Explain preventive maintenance & corrective maintenance

Business & Management
#1

Explain preventive maintenance & corrective maintenance.

#2

Preventive Maintenance (PM)
Preventive maintenance refers to regular, planned maintenance to prevent potential problems and ensure that equipment runs smoothly. It’s a proactive approach, meaning actions are taken before a failure occurs.

Key Features:
Scheduled Maintenance: PM is carried out at predetermined intervals, such as after a specific number of hours of operation or at set calendar dates.
Inspections: Regular inspections are conducted to identify any signs of wear and tear or potential issues that might lead to equipment failure.
Lubrication: Machines and equipment parts are lubricated to reduce friction and prevent wear.
Parts Replacement: Some parts may be replaced periodically, even if they haven’t failed yet, to prevent future breakdowns.

Corrective Maintenance (CM)
Corrective maintenance is a reactive approach where repairs are made after equipment has already broken down or malfunctioned.

Key Features:
Breakdown Maintenance: CM is carried out after a piece of equipment has already failed.
Fault Identification: The first step in CM is to identify the cause of the failure.
Repair or Replacement: Depending on the severity of the failure, parts might be repaired or replaced entirely.

While both preventive and corrective maintenance have their advantages and limitations, the best approach often involves a combination of the two. Preventive maintenance can be used for critical equipment that cannot afford downtime, while corrective maintenance can be reserved for non-critical equipment or when preventive measures are not feasible. The choice between the two often depends on the nature of the equipment, its usage, and the financial implications of downtime.