The Value of Preventative Maintenance

We recognize the value of preventive maintenance. It serves as one of the cornerstones of producing precision aerospace machine components. It  not only requires state-of-the-art equipment, experienced engineering and operators, but also regular intervals of preventative maintenance. At Intrex Aerospace we recognize the value.  Proper regularly scheduleds PMs are critical to our aerospace contract manufacturing operation. Good PMs ensure reliability, repeatability, safety, and efficiency for our machines. Our PM program meets and exceeds the stringent regulatory requirements for aerospace manufacturing. Below is a breakdown of some of our PM rational and our key practices.

Importance of Preventive Maintenance

1. Safety and Compliance: All the aerospace components we manufacture must meet strict dimensional and tolerance standards. Our regular maintenance schedule helps identify and address potential issues before they compromise dimensional integrity, safety or violate regulatory requirements.
2. Minimizing Downtime: Breakdowns, however unexpected, can lead to costly delays in production schedules. Our regularly scheduled preventive maintenance helps reduce the risk of unplanned downtime by anticipating and keeping equipment in optimal condition.
3. Enhancing Equipment Lifespan: Most of our production equipment are CNC (Computer Numerical Control). They are expensive and, in many instances, specific to an area or type of manufacturing. Regular maintenance can extend the equipment lifespan, reducing the need for premature replacements.
4. Optimizing Operational Efficiency: Operational efficiency and well-maintained equipment go together hand-and-glove. We recognize the correlation between higher productivity and lower operational costs.

Key Practices in Preventive Maintenance

1. Scheduled Inspections: We have established regular inspection intervals. The intervals and PM levels are based on equipment usage, manufacturer recommendations, and regulatory requirements. Our inspections and PMs are tiered -weekly-monthly-quarterly-yearly. They include checks for wear and tear, calibration, and operational performance.
2. Documentation and Tracking: We maintain comprehensive records of all maintenance activities, including inspection results, repairs, and parts replacements. All our maintenance is planned, monitored and recorded on a color-coded spreadsheet. It is part of our AS 9100 accreditation.
3. Training and Skill Development: Part of our program is providing adequate training to our personnel. Our training includes, operator knowledge and training, equipment-specific maintenance procedures and safety protocols. This training and updates are ongoing. We update them to the latest technologies and best practices.
4. Spare Parts Management: We maintain an inventory of critical spare parts to minimize downtime in case of equipment failure. We also have established and maintain supply chain sources for obtaining spare parts promptly.
5. Environmental Considerations: A key part of our maintenance program is compliance with environmental standards. This includes maintenance and oversight of chip separators, plant evaporators for sludge, mist collectors, proper waste disposal, periodic check of storm sewers, etc. All our maintenance practices ensure that we are following environmental regulations.
6. Collaboration Across Teams: We recognize that having a successful PM program involves and includes collaboration between maintenance, production, and quality assurance. Constant communication and education results in shared goals that enhance overall operational efficiency and product quality.
7. Continuous Improvement: Our PM program is regularly reviewed and updated. One source of updating is feedback from our employees. We listen and learn and progress from experience and advancements in technology. We know that continuous improvement is part of our company culture and keeps us aligned with organizational goals.

Preventive maintenance is one critical to our aerospace contract manufacturing business. Our priorities of safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance, improves our operational reliability and helps reduce costs. Having a structured preventative maintenance program requires dedication, training and investment. Our PM program is essential to our running a smooth aerospace machining operation and has real benefits to our customers. It is a Win-Win!

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