At Orbitform, we want our customers to get the most out of their equipment for years to come. That’s why our service and sales teams are trained to recognize early signs of wear or misalignment in the field. By spotting these indicators early, you can reduce downtime, protect your investment, and maintain consistent part quality.
Below are some of the most common symptoms our team looks for on orbital forming machines, what they may indicate, and questions you can ask internally to help pinpoint the root cause.
1. Orbital Head Does Not Spin Freely When the Machine Is Off
If the orbital head feels stiff when the machine is off, it may signal worn bearings or excessive grease inside the head. Early detection can prevent more significant damage.
Ask yourself: When were the orbital head bearings last serviced or inspected?
2. Part Quality Inconsistency During or After Forming
Variations in part quality are often the first clue that something is off. First, confirm if your incoming component quality has changed, or if you received parts/rivets from a different supplier. If the parts are good, then troubleshoot the machine. Common machine causes include misaligned forming position, worn fixture details, improper part location or clamping, or a worn peen tool.
Ask yourself: Have any changes been made to your fixture, tooling, or part set-up?
3. Part or Cosmetic Damage When Using a Pressure Pad
If you’re seeing unwanted marks on your component, worn pressure pad components may be striking the part during forming.
Ask yourself: When were the pressure pad components last inspected or replaced?
4. Forming Force Increasing Over Time
An increase in forming force over time can be a sign of a worn peen tool.
Ask yourself: Have you checked the condition of your peen tool recently?
5. “Air Blow-By” Restricting Powerhead Capacity and Movement
Air leaks can restrict powerhead capacity or movement. A good preventive measure is to change bearings and O-ring seals annually unless your equipment’s Estimated Annual Volume (EAV) is very low.
Ask yourself: When were the bearings and seals last changed?
Why Proactive Maintenance Matters
Catching these issues early not only reduces downtime but also helps maintain consistent product quality and prolongs the life of your equipment. Many of these checks can be done quickly during routine maintenance or production audits.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or want guidance on preventive maintenance, Orbitform’s Equipment Support Team is ready to assist. Our specialists can help diagnose the root cause and recommend corrective actions to keep your machines running at their best.
Contact our team today to discuss your application or schedule a maintenance consultation.