Quick Answer

A daily inspection of an injection molding machine should include checking hydraulic oil levels, lubrication systems, cooling systems, safety devices, machine alarms, and any signs of leaks, abnormal noise, or vibration.

Daily inspections help manufacturers:

• Prevent unexpected downtime
• Improve machine reliability
• Maintain product quality
• Reduce repair costs
• Extend machine lifespan

Most inspections take only 10–15 minutes but can prevent costly production interruptions.

Why Is Daily Inspection Important?

Injection molding machines often operate for long hours under demanding production conditions.

Even minor issues such as:

• Low hydraulic oil
• Cooling water leaks
• Loose connections
• Poor lubrication

can eventually cause:

• Machine breakdowns
• Product defects
• Increased maintenance costs

Daily inspections allow operators to identify problems before they become serious failures.

What Should Be Checked Before Starting Production?

Before every production shift, operators should complete a basic machine inspection.

Recommended checks include:

✓ Hydraulic oil level

✓ Cooling water flow

✓ Lubrication system operation

✓ Machine alarm status

✓ Safety devices

✓ Electrical cabinet condition

✓ Air pressure (if applicable)

✓ Machine cleanliness

A short inspection at startup often prevents production disruptions later in the day.

Daily Hydraulic System Inspection

The hydraulic system is one of the most critical parts of an injection molding machine.

Inspect the following:

Hydraulic Oil Level

Verify that the oil level remains within the recommended range.

Low oil levels may cause:

• Pressure instability
• Pump damage
• Increased oil temperature

Hydraulic Oil Leaks

Look for leaks around:

• Hydraulic hoses
• Valves
• Pumps
• Cylinders
• Fittings

Even small leaks should be reported immediately.

Oil Temperature

Monitor hydraulic oil temperature during operation.

Abnormally high temperatures may indicate:

• Cooling system problems
• Pump wear
• Oil contamination

Daily Lubrication System Inspection

Proper lubrication helps reduce wear on moving components.

Inspect:

Automatic Lubrication System

Verify that the lubrication pump operates correctly.

Grease Levels

Check lubricant levels and refill if necessary.

Tie Bars and Moving Components

Inspect tie bars and moving mechanisms for signs of insufficient lubrication.

Poor lubrication can accelerate wear and reduce machine life.

Daily Cooling System Inspection

A properly functioning cooling system is essential for stable operation.

Inspect:

Water Connections

Check for:

• Leaks
• Loose fittings
• Damaged hoses

Water Flow

Verify adequate cooling water circulation.

Restricted flow may increase:

• Hydraulic oil temperature
• Cycle times
• Energy consumption

Chillers and Cooling Towers

If installed, confirm proper operation of supporting cooling equipment.

Daily Electrical System Inspection

Electrical issues can cause unexpected downtime and safety risks.

Inspect:

Alarm Messages

Review the controller for any active alarms or warnings.

Electrical Cabinet Condition

Check for:

• Dust accumulation
• Excessive heat
• Unusual odors

Electrical cabinets should remain clean and properly ventilated.

Indicator Lights

Verify that all machine status indicators function normally.

Daily Safety Inspection

Safety devices should be checked before production begins.

Inspect:

Safety Doors

Confirm that safety gates open and close correctly.

Emergency Stop Buttons

Verify proper operation of emergency stop switches.

Safety Interlocks

Ensure machine safety systems function as intended.

Safety devices should never be bypassed.

Daily Mechanical Inspection

Operators should observe the machine for signs of abnormal wear.

Inspect:

Tie Bars

Look for:

• Damage
• Excessive wear
• Insufficient lubrication

Toggle System

Check for unusual movement or noise.

Fasteners and Covers

Verify that machine covers and bolts remain secure.

Daily Injection Unit Inspection

The injection unit should be monitored for stable operation.

Inspect:

Screw Operation

Observe screw movement for unusual noise or vibration.

Heater Bands

Verify that barrel heaters operate correctly.

Material Feeding System

Check:

• Hopper operation
• Material flow
• Material contamination

Material feeding problems can affect product quality and cycle consistency.

What Warning Signs Should Operators Report Immediately?

Immediate maintenance attention may be required if operators notice:

• Hydraulic oil leaks
• Water leaks
• Unusual vibration
• Abnormal noise
• Rising oil temperature
• Frequent alarms
• Burnt electrical smell
• Unstable machine operation

Prompt reporting helps prevent major equipment failures.

Sample Daily Inspection Checklist

Many factories maintain daily inspection records for maintenance tracking and equipment management.

Common Mistakes During Daily Inspections

Skipping Inspections During Busy Production

Small problems often become larger failures when inspections are ignored.

Ignoring Minor Oil Leaks

Minor leaks may indicate developing hydraulic system problems.

Overlooking Safety Devices

Safety inspections should be completed every shift.

Not Recording Inspection Results

Inspection records help identify recurring problems and maintenance trends.

What Are the Benefits of Daily Machine Inspections?

Daily inspections help:

• Improve machine reliability
• Reduce downtime
• Extend machine lifespan
• Improve product quality
• Lower maintenance costs
• Improve workplace safety

A few minutes spent inspecting equipment each day can save many hours of lost production later.

How DAYAMAC Supports Machine Maintenance

DAYAMAC, the injection molding machine division of DAYA MACHINERY, supports manufacturers worldwide with:

• Injection molding machine spare parts
• Hydraulic system components
• Screw and barrel solutions
• Servo system parts
• Maintenance consultation
• Technical support

Our team helps customers improve machine reliability and maximize production efficiency.

Common Questions

How long should a daily inspection take?

Most daily inspections take between 10 and 15 minutes.

What is the most important daily inspection item?

Hydraulic oil level, lubrication systems, and safety devices are among the most critical items.

Should operators perform daily inspections?

Yes. Operators are usually the first line of defense against equipment problems.

Can daily inspections reduce downtime?

Yes. Early detection of issues significantly reduces unexpected machine failures.

Should inspection results be documented?

Yes. Inspection records help maintenance teams identify trends and schedule repairs proactively.

Contact DAYAMAC

Looking for spare parts, maintenance support, or technical assistance for your injection molding machines?

DAYAMAC provides:

• Spare parts supply
• Screw and barrel replacement
• Hydraulic components
• Servo system support
• Maintenance consultation
• Industrial sourcing solutions

Contact our team to keep your injection molding machines operating efficiently, safely, and reliably.