, failure to maintain components results in the deterioration of the machines and consequently the confusing accuracy in bending angles and safety measures. In addition to its longevity, maintenance always reduces the time the machine takes before it regains optimum functionality.
Key Maintenance Tasks
1. Daily Cleaning
Cleanliness is a basic step in the maintenance of the machine. It can become obstructed by dust, debris, and leftover material that can simply disrupt the machinery’s moving components.
- Wipe Down: After each use, it is advisable to clean the outer part of the machine with a clean cloth and washing soap.
- Work Area Cleanliness: Make sure the environment surrounding the machine is safe from obstacles, which will cause an accident and may hinder its working.
- Damage Check: First check the machine with your eyes to easily identify whether the body or parts have developed cracks or are bent.
2. Regular Lubrication
Maintenance of the machines entails the application of the right oil to enable the free running of the parts as well as reduce wear of the parts.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Practical full cover, only emphasis on switch-plate; gears, bearings, and pivot points should receive a dip of manufacturer-recommended lubrication.
- Schedule: Use the schedule recommended by the manufacturer of the machine, which is usually once a week or once in two weeks, depending on the usage of the machine.
3. Component Inspections
It is vital to check the machine components often to be able to detect any complications that might be in the advanced stages.
- Bending Wheels: Make sure the wheels do not appear misaligned, chipped, worn, or rusted because misaligned or worn wheels will result in inaccurate bends.
- Clamping Mechanism: It makes sure that there is provision of a firm grip on the rebar during operation. Accomplishments and low-quality bends and accidents can be caused by a faulty clamping mechanism in some cases.
- Motor and Control Panel: Check for signs of high temperatures, strange sounds, or if it’s acting up.
4. Gear and Pinion Maintenance
Gears and pinions are considered to form the very core of the operation of the machine as such.
- Inspection: It is advisable to check these components for damages or wear and tear before frequently used.
- Replacement: Worn gears should be changed immediately since additional stress is placed on other sections of the device.
5. Carbon Brush Monitoring
Carbon brushes of the motor are used to ensure that electrical conduction is maintained always.
- Wear Check: Check how worn down the brushes are and replace them if the sections seem fairly eroded.
- Frequency: This may be needed once every few months or once each year based on how intensively the product is used.
6. Calibration Checks
Bending angles are very important, especially in construction projects, and any deviation from the standard feature must be addressed in the right manner.
- Periodic Calibration: All bending angles in the machine must be tested and settings changed if needed.
- Consistency: This remains possible because the calibration process helps keep the results as accurate as possible across all projects.
Safety Precautions
Prudence is important while using and especially when maintaining a bar bending machine.
- Wear Proper PPE: The stickers include, ‘Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toe boots while operating or maintaining the equipment.
- Lockout Mechanism: Employ the lockout mechanism of the machine to minimize accidental starting during maintenance activities.
- Clear Work Area: It is also important to avoid congestion around the machine to minimize tripping or relentless physical interference.
Common Problems and Solutions
1. Wheel Glazing
- Issue: The surface of the bending wheels becomes too smooth as the heat has been indulged too much.
- Solution: To regain the wheel traction, an abrasive cleaner is to be used.
2. Overloading
- Issue: The machine cannot shape or bend bars beyond this capacity and stresses components.
- Solution: It is also significant that at no time does the load exceed the maximum capacity of the machine.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, it is important to note that investing some of your time, effort, or even money in your bar bending machine is synonymous with encouraging its durability. Use oils as needed, clean, lubricate, and do the checks to avoid frequent failures and enable safe use. By regularly maintaining your machine following its prescribed schedule and attending to problematic areas on time, the effectiveness and durability of the machine will be massively increased.
For more detailed instructions, refer to the user manual for other recommendations and superior bar-bending machines that will suit your requirements.
