Which type of maintenance focuses on predicting when equipment will fail?

Predictive maintenance is centered on anticipating equipment failures before they occur by analyzing data and monitoring the condition of machinery. This approach employs various techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis to assess the performance and health of equipment in real-time. By identifying potential issues before they lead to downtime, predictive maintenance helps avoid costly repairs and improves efficiency in operations.

This method is distinctly different from other maintenance types. Preventive maintenance involves scheduled maintenance activities based on time intervals or usage, aimed at reducing the likelihood of equipment failure but not necessarily predicting it. Corrective maintenance occurs after equipment has already failed, focusing on repairs to restore functionality. Scheduled maintenance, while it can be systematic, does not incorporate real-time data analysis to forecast failures, which is the hallmark of predictive maintenance. This proactive approach ultimately saves resources and enhances reliability in the maintenance process.