Long-Term Storage & Shutdown

This section covers procedures for taking a HWAMDA machine out of service for an extended period (30 days or more) and returning it to service.

Shutdown for > 30 Days

Hydraulic System

1. Run the machine at normal operating temperature for 30 minutes to purge moisture.
2. While the oil is warm, drain a sample for analysis.
3. Change hydraulic oil and all filter elements.
4. Fill hydraulic system to full level.
5. Coat exposed cylinder rods with rust-preventive oil.
6. Discharge accumulators (both gas and hydraulic).

Injection Unit

1. Purge barrel with a heat-stable, non-corrosive material (PP or HDPE).
2. Remove screw and coat with rust-preventive oil. Store horizontally on V-blocks.
3. Spray the barrel inner surface with rust-preventive oil.
4. Cover the open barrel end with a clean cloth or cap.
5. Remove heater bands, coat terminals with dielectric grease, store in a dry location.

Clamping Unit

1. Close mold (or close platens to 10 mm gap if no mold mounted).
2. Apply rust-preventive oil to tie bar threaded sections.
3. Grease all toggle bushings thoroughly.
4. Loosen tie bar nuts by 1/4 turn (relieve clamp force — do not remove).
5. Cover platen surfaces with rust-preventive paper.

Electrical System

1. Backup all controller parameters, calibration data, and recipes to USB.
2. Install the controller battery backup (if removed).
3. Place silica gel desiccant packs inside the electrical cabinet (2–4 packs per cabinet).
4. Seal cabinet doors with tape to reduce moisture ingress.
5. Cover the operator panel with a protective cover.

General

1. Clean the entire machine thoroughly.
2. Apply rust-preventive oil to all unpainted metal surfaces.
3. Cover the machine with a breathable dust cover (not plastic — plastic traps moisture).
4. Lock and tag the main power disconnect.
5. Note the shutdown date and expected return-to-service date in the logbook.
6. If stored outdoors (not recommended), cover with waterproof and UV-resistant tarps with ventilation gaps.

Monthly While Stored

Return to Service After Storage

< 6 Months Storage

1. Remove covers and dust protection.
2. Visual inspection: check for rust, rodent damage, fluid leaks.
3. Install heater bands (if removed), check torque on terminals.
4. Install screw, check flight condition, apply initial lubricant.
5. Fill hydraulic system to correct level (top off if needed).
6. Pre-charge accumulators.
7. Perform standard pre-start checks per the Daily Maintenance checklist.
8. Power on and verify control system, servo system, and safety circuits.
9. Run at low speed for 30 minutes before normal production.

> 6 Months Storage

1. All steps above, plus:
2. Replace all hydraulic seals (cylinder rod seals, valve O-rings) — they may have dried out.
3. Replace servo drive DC bus capacitors (if storage exceeded 2 years).
4. Megger all motors and heater circuits before powering on.
5. Replace hydraulic oil and all filters.
6. Replace all rubber hoses (if storage exceeded 4 years).
7. Perform full commissioning procedure per the Debugging Manual.