4 replies to this topic

[Shuping]

What is the difference between maintenance and preventive maintenance?

[Anton Kwang]

Maintenance is a broad term which may be applied to different activities. Basically Preventive Maintenance  is as the name suggests (maintenance done based on a schedule which factors in routine checks & changes that are done BEFORE failure of the part). Predictive maintenace is similar but is not based on a schedule per se but with the use of technolgies / instrumentation measures machine data that would assist in judging whether a part change should be made. And lastly there is corrective maintenance (which probably might be referred to as "maintenance") which is done after a problem occurs and repair is made.

[Simon]

The keyword is preventive.

 

Preventive = Done in a planned way before a problem occurs

Not Preventive = Done in an unplanned way when a problem or failure occurs

 

Prior to outright failure there is usually a reduction in performance, which in a food operation (in some instances) could put food safety or quality at risk.

 

It is far better to live a healthy lifestyle to prevent heart problems than to fix a failing or broken heart.  Prevention is better than cure!

 

Regards,
Simon

[PS1]

Ditto the above.

 

Another example....A machine may require an oil change or seal change etc every 1000hrs or so or every 3 months. This would be put into a schedule and there would be planned downtime.This is preventative maintenance.   If the machine blew a seal or the pump stopped working and required repair, this is maintenance (breakdown maintenance).

I service my car every 10,000km this is preventative maintenance. If my car blew a head gasket then it would require maintenance (repair). 

[johntstuart]

Preventative Maintenance is planned out in advance in order to prevent the machine from having a catastrophic breakdown later.  It also helps to ensure that the machinery remains at peak performance by restoring things to a like new condition.  An example of this could be going to the dentist regularly: we plan out a regular visit so we can assess and fix things before they get out of hand.