11 Jun Got Spare Parts?
Many manufactures have learned the hard way that an adequate supply of spare parts is key to keeping equipment running. The lack of spare parts on shelf can be disastrous!
This can result in unnecessary down time and exorbitant freight costs that add to your bottom line. We look at spare parts as a must have to keep your manufacturing line running and to reduce headaches for all. Over the years we have been recommending spare parts to our customers based on the information below.
We break up spare parts into levels:
Level 1: MUST Have’s
Level 2: Recommend parts from the manufacturer of the equipment.
Level 3: GOOD to Have’s
Level 1: Must Have’s
One parts category within Level 1 are common parts that are considered consumables. Consumables meaning parts that are replaceable as needed like Teflon bands or timing belts for film pull. These are wear items and should be kept on hand at all times. Additional items items like ink, glue or solvents the equipment may require need to be on hand at all times. Make sure you designate someone on the staff to responsible to keep an accurate inventory of this type of consumable and its expiration date.
The second category within Level 1 are Critical spares. Critical spares are just that CRITICAL. If your machine has one of these parts break your single piece of equipment, complete processing or packaging line or lines are down!
Photo-eye sensors that trigger an action is an example of a critical spare. Emergency stops are another example; if the E-stop is damaged the machine will not function until replaced!
Level 2: Manufacturer Recommended Parts
These are parts that often are recommended by the manufacturer to have on hand. Most equipment manufacturers offer a “spare parts kit” when purchasing your new equipment. These are parts that they have seen fail and may include Level 1 spares. Items contained in the kit may include basic items like replacement belts to more complex parts such as PLC boards. The kits are often offered a discount when purchasing with your new equipment. Generally buying these upfront can save you up to 20% off the normal list price when purchased individually not to mention any additional freight costs and down time incurred when you are in desperate need!
Level 3: GOOD to Have’s
Good to have are parts that may have a long lead time to source. Often times motors of VFD’s are not stocked parts as they have to be manufactured per the equipment specifications. Lead times can range from 1- 4 weeks and sometimes longer!
Of course purchasing spare parts in advance will not guarantee that you have EVERYTHING you need EVERYTIME you need it but “an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.” Please call us 303-327-4740 or email us at info@rightstuffequipment.com if you have any comments or questions. We welcome your feed back.