How to Maintain Your Welding Equipment for Longevity

Welding is tough work, and your welding equipment keeps right on going, day after day. So at the end of your workday, spare a thought for your machine and take a moment to practice maintenance steps. With regular care and maintenance, your welding equipment can last for years to come and remain safe and effective all along the way. We at M&M Certified Welding understand the importance of your equipment. After all, this equipment affects your livelihood. Here’s what to know.

Factors That Affect Welding Machine Life Expectancy

Whether your equipment is a year old or about to celebrate its 10th anniversary, depending on the grade you chose and the work you’ve put in over the years, it could be just as effective as day one. But there will always be predictable factors that will take a toll on your machine’s health if not addressed regularly. These are the main elements that will have an outsized impact on the length and quality of your welding equipment’s life:

• Use frequency: machines that see regularly heavier workloads are more likely to overheat and prematurely fail
• Welding process: higher impact welding processes, like TIG, operate longer and hotter than lower-impact processes like MIG, and can lead to overheating and premature failure
• Welding machine quality: as is true in any industry, higher quality equipment will last longer, offer more opportunities for effective maintenance, and naturally have a longer lifespan
• Storage environment: as should be expected, where welding equipment is stored directly affects lifespan, with the ideal location being one that is dry, clean, and temperature-controlled to prevent moisture-related issues and dirty, clogged vents 
• Maintenance practices: regular maintenance needs to be done on a schedule divided into daily, monthly, and semi-annual tasks
• Voltage fluctuations: inconsistent power supply will eventually reduce a welding machine’s efficiency and lead to equipment failure

An example of regularly scheduled maintenance can include:

• Daily: power down, cover, turn off gas, clean dust and spatter, wrap cables, monitor temperatures, and storage environment
• Monthly: tighten parts to achieve a good connection
• Semi-Annually: check cables and hoses and replace as needed; clean and tighten weld terminals; remove liner debris; use compressed air to remove debris and dirt
• As needed: replace consumables, put filler metals away in a cool, dry place.

A key way to ensure that your welding equipment stays in top shape as long as possible is to use it regularly, but not overuse it. Steady, safe use will keep parts moving and keep you alert to any minor changes in functioning that will enable you to handle minor issues before they become major problems. It’s also important to choose the right machine for the job to ensure that the equipment isn’t mismatched to the task, causing strain and eventual breakdown. Ongoing training is vital as well, so that operators are aware of all of the quirks and features of new technologies–readiness to learn and grow is a must-have skill for every great welder.

Signs That a Welding Machine Should Be Replaced

Even though you’ve done your best to maintain your welding equipment, every machine has a lifespan. Eventually, it will need to be replaced. Some signs to keep an eye out for include:

• Poor Performance: lessening power and poor and uneven welds
• Inconsistency: unpredictable welds that appear different each time
• Repair Frequency: uptick in repair needs can be costly
• Old Technology: welding needs evolve; older machines often can’t keep up
• Visible Damage: cracks, rust, and frayed cables that can no longer be repaired

If you notice any of these recurring issues with your welding equipment, know that these are obvious signs that internal components are not in good condition. It’s a great idea to perform regular repairs if possible, but after a certain amount of investment and a long enough time, it is generally more affordable and makes more financial sense to replace or upgrade equipment.

Tasks That Help To Increase Equipment Lifespan

We’ve already established that proper cleaning, inspection, and storage are crucial to extending the life of your welding equipment to its full potential. Here is a granular breakdown on exactly what to do. Following these suggestions will enable you to remove contaminants and identify potential issues before they cause problems.

Cleaning: this includes thorough cleaning of the machine’s exterior and internal parts, electrode holder, and clamp to remove dust, debris, and splatter–use this as an opportunity to inspect each part carefully and calibrate or lubricate as needed

Inspections: check welding cables for signs of wear that could result in fraying and exposed wires, replace sections as needed; lubricate wire feed mechanisms; ensure nozzle is clean and all mechanical and electrical connections are securely tightened and intact; check and replace consumables; clean and tighten weld terminals; clean or replace air filters and fans, check coolant levels; ensure smooth foot pedal operation; check gas flow

Storage: ensure storage location is clean, dry, and cool; monitor environmental factors and make adjustments if humidity and temperature fluctuate; use a protective cover to prevent dust accumulation and moisture buildup; ensure the machine is positioned safely and securely

Choose the right equipment for the task and the consumables you are using for the best, safest, and most sustainable results. Beyond these tips, it is also important to follow any manufacturer’s instructions that relate to recommended techniques for cleaning and maintenance, as well as follow their required maintenance schedule.

Even more valuable is learning how to troubleshoot common issues yourself! Problems like inconsistent arc, regular overheating, and poor weld quality can easily be remedied once you know how to handle them. Understanding the root causes of these issues will help you to be more aware and alert to small changes in your machine’s performance that may signal the need for repair.

Replacement Parts and Welding Services in Cleveland

Welding machinery is a sizable investment, and whether you use it for work or play, you want to ensure that it lasts. By taking the time to replace worn components, perform regular cleanliness checks, perform repairs and regular maintenance, and ensure proper storage, you will be getting the very most out of your equipment. Invest your time and effort in the care of your welding machine, and it will keep serving you reliably far into the future.

Whether you’re looking for industrial parts and safety equipment or you need one of our expert welders to provide you with mobile welding services, truck body fabrication services or other custom fabrication needs, you can rely on the professional team at M&M Certified Welding. Contact us today to learn more and get a custom quote for your next project!