If you work in the agricultural industry, you know how important it is to produce stock free of contamination. Damaged equipment or workpieces can impact the quality of your product and pose safety hazards. In some cases, metal repair may be necessary to keep your equipment working as usual without affecting your stock.
However, metal repair often requires several specialized tools, expertise and time. Learning how to make minor repairs to your equipment can help you save on replacement costs and keep your operations productive. If you don’t have the right tools available, you may have to halt your work until you can call a professional.
Keeping effective, easy-to-use solutions on site makes it easy to patch a small hole in your equipment without too much hassle. Here’s what you need to know about repairing your metal equipment.
Several types of metal equipment are used across the industrial and agricultural industries, including:
This equipment can be made from different types of metal, including stainless steel, titanium and iron. Metal equipment can also be used for a range of applications involving metal, including metalworking, metal processing and metal fabrication. Yes, metal can be used to make metal!
All types of metal and metal equipment require unique repair methods. For example, welding is a popular choice for creating strong connections or repairs.
Proper surface preparation is essential to a successful metal repair. All metal surfaces must be carefully evaluated to determine their condition, cause of damage and the appropriate repairs.
Before you start on repairs, thoroughly clean your metal surface with a wire brush to remove dirt, debris and rust. Then, use a degreaser to remove oil from the surface. If you use water or solvents to clean your surface, thoroughly dry it before moving on, as any moisture on bare metal can cause corrosion.
The next step is to use a chemical or mechanical method. One of the most common surface preparation techniques is abrasive blasting or sandblasting. This method forcibly removes contaminants and old paint from the metal surface, leaving behind a rough texture that promotes effective coating adhesion.
For any type of blast cleaning, use a brush or air blower to go over the surface once more to remove any abrasive dust. Next, check the surface again for any imperfections, including uneven surfaces, bumps, sharp points or defects that could affect the coating application. The cleaner and drier your surface is, the better.
Now that your metal surface is cleaned and prepped, you’re ready to cut a matching piece of metal to fit over the damaged area. Then, it’s time to apply your coatings. You’ll want to use durable materials to help minimize distortion of the base metal and prevent corrosion. For example, if you’re using dissimilar metals that may result in galvanic corrosion, use a nonabsorptive, insulative coating.
Any wear-resistant coating or treatment is ideal for long-lasting repair, especially when used on machine components in high-contact areas. There are a few ways you can apply your coatings to metal surfaces to achieve uniform thickness:
Having the right tools to repair your equipment and workpieces can prevent unnecessary downtime in your operations. Here are some must-have tools for metal repair:
Before initiating any repairs, note that you may face unique challenges depending on the type of equipment, hardware or workpiece. For example, a metal roof repair will differ from a metal grain spout repair. Though there are tailored solutions for different types of metal equipment, the following steps are essential for any industry:
Keep in mind that many issues can arise during metal repairs, such as production delays, tool breakage, repair expenses and the time it takes to achieve a perfect surface finish.
If you’re part of a demanding industry like agriculture, you depend on your equipment to handle materials efficiently and effectively. If you spot damage or a hole in your metal hardware, it can be frustrating to halt operations while you wait for repairs. While advanced hand tools are excellent for certain repairs, sometimes you need a quick fix.
It’s always best to be prepared for emergencies by having a solution on hand to keep operations running. With a magnetic repair patch, you can perform an easy, fast repair on your equipment to protect a damaged pipe or spout.
These patches are ideal for many situations where you may not have the tools needed for a manual repair — or if you’re working alone. Magnetic repair patches are easy to apply and bend to any curved metal surface. The patches are also extremely durable in a range of weather conditions, making them a trustworthy option when you’re short on time.
All types of equipment require regular maintenance to maintain their structural and operational integrity. If you constantly use your equipment, it will eventually need some repairs. Staying consistent with equipment upkeep and repairs can extend the longevity of your hardware. Addressing minor damage or holes can help prevent premature failure and expensive replacement costs.
Proactive equipment maintenance in the agricultural and industrial industries can also mitigate accidents and injuries on your worksite. Regular inspections of your equipment can promote the safety of all your operators and workers. Finally, proactive maintenance can minimize the risk of contamination.
Damage to your metal components can happen at any time — usually when it’s most inconvenient. In the agricultural and grain handling industries, damage to your equipment can result in impacted quality and contamination of your stock. When these situations arise, you need something on hand that helps you stay productive. At LCDM, we proudly engineer specialized grain-handling products to improve your operations.
Our Magnetic Repair Patches and Patchworx patches are designed to quickly fix your metal equipment without breaking the bank. Whether you have limited time, tools or experience for handling metal repairs, our patches make it easy to protect your metal pipes or spouts. Contact us today for more information about our patches and products.
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