Machinery breakdowns can put a serious dent in your business’ budget – not to mention they are extremely inconvenient. As trusted sheet metal machinery repair experts, we know many different reasons why metal machinery breaks down. Since knowing how to prevent downtime is the key to staying on track with production and budget goals, we thought we’d share some of the most common reasons why breakdowns happen – and how you can prevent them in the future.

#1: Proper training has not been provided
The number one reason for machine breakdowns is a lack of experience or improper training. Anyone who is operating machinery needs to have read and understood the manual. Manuals not only include information on operating the machinery, but also maintaining, calibrating and troubleshooting it.
Business owners and managers also need to take responsibility for providing the right training to employees. Providing occupational health and safety training is a legal requirement as outlined in the OHS Act in each state of Australia. Training may include hazard identification training, induction training, and manual handling training.
#2: The workshop is dusty, wet and dirty
A workshop that is dusty, overrun with rats and full of rubbish is a recipe for disaster. Maintaining a dust-free and dry environment is vital for the protection of your electricals. Not only can a filthy workshop cause your machinery to break down, but it can also trigger a number of safety hazards for your employees. Therefore, it’s important to create and enforce a strict regime for cleanliness, which should involve:
- No drinks in the workshop
- Using a dust collection system
- Checking regularly for water leaks and dust build-up (especially around wires).
#3: Poor attention to detail when it comes to maintenance
A lack of maintenance is responsible for poor machine performance and – if prolonged – can also lead to a machine breaking down. Maintenance inspections need to be carried out with close attention to detail for any issues that have the potential to further develop.
Maintenance may include:
- Checking for signs of wear (such as vibrations or high temperatures being emitted by the machinery)
- Assessing machinery for signs of poor operator technique
- Looking for a build-up of excess lubricant or oil.
#4: Lack of machine lubrication
Lubrication is an essential part of operating machinery because it reduces the friction between moving parts and helps to prevent damage. Without lubrication, the friction creates heat, which erodes the surface of the metal over time. Frequent lubrication thus extends the life of your machinery by keeping it intact. To find out which type of lubrication is best for your metal machinery, check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
#5: Machines are overrun
Pushing machines to their operational limits every time they are used can cause them to wear out quickly. Due to the constant physical stress involved in overrunning machines for extended times, the friction can fast-track machine aging (such as loose bolts and cracking seals). As a result, you may find yourself having to replace or repair machinery much sooner than expected.
#6: Warning signs of damage are ignored
Business owners, managers and machine operators all need to pay attention and tend to a machine’s warning signs – no matter how minor they may seem. For example, an on-screen warning for low hydraulic pressure should be investigated immediately as it may be indicative of a more serious root issue.
#7: There isn’t a clear check-up schedule
There needs to be a regular schedule for checking on and maintaining the machinery in your workshop. Without one, problems can go unchecked and manifest over time. Eventually, this can result in a breakdown, and you’ll need to look into sheet metal machinery repair.
Your daily check-up list should include all the specific things that need to be reviewed in your workshop. Some examples of what you may need to check include:
- Gear lubrication
- Oil testing (including filters)
- Machinery sealing.
Sheet metal machinery repair services in Melbourne
Pinpointing the reason for your machinery breaking down is going to save you time and money in the future. However, if you find that your machinery has already broken down, the next step is to hire a professional that will be able to conduct sheet metal machinery repair.
ACRA Machinery has been repairing and maintaining machinery since 1977. We are passionate about supporting business owners and managers in the metal fabrication industry with quality repair services and expert advice. We also stock a wide range of new and used metal machinery, which you can view online.
Call us today on 03 9794 6675 to find out more about our sheet metal machinery repair services.