Preventative Maintenance Guide for Industrial Robots

Every robot needs preventative maintenance ensure top-level performance and consistency on the production line. When robots do not have regular preventative maintenance checks performed, it can cause parts and components to break down or malfunction, which can cause a slowdown or shutdown of your production. Industrial robots that are properly maintained can last for many years, even decades, before needing to be replaced. By keeping a regular preventative maintenance schedule, you are extending the life of your robot exponentially.

Different robotics companies recommend different amounts of time between preventative maintenance. For example, Fanuc Robotics states that planned preventative maintenance for your industrial robot should be performed every 3,850 hours or 12 months, whichever comes first for your robot. However, KUKA Robotics recommends preventative maintenance after 10,000 hours for their robots. It is important to check the manual for your specific robot to see what time frame is best.

No matter what length of time your manual recommends, by scheduling maintenance in this way, you are able to prevent costly downtime that is unplanned due to mechanic issues. While planned maintenance may shut down production for a short time, it is nothing compared to the production time you may lose if your robot stops working.

So, what takes place during routine preventative maintenance checkups? Here are some recommended maintenance tips to schedule throughout the life of your robot:

• Backing up the controller memory
• Monitor robot in regular motion, inspecting robot, harness and cables
• Inspection of brake operation
• Check robot repeatability
• Listen for excessive audible vibration and noise
• Grease joints, according to specific robot manual (or analyze grease if already performed)
• Visual inspection of teach pendant and controller cables
• Check cable connections, cooling fans, power supplies, safety equipment, and other equipment for functionality
• Test and replace RAM and APC batteries, if required
• Clean vents and filters with compressed air
• Grease bushing and balancer
• Tighten external bolts
• Replace batteries in controller and robot arm when necessary

If any further action is required and the robot needs repairs, the technician should report the issues so arrangement can be made to make the needed repairs. Robots.com also offers a reconditioning and inspection program with multiple level options.

With over 35 years of experience as a robotic integrator, we understand the importance of keeping your robot up and running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Let our experience assist you in avoiding common mistakes associated with the care of your robot. Contact us today for more information at 877-762-6881 or fill out a contact form and we will respond quickly to your inquiry.