Modernization of machines

Modernization and Repairs of Older Machines

What about older machines? Overhaul, modernize, or retire.

Currently, companies are increasingly dealing with this question. The following lines should help find the right answer and provide suitable solutions. It's not advantageous to modernize or perform major or intermediate repairs on all machines.

Procedure for selecting machines for modernization:

When deciding on the use of the existing machinery, it's necessary to:

Select machines that would meet the technological requirements of the company's production outlook.

The following options are considered:

Conventional machines (lathe, milling machine, boring machine) Major repair - increasing reliability and precision Complete overhaul - modernization of drives and measurement Modernization - conversion to a simple NC machine (cross support, etc.) Special machine modification Numerically controlled machines Major repair of mechanical parts - increased precision and mechanical reliability of the machine Complete overhaul of electrical installation, replacement of control system, drives, measurement - increasing operator comfort, precision, and reliability Complete overhaul of mechanical parts, electrical installation, and control (drives, measurement, system) Repair including modernization of spindle units, drives, gears, lubrication, and measurement - expanding the production capabilities of the machine Modernization of the entire machine on the existing base - using aged cast iron to increase the precision of the modernized machine while considering already proven technologies and accessories for the existing machine, increasing performance, precision, and programming comfort Adding manipulators and robots to machines Technological possibilities assessment WARNING, price is not always the decisive factor when choosing a company, so it's necessary to consider the technical solution for the repair and modernization of the machine.

Economic evaluation of repair. Before this step, it's necessary to determine the economic profitability of the machine considering the repair cost, which is usually 1/3 to 1/2 cheaper than a new machine. Then compare the parameters of new machines with repaired and modernized machines considering the manufacturing technology used and compare performance with the price difference. Also, low costs of purchasing new accessories due to the use of original accessories that were used. Costs for program conversion and machining technology are also minimal, which significantly reduces setup times. Looking at machine maintenance, minimal training costs for maintenance can be assumed due to knowledge of the machine from previous years.

In conclusion? Perhaps only that a repaired machine can serve its owner productively at a lower cost. Its repair doesn't burden the environment with highly energy-intensive operations and air emissions from foundries. The company S.O.S. DIFAK, s.r.o has been dealing with repairs for more than 24 years. It has modernized and repaired hundreds of machines that serve their owners, which is direct evidence that modernization and repairs of machining machines are an important part of the global engineering industry.