15 Manufacturing Equipment Examples That Require Maintenance

From electronics to stainless steel mixers, few of the items we use daily are made by hand. They’re made using manufacturing equipment that facilitates mass production, turning raw materials into goods much faster than anyone could accomplish on their own. The industrial machinery used during the manufacturing process depends on the industry, but let’s take the common conveyor belt as an example. Conveyor belts are used in the assembly of virtually every product. If a conveyor belt stops working, production halts until it’s repaired. Everyone on the clock has nothing to do but wait, and the manufacturer loses money because of a preventable equipment failure. 

If you’re reading this, you’re ahead of the game. You still have time to upgrade your preventive maintenance plan for the industrial equipment you count on the most. Check out the top 15 types of manufacturing equipment that benefit from preventive maintenance as well as a few tips on how to keep them running smoothly. 

1. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machines

CNC machines are used for the precision machining of parts in various industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, construction and many more. CNC machines can mill, lathe, drill, cut, engrave and etch with high precision and accuracy. Preprogrammed computer software controls the machine’s operations to perform a wide range of movements and tasks. 

Advancements in CNC machining have made it a key component in the production of solar panels, wind turbines and battery storage systems, as it can process a diverse range of materials. In aerospace and defense, structural elements of aircrafts and firearms would be much harder to produce without CNC machinery. It’s also used in construction, especially when customized fittings for old HVAC systems or structural supports are needed. Additionally, CNC machines are used for producing car parts and railway components. 

CNC Machine Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Regularly check and calibrate the machine’s tool offsets and alignments.
• Lubricate moving parts to prevent friction wear.
• Clean and inspect the spindle regularly for buildup.
• Check coolant levels, and replace fluid as necessary.

2. Injection Molding Machines

Injection molding machines are a type of manufacturing equipment used to mass-produce parts by injecting molten material, usually plastic or metal, into molds. It’s very common in industries like automotive, consumer products and medical supply production. 

There are three main types of injection molding machines, including hydraulic, mechanical and electrical. Hydraulic machines aren’t as precise, but they’re the oldest and most predominant type used. All of them function by feeding plastic pellets into a hopper. The pellets are heated until they melt, and the hot, liquified plastic is injected into a mold where it cools and hardens. Injection molding machines can make virtually any plastic product you can think of. Toys, storage containers, furniture parts, bottle caps, phone cases, medical devices, dashboards and bumpers are all made by injection molding. 

Injection Molding Machine Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Clean the barrel and nozzle regularly to prevent material buildup.
• Inspect and replace worn-out mold components.
• Check hydraulic systems for leaks or pressure issues.
• Lubricate moving parts, and replace seals when necessary.

3. Lathe Machines

Lathe machines are used to create cylindrical parts in the metalworking and woodworking industries. They do so by rotating the material, cutting, sanding, drilling or threading to create a symmetrical outcome. This is commonly used to produce metal parts like shafts, bolts, nuts and fittings, plus some musical instruments, baseball bats, rings and even pens. 

Lathe Machine Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Regularly check the alignment of the tailstock, headstock and bed.
• Lubricate all moving parts, and check for oil leaks.
• Clean the chuck and tool post to remove debris.
• Inspect the drive belt, and replace when worn.

4. Milling Machines

Milling machines are used for machining complex parts by removing material from a workpiece using rotating cutting tools. Common in automotive, aerospace and tooling industries, they can level surfaces, shape them, drill holes and cut both flat and curved surfaces. They’re used to remove cracked asphalt and concrete for road repair projects, to conduct repairs on ships and to repair machinery in the oil and mining industries. 

Milling Machine Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Keep the cutting tools sharp, and replace when worn.
• Lubricate the feed screws and guideways regularly.
• Clean the worktable and coolant system after every use.
• Check and adjust spindle alignment.

5. Press Machines (Hydraulic, Mechanical)

Pressing machines are used to shape, mold or form materials such as metal, rubber and plastics. They use high pressure to deform materials, often using a punch and a die. A press machine handles any manufacturing tasks that involve stamping, bending metal and punching holes. They are most common in sheet metal fabrication, electronics, automotive and packaging.

Press Machine Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Inspect hydraulic fluid levels, and replace fluid regularly.
• Check the pressure settings, and ensure no leaks in the hydraulic system.
• Lubricate moving parts like the ram and slide.
• Inspect and clean the die frequently to ensure consistent quality.

6. Welding Machines

If you need to join metal parts through fusion or by adding filler material, a welding machine is the way to go. They’re common in construction, automotive and the manufacturing of metal parts for a few reasons. Firstly, they create strong, permanent connections between materials. Secondly, they can be used to repair broken or weakened components. Lastly, they can connect pieces of metal into unique structures. Welding machines do this by generating an electrical arc, melting the materials which fuse together as they cool. 

Welding Machine Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Clean the nozzle and tip to avoid clogs.
• Inspect cables, connectors and power supply for wear.
• Replace worn-out electrodes and welding wires.
• Regularly check the gas supply, and replace cylinders as needed.

7. Conveyor Systems

If you’ve ever watched the show “How It’s Made,” you’ve seen a conveyor system. These are used for transporting materials or products within a manufacturing facility to drastically speed up the production process. Most food processing and packaging plants use conveyor belts to ensure uniform production, quality and packaging consistency. Conveyor belts are also used to produce automobiles and electronics as well as to sort waste in recycling plants. If you skip machine maintenance, the whole recycling plant grinds to a halt. 

Conveyor System Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Inspect and replace worn-out belts.
• Lubricate rollers, pulleys and other moving parts.
• Check for alignment and tension in belts and chains.
• Clean the system regularly to prevent build-up.

8. Robotic Arms

Why weld or paint a piece of sheet metal by hand when a robot can do it for you? Robotic arms incorporate high-quality automation to help streamline material handling, reduce labor costs and improve worker safety. They’re used in the manufacturing industry to assemble products and handle heavy or toxic materials, in agriculture to pick fruit, in warehousing to sort packages and even in space exploration. People don’t collect samples from other planets — robotic arms do! 

Robotic Arm Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Regularly inspect and clean the robot’s joints, actuators and grippers.
• Check for software or sensor updates to ensure accurate operation.
• Lubricate the moving parts to reduce friction.
• Calibrate and align the robot to maintain precision.

9. Heat Treatment Furnaces

A heat treatment furnace is used for processes like annealing, quenching and tempering to change the properties of metals, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries. It works by heating the material to a specific temperature and controlling the cooling speed and method to result in desirable properties, like electrical conductivity, strength or hardness. 

Heat Treatment Furnace Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Regularly check and calibrate temperature controls.
• Clean the interior of the furnace, and remove scale buildup.
• Inspect insulation and seals for wear or damage.
• Check burner and gas lines for leaks.

10. Forklifts

Forklifts are used for lifting, moving and stacking materials in warehouses, production lines and shipping areas. They’re used every day in shipping, construction, agriculture and waste management, which is why forklift maintenance is so important to ensure operational efficiency in real time.

Forklift Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Inspect and maintain the hydraulic system for leaks or pressure loss.
• Check tire wear, and maintain proper air pressure.
• Keep the battery charged, and inspect the electrical system.
• Lubricate the lifting mechanism and controls.

11. Grinders (Surface, Cylindrical)

Grinders are power tools used for precision grinding operations to finish or sharpen metal parts in industries like aerospace, automotive, metalworking and woodworking. Grinding machines can remove rust, paint and mortar, cut metal and tile, carve wood and even polish surfaces. 

Grinder Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Inspect and clean the grinding wheel frequently.
• Check the alignment of the table and spindle.
• Lubricate moving parts, including the feed mechanism and wheel spindle.
• Ensure coolant is regularly replaced and filtered.

12. Laser-Cutting Machines

Laser-cutting machines are a popular choice for the precise cutting of materials such as metals, plastics and wood. True to the name, they use a focused beam of light to cut or etch flat materials. They can cut paper-thin lines, so they’re popular in the production of wall art and home decor, machine tools, templates, signs and jewelry. 

Laser-Cutting Machine Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Clean the lens and mirrors to maintain laser beam quality.
• Check gas levels and pressure for optimal cutting performance.
• Inspect and maintain the cooling system to prevent overheating.
• Regularly test and recalibrate the laser for accuracy.

13. Packaging Machines

Packaging machines are a popular type of manufacturing equipment used for automatic packing, filling, sealing, wrapping, bagging and labeling of products. Packaging equipment is widespread in the production of food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and consumer goods due to their high speed, cost reduction and consistency.

Packaging Machine Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Clean the sealing and labeling heads regularly.
• Check for jams, and clear any material blockages.
• Lubricate conveyor belts and gears.
• Inspect and replace worn parts like seals and nozzles.

14. Chillers & Cooling Systems

Chillers are used for cooling industrial machines, molds and workpieces in processes that

generate heat, like injection molding and metalworking. They’re also used in air conditioning equipment, medical equipment, data centers and industrial processes. 

Chiller & Cooling System Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Clean air and water filters to ensure efficient cooling.
• Check coolant levels, and top up or replace as needed.
• Inspect hoses, seals and connections for leaks.
• Clean condenser coils regularly to prevent overheating.

15. Air Compressors

Air compressors provide compressed air for pneumatic tools and machinery. They’re necessary for many common power tools like nail guns and drills as well as in assembly lines, in manufacturing facilities, in maintenance shops, and in the mining and automotive industries.

Air Compressor Preventive Maintenance Examples

• Check and replace the air filter regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
• Inspect and lubricate the motor and moving parts.
• Monitor air pressure, and adjust accordingly.
• Drain the tank regularly to remove moisture buildup.

Whether you already own and operate manufacturing equipment or you’re planning ahead, max out your return on investment by taking care of your industrial machines before they break. Sign up for a free account to see how Coast helps manufacturing companies in handling equipment and performing preventive maintenance at scale.