The daily cleaning of conveyor belt vulcanizing machines is an important measure to ensure the performance of the equipment, extend its service life and guarantee the quality of vulcanization. The following is a detailed cleaning method, combined with operation steps, precautions and practical tips, to help you complete the cleaning work efficiently:
First, the preparatory work before cleaning
Power-off and cooling
Before cleaning, the power supply must be cut off to prevent electric shock or accidental start-up of the equipment.
Make sure the temperature of the heating plate drops below 60℃ to prevent the rubber from softening and sticking or scalding the operator due to high temperature.
Tool and material preparation
Copper scraper/plastic shovel: Used to remove rubber residues from heating plates or molds (avoid scratching the surface with metal tools).
Soft-bristled brush: Clean dust from crevices, hydraulic components or inside the electrical control box.
Specialized cleaner: Choose neutral and non-corrosive products to dissolve stubborn oil stains or rubber residues.
Non-woven fabric/cotton cloth: Wipe the surface of the equipment. Avoid using fabrics that shed easily.
Vacuum cleaner: Clean the dust near the hydraulic system or outside the equipment.
Protective equipment: heat-insulating gloves, goggles, masks, etc.
Second, the cleaning step by area
1. Clean the heating plate
Step:
Use a copper scraper or plastic spatula to gently remove large pieces of rubber residue along the grain of the heating plate (avoid excessive force to prevent surface scratches).
For stubborn residue glue, spray a small amount of the special cleaner, let it stand for 5 minutes, and then scrub it off with a soft-bristled brush.
Use a non-woven cloth dipped in detergent to wipe the surface, and finally dry it with a dry cloth to ensure no moisture remains (moisture may cause the heating plate to rust or short circuit).
Technique:
The heating plate cleaning should be carried out immediately after each vulcanization to prevent the rubber from curing.
Regularly check the flatness of the heating plate. If any deformation is found, it should be repaired in time.
2. Mold cleaning
Step:
If the mold is detachable, remove it from the vulcanizing machine first.
Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the rubber debris in the gaps of the mold. If necessary, soak it in a cleaner and then wipe it.
After cleaning, apply a thin layer of anti-rust oil to prevent the mold from rusting.
Technique:
The mold is the key to the vulcanization quality and must be thoroughly cleaned after each use.
Avoid using hard tools to scratch the mold to prevent damage to the surface finish.
3. Hydraulic system cleaning
Step:
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the dust on the surfaces of the hydraulic pump, oil pipes and control valves.
Check the color and transparency of the hydraulic oil. If it becomes cloudy or has an odd smell, it should be replaced in time.
Regularly clean the filter screen of the hydraulic oil tank to prevent impurities from entering the oil circuit.
Technique:
The hydraulic system is the power core of the vulcanizing machine and needs to be kept clean to avoid oil passage blockage or unstable pressure.
When cleaning, avoid water from entering the hydraulic oil circuit.
4. Cleaning of the electrical control box
Step:
Cut off the power supply and open the door of the electrical control box.
Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the dust inside and avoid touching the circuit board or terminal blocks.
Blow out the damp areas with dry air to prevent short circuits.
Technique:
The electrical control box is the “brain” of the equipment. Extra care must be taken when cleaning it to avoid damaging the electronic components.
Check the terminal blocks for looseness every month to ensure reliable electrical connections.
5. External cleaning of the equipment
Step:
Wipe the outer shell of the equipment with a damp cloth to remove oil stains and dust.
Apply anti-rust agent to metal parts, especially those exposed to a damp environment.
Technique:
External cleaning can enhance the overall image of the equipment and prevent corrosion at the same time.
Avoid using corrosive cleaners to prevent damage to the equipment coating.
Third, suggestions on cleaning frequency
Daily cleaning: Heating plate, exterior of the equipment (to prevent rubber residue from solidifying or dust from accumulating).
Clean the mold after each use (to ensure the quality of vulcanization).
Weekly cleaning: Hydraulic system (to prevent oil accumulation).
Monthly cleaning: Electrical control box (to prevent short circuits caused by dust).
Fourth, Precautions
Safety first
Protective equipment must be worn when cleaning, especially when cleaning the heating plate, be sure to prevent scalding.
It is strictly prohibited to clean the electrical control box or the hydraulic system when it is powered on.
Avoid damaging the equipment:
It is prohibited to clean the heating plate or mold with steel wool balls or hard metal tools.
The cleaning agent should be a neutral and non-corrosive product to avoid damaging the surface of the equipment.
Regular maintenance
Check the flatness of the heating plate every month. If any deformation is found, it should be repaired in time.
Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the hydraulic system every quarter and replace aged seals.
Fifth, Summary
The daily cleaning of the conveyor belt vulcanizing machine should be planned in combination with the equipment’s usage frequency and working environment, with a focus on cleaning the heating plate, molds and hydraulic system. Through standardized cleaning procedures, not only can the vulcanization quality be improved, but also the equipment failure rate can be reduced and the service life can be prolonged. It is recommended to establish a cleaning record sheet to track the cleaning and maintenance conditions and ensure that the equipment is always in the best working condition.