[1] NEED FOR MACHINE TOOL MAINTENANCE:

Machine tools are properly maintained so that they remain in working condition at all the times. This accuracy does not deteriorate. They manufacture the components most economically. For this machine tools are inspected periodically against Use of wrong or inadequate lubrication. Change in level of the machine tools. Wrong use and overloading of machine tools. Wear of slideways,bearings and other components. Dust,heat and humidity.

[2] CAUSES OF EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN :

Failure to replace worn out parts. Lack of lubrication. Neglected cooling system. Indifference towards minor faults. External factors (such as too low or too high line voltage). Indifference towards equipment vibrations, unusual sounds coming out of the rotating machinery, equipment getting too much heated up etc.

[4] MAINTENANCE APPROACH:

The main objective of the maintenance is to avoid disruption to production and to ensure that the machine produces at maximum efficiency. In companies the

provision of routine services is an accepted practice since unexpected failure of a single machine can cause disruption to the production processes. High capital cost machines and machines which are critical to companys production programmed and economy, special precautions are taken to ensure that the machine continues in production.

[3] TYPES OF MAINTENANCE:

Periodic maintenance-Maintenance performed on a calendar basis. Planned maintenance-Maintenance that is performed purposely and regularly in order to prevent a machine from deteriorating or breaking down. Predictive maintenance- Maintenance performed based on the known and expected behavior, condition and history of the machine. Preventive maintenance- Maintenance performed while a machine is still in working order to keep it from breaking down. Preventive maintenance includes lubricating, tightening and replacing worn out parts. Breakdown maintenance-It implies that the repairs are made after the equipment is out of order and it cannot perform its normal functions any longer. Breakdown maintenance is economical for those equipments whose downtime and repair costs are less in this way than with any other type of maintenance. Breakdown maintenance involves little administrative work, few records and a comparative small staff. There is no plant interference with production programmes.

[7] PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE:

It locates weak spots (such as bearing surfaces, parts under excessive vibrations, etc.) in all equipments, provides them regular inspection and minor repairs there by

reducing the danger of unanticipated breakdown. The underlying principle of preventive maintenance is that prevention is better than cure. Preventive Maintenance involves (a) Periodic inspection of machine tools to uncover conditions that lead to their breakdown and harmful depreciation. (b) Upkeep of machine tools to correct such conditions while they are still in a minor stage. Help can be taken of suitable statistical techniques in order to find how often to inspect

[6] OBJECTIVES OF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE:

To minimize the possibility of unanticipated production interruption or major breakdown by locating or uncovering any condition which may lead to it. To make machine tools always available and ready for use. To maintain the optimum productive efficiency of the machine tools. To maintain the operational accuracy of the machine tools. To reduce the work content of maintenance jobs. To achieve maximum production at minimum repair cost. To ensure safety of life and limb of the machine tool operators. To maintain value of machine tools (by periodic inspections, repairs, overhauls etc.

[5] DISADVANTAGES OF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE:

Breakdowns generally occur at importunate times. This leads to poor, hurried maintenance and excessive delays in production. Reduction of output. More spoilt material. Direct loss of profit. Breakdown maintenance practice cannot be employed for those plant items which are regulated by statutory provisions, for example, cranes, lifts, hoists.