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Candidate Support Pack - Scottish Qualifications Authority

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Common mechanical faults<br />

Presses can develop a number of faults, and you should know how to identify them and<br />

refer them to the appropriate person to deal with.<br />

Press locking mechanisms<br />

The failure of the locking mechanism to operate — or to operate reliably — is a very<br />

common fault, and the implications are seldom understood by engineers. It often leads to<br />

imprecise control of the top buck, particularly in relation to the use of a vacuum. If this fault<br />

is not rectified, pressers will usually adjust their technique in an effort to accommodate it,<br />

often with considerable difficulty and loss of production. Failure of the press locking<br />

mechanism is a major equipment fault which can have a serious effect on standards of<br />

finish.<br />

Head checks/dampers<br />

The failure of these components is also a common fault and again, its significance is not<br />

appreciated by engineers. At worst, it can be the cause of a major structural failure. On<br />

manual presses, it results in the pressing technique having to be adjusted. This increases<br />

the physical effort required to operate the press, and therefore adversely affects<br />

production rates.<br />

Rapid head closure<br />

This is a fault confined to automatic presses. If the press head snaps shut, there is a risk<br />

of injury to the presser. In addition, the draught created may disturb lays, or in extreme<br />

cases blow the garment off the buck.<br />

Leaking valves<br />

Leaking valves waste energy. In addition — in the case of steam valves on presses —<br />

condensation from the steam and the consequent wet patches on clothing can also leave<br />

marks on garments. Leaking steam and/or vacuum valves result in a lack of precise heat<br />

control, contributing to poor standards of finish.<br />

In the hands of well trained staff, a properly clothed and well maintained press will produce<br />

higher standards of finish, with less effort and at higher production rates.<br />

GC8N 22 — Laundry Operations Level 2<br />

7.9

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