Short Answer:

Corrective maintenance is the process of fixing machines, tools, or equipment after they have broken down or stopped working properly. It involves identifying the problem, repairing or replacing faulty parts, and restoring the equipment to normal working condition.

Corrective maintenance is performed when preventive maintenance fails or unexpected failures occur. It is usually done quickly to minimize downtime and ensure smooth operation in workshops or manufacturing plants.

Detailed Explanation:

Corrective maintenance and how it is performed

Corrective maintenance is a reactive maintenance approach focused on repairing or restoring equipment after a failure or malfunction has happened. Unlike preventive maintenance, which aims to avoid breakdowns, corrective maintenance deals with fixing problems once they occur. It is essential for keeping machines and tools running when unforeseen issues arise.

In workshops and industries, machines may fail due to wear, accidental damage, or sudden faults. Corrective maintenance helps troubleshoot these problems, repair them, and get the equipment back to work as soon as possible.

Steps involved in corrective maintenance

Identification of Problem

Detect the failure or abnormal behavior in the machine or tool.
Use visual inspection, sensors, or operator reports to find the cause.

Diagnosis and Assessment

Analyze the problem to understand the root cause.
Decide if the issue can be repaired on-site or if parts need replacement.

Planning the Repair

Gather the required tools, spare parts, and manpower.
Plan the repair to minimize disruption and downtime.

Performing the Repair

Disassemble the faulty parts carefully.
Repair or replace damaged components.
Reassemble and test the machine to ensure proper function.

Testing and Validation

Run the machine under normal conditions to check if the repair was successful.
Make sure no other issues are present.

Documentation

Record the problem, repair steps, parts replaced, and outcomes.
This helps in future maintenance planning.

Importance of corrective maintenance

Restores equipment functionality quickly after failure.
Minimizes production losses and downtime.
Helps identify weaknesses in machines or processes.
Complements preventive maintenance for overall reliability.

Challenges in corrective maintenance

Can be costly if repairs are frequent or parts are expensive.
Unexpected breakdowns can disrupt schedules.
Requires skilled technicians for accurate diagnosis and repair.
Sometimes leads to temporary fixes rather than long-term solutions.

Conclusion

Corrective maintenance is the process of repairing machines and equipment after they break down. It involves identifying problems, planning repairs, replacing or fixing parts, and testing to restore normal operation. Though reactive, corrective maintenance is essential for minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity in workshops and industries.