Determining the best time to purchase new equipment for your plastic milling operation requires a high level of intuition and insight. You will need to know your machines like the back of your hand to diagnose them when they aren’t operating efficiently or adequately.
If you have exhausted all your efforts, you need to start thinking about investing in new equipment. Make sure you’re looking for the indicators and signs it’s time to upgrade your plastic machining equipment so that you can be perfectly sure before ever spending that kind of money on an investment.
Spot the Problem First
You should always identify what is wrong with any problem before proceeding to the next level. Finding out what’s causing your machine to malfunction is half the battle.
After spotting the problem, you can diagnose it fully. If consecutive problems get out of your hands, you must consider upgrading your equipment.
Note the Efficiency Level
You’ll know something is wrong when the production levels drop, pause, or become irregular. This change could be as simple as a timing issue or a primary gear or part in need of replacement.
This replacement will cost you, and depending on the severity of the problem, it could mean a lot of investments put toward the problem.
Parts Aren’t Cheap
Just about everything is customized for industrial-level equipment, especially CNC plastic milling machinery. Custom parts have to be made to order, and that can cost you quite a bit.
You will need to order parts from a specialty dealer focusing on those machines, as this trade or parts production is very niche. If it’s going to cost you more for parts than an overall replacement, the choice is easy: choose the replacement.
Machinery Is No Longer Safe
If your machinery becomes a hazard to the associates due to malfunctions and performance issues, it’s now a matter of public safety. It could cost you lawyer’s fees if you don’t have it fixed immediately and kept up to code. If your associates feel like they are working in unsafe conditions, you could potentially lose your crew, and then you’d be out of luck with your machinery and staff.
If you know what to look for, you’ll be able to pick up on the signs it’s time to upgrade your plastic machining equipment. This has been an informative guide to help alleviate that frustration and help you understand the ins and outs of industrial machinery.
