Quality of components EP Level 4

A.  Tag a replacement part. This provides information for future reference and form part of the service record. The tag can be an information plate or a label containing the following information:
1.  the date it was replaced
2.  operational tolerances
3.  material specifications
4.  lubrication details
5.  lubrication intervals
6.  service precautions

B.  Ensure that the replacement parts are suitable to do the job. Order parts direct from the suppliers.
The reasons for this are:
1.  You are sure of the quality
2.  The parts are gauranteed and you do not loose your warrenty
3.  you are sure that the parts are suitable for the job.
4.  you are sure that the parts fit.
5.  When you receive the new parts make sure they are suitable to work in all conditions:- hot, cold,         dry, wet, dusty etc.
6.  If the parts is not designed for all the conditions it will fail.
7.  Check the parts when you receive them to ensure that they are not damaged or defective.

Ensure that lubricants meet operational conditions:

Lubricants must be able to reduce friction and wear. It must dampen the shock, cool the parts and prevent corrosion.

Reduction of friction and wear. Lubrication prevent friction and wear by putting a layer of lubricant between the moving parts wich prevent metal to metal contact between the two surfaces.

Damping shock: The right lubricant dampen any shock between components. The effect of increase in pressure between two surfaces are dampened by the oil inbetween the surfaces.

Cooling: Cooling system (lubricant) control the heat generated by friction. Because friction is reduced, heat generated by friction is also reduced.

Reduction of corrosion: Corrosion is the chemical reaction between two dissimilar metals or a metal and a chemically active liquid like an accid or an alkali. Rust is the result of the chemical reaction between oxygen and a metal.

Types of lubricants and where they can be used:

1.  Solid lubricants : commonly used are graphite; white lead; talc; mica; zinc oxide. They are used because they are less affected by acids or heat and less prone to clogging by dirt particles. Used in slow moving parts.

2.  Semi-solid lubricants: Grease is a mixture of oil and soap and used in bearings because it protect against dirt.

3.  Liquid lubricants: Most commonly used is oil. 

4.  Animal oil: whales, pigs bears, etc. Tallow comes from the harder fats of animals it is used to make candles, soaps and grease.

5. Vegetable oil: castor oil,palm oil, olive oil and linseed oil.

6.  Miniral oil: Produced from crude petroleum sources and coal. these oils are refined and graded before use.

7.  Gas lubricants: Air, helium, nitrogen and hydrogen are used because their viscosity is not affected by temperature changes.

Storage

Correct storage is very important. Storage and packaging must take into account the range of materials, range of the conditions and the effect on the parts.

Here are some ways to avoid problems:

1.  Store in an area that is out of direct sunlight.

2.  store in controlled humidity. Not too dry or too damp.

3.  Wrap in protective coating such as static free bags  for electrical parts, greased paper for ferrous parts that may rust.

4.  Label all components and ship with delivery notes attached. delivery notes should contain the following information.

a)  full details of the item.

b)  Customers address.

c)  Name of responsible person

d)  Shipping and handling instructions.