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Preventive Maintenance Checklists
In our September 2006 issue, SGIA expert Denise Breard contributed an article concerning preventive maintenance for screen printing equipment. The following is a detailed checklist Breard provided regarding preventive maintenance measures for printer press and UV drying lines.
Press and UV Dryer Line #1 Operator Week commencing: |
Daily Schedule |
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Personal Protection
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Start-up / Shut-down Sequence
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Check safety devices
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Sharpen squeegees
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Product Info & MSDS sheets
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Clean surfaces and spills
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Dryer belt inspect and note repairs
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Put away tools & check kit
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Other:
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Other:
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Printing Press and UV Dryer Line |
Every Day |
- Wear appropriate personal protective gear (shop glasses, gloves, aprons)
- Follow established sequence for start-up and shut down
- Check safety devices (guards, auto shutoff, laser beams)
- Sharpen squeegees as needed (allow 24-hour rest period before sharpening)
- Consult Product Info Sheets and MSDS for any new inks or chemicals
- Press and Dryer: clean up surfaces and remove ink spills
- Dryer: repair rips or tears in conveyor belt.
- Put away tools, knives, etc.
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Every Week |
- Check printer’s tool kit; refill as needed
- Dryer: record hour-meter readings
- Dryer: inspect UV lamps for hazing, sagging, blistering, etc.
- Dryer: clean reflectors with clean cloth and alcohol or approved cleaner.
- Dryer: clean and rotate UV lamps. No fingerprints on lamps!
- Dryer: check UV lamp wire connections for cracks and deterioration
- Dryer: inspect conveyor belt tension, and adjust belt tracking if needed.
- Dryer: verify cooling fan operation
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Every Month |
- Press: grease through all grease fittings
- Press: clean machine frame assembly
- Press: clean squeegee assembly guide and apply grease
- Press: clean screen lift guide and apply grease
- Press: apply thin film of silicone lubricant on lifting rods
- Press: check pneumatic system connections and air lines for leaks, crimps, and blockage
- Press: apply dry-film lubricant to print table Stop Pins
- Dryer: inspect air intake grills, vent filters, cooling fans, and grills on all panels for dust, dirt, and lint accumulation. Clean, vacuum, or replace as needed.
- Dryer: visually inspect the power panel and control panel for dust and dirt accumulation. Clean or vacuum as needed.
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Every 3 Months |
- Press: apply chain spray to main shaft chains
- Press: apply chain spray to screen lift spindles
- Press: check Chain Tension on squeegee motor assembly
- Press: inspect flood bars and dress, sharpen, or replace if needed
- Check inventory of spare parts; replace any that have been used
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Every Year |
- Press and dryer: clean and re-polish the painted surfaces
- Press: refill automatic oiler for Stop Pins
- Press: clean vacuum holes on print table
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NOTE: Maintenance technicians follow separate maintenance instructions for press vacuum motors, stepper motors, mitre gears, indexing couplings, drive motors, feeders, and any hydraulic systems; also the UV dryer ballasts, capacitors, and electrical connections. After 1500 hours of press operation, maintenance staff must schedule visits from factory service technician. |
About the author: Denise Breard is a technical writer, consultant, and technical services provider. Denise Breard currently works with the Technical Department of the SGIA offices near Washington, D.C. She has previously worked with Autotype, Sericol USA, Sericol Australia, and most recently with Sericol Hong Kong, before returning to the USA to join the SGIA. Denise was elected to the prestigious Academy of Screen Printing Technology in 2003
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