What Should a Packaging Machine Inspection Involve?
February 8, 2017
A regularly scheduled machine inspection should be an integral part of your packaging machine maintenance program. Similar to check-ups at the doctor, your machinery needs the same attention to ensure it will serve you well for many years, even decades, to come.
Who?
Machine inspections are best performed by highly-trained, certified experts provided by or expressly recommended by the original packaging equipment manufacturer. These technicians have many years of hands-on training with your specific brand of equipment and know the machinery inside and out.
Use caution when considering third-party, unaffiliated, or uncertified companies and technicians to perform inspections and maintenance, even if their pricing seems competitive. Your packaging machinery is an investment in the future of your business; its care and maintenance should be left in the hands of an established company you can trust.
What?
Here's a (non-exhaustive) list of tasks that should be covered in a standard machine inspection:
- Visual inspection of the machine
- A detailed report of issues that need to be addressed for proper long-term viability
- Check safety circuits for proper functionality
- A review of what occurred during the inspection with the customer
- Observation of operators running the machine
- Recommendations for improving processes, speed, and finished product quality
- Provide a wear parts list and recommendations
When?
Inspections should be done at regularly scheduled intervals, either once or twice per year. Your packaging machine manufacturer will make inspection recommendations based on your machine type, product, production cycle, and production environment.
Why?
Your packaging machinery prepares your product for shipment or sale to your end users. It is a vital part of your business and should be treated as such. Regular machine inspections, coupled with a comprehensive service audit and preventive maintenance program, will ensure it performs effectively for many, many years.
Do you have a Viking packaging machine? Interested in expert inspections performed by Viking-certified technicians to ensure a long life for your equipment? Contact us today for more information on our new Service Audit & Preventive Maintenance programs:
