5 Ways To Maximize The Advantages Of Using Industrial Air Tools
Air tools can be invaluable in many types of industrial settings. If you've made the investment in industrial air tools, it's important to maximize the advantages. You can make the most of your setup by following these 5 recommendations.
Standardization
Businesses are often prone to accumulating tools rather than building around a standard. This may be convenient in the short run, but it can lead to interchange and compatibility issues in the long run. It is best to invest in a standardized set of air tools. Everything should couple with the same connections and use similar pressure levels so you can plug tools into outlets with speed and ease. Otherwise, you will run the risk of connecting a tool to a system that may overpower it, potentially injuring someone or damaging property.
Unified Compression Systems
Where possible, you should hook as many tools up to a single compression system as possible. Running multiple lines from one high-capacity compressor can save time and money because you can keep entire lines operating efficiently at once. This will significantly reduce the costs of starting up many smaller compressors on an as-needed basis.
Regular System Checks
Air tools tend to work best at specific manufacturer settings. Consequently, you should perform checks at least once a shift to ensure all systems are operating within guidelines.
You should also keep logs from the checks so you can track declining performance. The first signs of failure often show up in increases or decreases in air pressure. Consequently, the logs will tell you which tools, compressors, and lines may have problems.
Maintenance
All industrial air tools need to be free of debris. Especially if you have a relatively dirty environment, vigilance is critical. Clean tools on a schedule. Make sure tools that need grease or oil receive regular attention, too. Stay ahead of problems by replacing gaskets, seals, filters, brushings, belts, and other components.
Keep maintenance logs. Assign unique identifiers to all your air tools. Keep a database with the entries so you can quickly identify which systems need to come off the line.
Training
Even if you're fairly confident that employees know the tools in and out, it's a good idea to conduct training sessions. Record who has trained on which tools, and don't let anyone handle a system until they're gone through the training process. Not only will this improve safety, but it will reduce damage to the tools by ensuring everyone knows how to properly care for and use them.