Industrial machinery is a significant investment for any business, and maintaining its performance over time is critical for ensuring productivity, cost-efficiency and safety. From manufacturing to mining, the durability of any industrial equipment will directly affect operations and outputs. Read on for helpful tips on extending the lifespan of your machinery by utilising hard chrome plating.
Implement a Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Regular inspections, lubrication, alignment checks and timely replacement of worn parts can prevent small issues from becoming costly failures. Maintenance schedules should be tailored to each machine’s operating conditions and usage frequency. Logging maintenance activities also helps identify recurring problems, allowing for smarter, data-driven decisions. Ideally, your employees and technicians should be trained to conduct cursory maintenance checks regularly, even if formal preventative maintenance has already been conducted.
Invest in High-Quality Surface Treatments
Components that experience high levels of friction, abrasion or mechanical stress are particularly prone to wear. Applying a hard chrome coating can significantly improve the durability of these parts. While it’s important to note that hard chrome isn’t entirely corrosion-proof, especially in marine environments, it excels in providing wear and abrasion resistance.
Hard chrome plating acts as a sacrificial wear layer, absorbing damage that would otherwise degrade the base material. This layer can often be repaired faster and more affordably than sourcing a brand-new part. At Australian Surface Technologies, our advanced electroplating techniques can help restore worn parts back to original specifications, often at a fraction of the replacement cost.
Monitor & Optimise Operating Conditions
Operating machinery outside of its intended specifications, whether due to overloading, overheating or environmental exposure, often accelerates wear and reduces lifespan. Monitoring variables such as temperature, pressure and vibration can help detect early signs of trouble. Keeping equipment clean and free from contaminants like dust, moisture and corrosive chemicals also helps prevent surface degradation and mechanical failure.
Use Components Designed for Longevity
When selecting components or machinery, opt for those designed with durability in mind. Parts treated with a hard chrome coating, for example, are often used in industries requiring high precision and wear resistance, such as aerospace, mining and food processing. In food-related applications, hard chrome is also considered food safe, making it suitable for environments where hygiene is paramount.
At Australian Surface Technologies, we work closely with clients to enhance new components or refurbish existing ones using our effective hard chrome plating methods. This not only improves performance, but also reduces the need for frequent replacements, offering long-term savings and sustainability benefits.
Partner with Trusted Surface Technology Experts
Since 1992, Australian Surface Technologies has been an industry leader in hard chrome surface technologies. Whether you need to repair worn components or enhance new ones, our hard chrome plating solutions are designed to maximise performance and longevity. Submit an enquiry today to find out how we can help extend the life of your industrial machinery and keep your operations running smoothly.