Short Answer:

Preventive maintenance in workshop practice means regularly checking, cleaning, and servicing tools, machines, and equipment to avoid unexpected breakdowns or failures. It helps keep everything working efficiently and safely by fixing small problems before they become big.

By doing preventive maintenance, workshops reduce downtime, extend the life of machines, save repair costs, and ensure smooth production. It is an important routine for all mechanical and fabrication workshops to maintain productivity and safety.

Detailed Explanation:

Preventive maintenance in workshop practice

Preventive maintenance is a planned and systematic approach to maintaining tools, machines, and equipment in a workshop. Instead of waiting for a machine to break down, preventive maintenance schedules regular inspections, lubrication, cleaning, adjustments, and part replacements. This helps prevent unexpected failures, improves reliability, and keeps the workshop running smoothly.

In mechanical workshops and fabrication units, machines like lathes, milling machines, welding machines, and power tools require regular care. Preventive maintenance ensures these machines work safely and efficiently, avoiding costly repairs and production stoppages.

Activities involved in preventive maintenance

• Regular Inspection:
  Check machines and tools for wear, damage, loose parts, or unusual noises.
• Cleaning:
  Remove dust, dirt, oil, and metal chips that can cause damage or reduce efficiency.
• Lubrication:
  Apply oil or grease to moving parts to reduce friction and wear.
• Adjustments:
  Tighten loose bolts, adjust alignments, and calibrate instruments.
• Replacing Worn Parts:
  Change belts, filters, bearings, and cutting tools before they fail.
• Safety Checks:
  Verify safety guards, emergency stops, and electrical connections.

Importance of preventive maintenance

• Reduces Machine Downtime:
  Prevents unexpected breakdowns that halt production.
• Extends Equipment Life:
  Regular care reduces wear and tear, making machines last longer.
• Saves Repair Costs:
  Fixing small issues early avoids expensive repairs later.
• Ensures Safety:
  Properly maintained machines reduce accidents and injuries.
• Improves Productivity:
  Well-maintained equipment works efficiently with fewer errors.

Planning preventive maintenance

• Create a maintenance schedule based on manufacturer’s recommendations and usage.
• Train workshop staff to perform basic maintenance tasks.
• Keep records of maintenance activities and repairs.
• Use checklists for inspections to ensure nothing is missed.
• Prioritize critical machines that affect production the most.

Conclusion

Preventive maintenance in workshop practice is the regular care and servicing of tools and machines to prevent breakdowns and ensure safety. It includes cleaning, lubrication, inspections, adjustments, and part replacement. Following preventive maintenance schedules improves equipment life, reduces costs, and keeps the workshop productive and safe.