The importance of preventive maintenance for robots

 Every robot needs preventive maintenance, which ensures that they maintain optimal performance and consistency on the production line. When the robot does not perform regular preventive maintenance checks, it may cause damage or malfunction of parts, which may cause slower production or even stoppage of production. Proper maintenance of the robot may extend its lifespan for years or even decades, and regular preventive maintenance can multiply the useful life of the robot.

Different robot companies give different preventive maintenance times. For example, FANUC Robotics stated that preventive maintenance of industrial robots should be performed every 3,850 hours or 12 months, which is absolutely not negligible. However, KUKA Robotics recommends preventive maintenance of the robot for more than 10,000 hours. It is important to check the manual for a particular robot to determine the best time for maintenance.

 

Irrespective of the length of time or the maintenance time recommended in the manual, scheduling the robot to maintain a plan can avoid unplanned downtime due to mechanical problems. Because once it is down, it will cost expensive funds. Although planned maintenance may cause the robot to stop production for a short period of time, it is incomparable to the production time that may be lost when the robot unexpectedly shuts down. So, what does the daily preventive maintenance check include? The following is the maintenance program:

 

● Backup controller memory

 

● Regularly monitor the robot, check the robots, wires and cables

 

● Check brake device

 

● Check the compactness of the robot

 

●Listen to sound vibration and noise

 

● Check the lubricated joints of the robot according to the manual of the specific robot (if lubrication is finished, analyze the degree of lubrication)

 

● Visually check the teach pendant and controller cable

 

● Check cable connections, cooling fans, power supplies, safety devices, and other operating equipment

 

● Test and replace RAM and APC battery if needed

 

● If the robot needs repair, the technician should report the problem in order to arrange the necessary repairs.