Regular maintenance and service of your steel processing equipment helps minimize downtime and reduce the risk of costly repairs or replacements.

At Kent Corporation, we provide comprehensive mechanical and technical support for your tube mill, roll forming, stamping and strip processing equipment. Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency support, our service technicians are available.

Here are 5 best practices for service and maintenance of your steel equipment.

1. Training

Provide proper training to the operators and maintenance personnel on the proper use and maintenance of your steel processing equipment. Ensure they know how the machines run – and why your mill is using them.

At Kent Corporation, we help you optimize the performance of your equipment right from the start. We provide installation assistance, setup and training to ensure seamless integration within your current operation.

2. Testing & Safety Checks

Conduct regular testing of the machinery to ensure that it is performing as expected. Use the manufacturer’s recommended testing procedures and perform the tests at the recommended intervals.

Regular safety checks are also key. Ensure that all safety features are functioning correctly and in place, including all guards, shields, and other protective devices.

3. Preventive Maintenance

Implement a preventive maintenance program that includes regular tasks such as cleaning, lubrication, calibration, and inspection. This will help to identify and address any issues before they become major problems for your steel processing equipment.

• Cleaning: Keep the machinery clean and free from debris, dust, and other contaminants that may damage the equipment.
• Lubrication: Keep the machinery properly lubricated to prevent friction and wear. Use the manufacturer’s recommended lubricants and follow the recommended lubrication schedule.
• Calibration: Calibrate the machinery regularly to ensure that it is operating at its optimum performance level. Use the manufacturer’s recommended calibration procedures.
• Regular Inspection: Conduct regular visual inspections of the equipment to detect any signs of wear and tear, corrosion, cracks, or any other defects that may compromise the performance of the equipment.
• Regular Monitoring: Monitor the performance of the machinery regularly and track any changes in performance or behavior. This will help to identify potential issues and enable timely intervention.
• Replace Parts as Needed: Replace any worn or damaged parts promptly to prevent further damage to the machinery.
• Storage: Store the machinery properly when not in use to protect it from the elements and prevent rust and corrosion. Use appropriate covers and store the machinery in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area.

Routine steel processing equipment maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected, costly breakdowns and improves the lifespan of your machinery.

At Kent, we offer a variety of preventative maintenance plans to help our customers stay proactive and resolve issues before they arise.

4. Record-keeping

Maintain accurate records of all maintenance and repair activities. This log will help to identify any recurring issues and enable timely preventive maintenance.

Also, keep all documentation related to the machinery—including manuals, parts lists, and maintenance records —in a centralized location. This ensures that the information is readily available when needed.

5. Emergency response plan

Develop an emergency response plan that includes procedures for shutting down the machinery in case of an emergency. If something happens, you want to make sure you can minimize costly downtime.

Unexpected downtime costs your business time and money. That’s why we offer remote and on-site emergency assistance to inspect and repair your equipment, so you can get back up and running.

Professional Service

Engage the services of a professional maintenance team who are experienced and have the necessary knowledge and tools to carry out regular maintenance and repairs.

By following these best practices, you help ensure that your steel equipment operates at its optimum performance level, has a long lifespan, and is safe to operate.

You can rely on Kent Corporation’s service technicians for routine steel processing equipment service, maintenance and emergency support.

If you have machinery from Kent Corporation that needs service, request a visit from our support team today.

Want to learn more about Kent Corporation’s tube mill, roll forming, stamping and strip processing equipment? Explore our products.