While machinery may be more efficient and tireless than human labor, it’s still vulnerable to deterioration over time. The elements alone can result in rusting and other forms of corrosion, which can weaken the material and render the machines futile. If you’re hoping to preserve your machine shop or factory equipment for as long as possible, use these three tips.

3 Ways to Prevent Machinery Corrosion

1. Prevent Exposure to the Elements

In some cases, you may need to perform certain factory tasks in the open air, such as those that produce significant emissions, sparks, or dust. However, leaving your equipment outdoors will expose it to ever-present moisture in the air, not to mention rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation.

The molecules in the water will trigger a chemical reaction with the metal, leading to corrosion. Therefore, it’s crucial to cover outdoor work areas, and bring machinery back indoors whenever it’s not being used. 

2. Control Indoor Humidity

If you have a particularly large or airy factory, it can be hard to control the humidity, even in a sealed indoor space. In this case, it’s important to maintain your industrial HVAC equipment, as well as to monitor humidity levels inside the workspace.

If they are above 40%, you may want to invest in dehumidifying equipment. The less moisture that’s present in your indoor air, the less likely your machinery will corrode.

3. Apply Protective Coatings

If your machine shop is located near a body of water or in a particularly rainy area, combatting the elements and constant humidity may be a challenge. In this case, it’s better to focus on treating the machinery itself than the environment.

By applying a protective coating to the corrosion-prone parts, you can seal them from the humidity in the air. This technique also works well for corrosion caused by contact with different metals. You can have individual parts or entire machines covered in chromium plating, a type of metal that is invulnerable to corrosion.

If you’re hoping to protect and preserve your equipment, reach out to R.A. Heller Co. of Cincinnati, OH. They can provide chromium or hard chrome plating for your machine shop, sealing the workhorses on your factory floor from elemental deterioration. For over 60 years, they’ve been providing these valuable services for a wide range of commercial and industrial clients, from construction companies to food processing plants. To learn more about their skills, visit the website or call (513) 771-6100.