Author: GTI Staff

Root Cause of Failure Analysis is critical! It sounds basic right, but you would be surprised at how often it is overlooked.
From day one of operations here at GTI in 1997 we knew we could successfully service our clients and provide them with cost savings by focusing on every repair to determine why a spindle has failed.
All too often we hear stories of end users spending far too much money on repeat failures and repeat repairs that could have been avoided had root cause of failure been identified and corrected.
Here’s just one example of how it works and why:
HOW: Incoming vibration analysis is performed in order to determine: bearing condition, level of unbalance, non-repetitive run out.
WHY: We receive at least 1 spindle per month at our facilities that there is absolutely nothing wrong with. We immediately contact the end user and advise that the spindle passes all QC requirements and we then work as a team to determine what prompted the repair to be sent in. All too often scenarios such as an unbalanced tool holder being installed drive motor being out of specification, damaged pulleys and/or quills will create part quality problems or issues that are completely unrelated to the actual spindle itself.
Had we not performed this incoming assembled inspection and vibration analysis, the end user would then unnecessarily incur the cost of disassembly, clean, inspection, repair and testing of a spindle which was not needed in the first place. This has proven to show our clients significant cost savings. Whether it’s a basic ID grinding repair cost of $2,500.00 or a high end machining center repair cost of $15,000.00, unnecessary repair and unnecessary downtime is avoided and the end user saves money.

Reliability: the ability of an apparatus, machine, or system to consistently perform its intended or required function or mission, on demand and without degradation or failure.
What is the current health status of machines you utilize to produce parts, as well as those that maintain the proper environment for production i.e., compressors, pumps, motors and fans? These machines work together to create an environment to produce quality parts and generate profits for the company.

Failure: event in which any part of the equipment or machine does not perform according to its operational specifications.
Predicting when your equipment will fail and detecting changes is good business practice. The vibration signal and thermal energy in your machines is detectable and measurable; it can provide valuable knowledge and insights allowing you to focus your maintenance resources.
Scheduling your downtime and planning for repairs is the most profitable approach to maintain critical assets in your company. The approach of waiting and reacting when it’s too late can devastate your ability to satisfy your customer and can literally destroy your business.
Leverage these predictive technologies now!

>Source Article: Brandon Sun