Engineer Insight #1

Engineer Insight: Why Hardfacing Your Shafts Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

When it comes to keeping recycling machinery performing at its best, preventative maintenance plays a huge role. However, one area we often see overlooked is the condition of the shafts and more specifically, the importance of regular hardfacing.

As engineers working closely with customers across the UK, we see first-hand how the smallest signs of wear can gradually impact machine performance. Hardfacing your shafts is not just a repair job; it is an essential part of maintaining the efficiency, reliability and lifespan of your equipment.

Why shaft wear matters

Darren, Head of Service, explains: “The shafts are one of the hardest-working components on these machines. They are constantly exposed to abrasive materials and thousands of hours of processing, so wear is inevitable. The key is managing that wear before it starts affecting how the machine performs.”

As shafts wear down, their profile changes. This can reduce the machine’s ability to grip and process material effectively and mean material size will change, meaning operators may start to see reduced throughput, inconsistent processing and increased strain on other components.

“A machine might still be running, but that doesn’t always mean it is operating at its best. We often find that performance issues can be linked back to components that have gradually worn over time.” – Darren

The importance of preventative hardfacing

Hardfacing involves applying a wear-resistant layer back onto the shaft surface, restoring the working profile and helping protect the shaft against further wear.

Jacob, Mobile Welder, explains: “A lot of customers think hardfacing is something that only needs doing once there is a major issue, but the best results come from being proactive. Carrying out this work before the shafts become excessively worn helps maintain the machine’s performance and prevents more costly repairs further down the line.”

By keeping on top of hardfacing, operators can help:

• Maintain consistent material grip and processing performance
• Reduce unnecessary stress on other component
• Extend the working life of key machine parts
• Minimise unexpected downtime
• Protect the original performance of the machine

Our advice from the workshop

Every machine and application is different. The rate of wear will depend on factors such as the materials being processed, operating hours and working conditions.

“Our biggest piece of advice is to include shaft inspections as part of your regular maintenance routine. It is much easier to plan preventative work than deal with reduced production or unexpected downtime.” – Darren

At CRJ, our engineering team works with customers to assess machine condition, identify potential issues and carry out the maintenance required to keep equipment operating at maximum efficiency.

If you’re unsure whether your shafts require attention, speak to our service team for advice.