News - Marine & Offshore

On-site machining is an essential process for the maintenance and recovery of parts and equipment in large industries, especially in the Marine, Offshore and Industrial sectors.

Unlike traditional machining, which takes place in workshops or fixed machining centers, on-site machining is performed directly on-site where the equipment or structure is installed.

This technique offers time and cost savings, enabling quick interventions in critical situations and reducing the need for dismantling and transporting large parts.

What is on-site machining?

On-site machining involves performing repairs and modifications on industrial parts at the location where they are installed. It is widely used in situations where dismantling or removing parts would compromise productivity or generate high costs. This service is particularly important for the Marine sector, where moving heavy equipment is limited and often unfeasible.

For on-site machining, portable devices and machines are used, designed to provide precision and efficiency on-site. Operations vary depending on the type of repair needed and can include milling, boring, burnishing and threading.

What is on-site machining used for?

On-site machining serves to:

1. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance: It avoids the need for expensive parts replacements, extending the lifespan of critical equipment.
2. Reduce downtime: By performing the service on-site, transportation logistics and waiting times are avoided, minimizing production impact.
3. Increase efficiency: Fast and precise repairs allow the equipment to return to full operation quickly.
4. Ensure operational safety: Worn-out equipment or defective parts can jeopardize the entire operation. On-site machining enables quick corrections, ensuring the stability and safety of the structure.

Main techniques used in on-site machining

Several techniques can be applied depending on the project’s needs. The most common ones include:

• On-site milling: Used to level surfaces, perform chamfers, or make precise cuts. In vessels, this technique is common for adjustments on propellers and connection surfaces.
• Boring: Used to align or restore the internal diameters of cylinders and components, such as bearings and flanges. On-site boring is ideal for high-precision adjustments.
• Burnishing: A technique that improves the finish and fine-tuning of cylindrical parts, such as hydraulic cylinders and pipes. It provides a smooth surface with exact tolerances.
• Threading and thread repair: For components with damaged threads, on-site threading allows the function to be restored without removing the part.
• Laser alignment: Laser alignment is a high-precision technique used to ensure that shafts and equipment are positioned precisely, minimizing vibrations and premature wear.

Benefits of on-site machining

The main benefits of on-site machining include:

• Time and Cost Savings: By performing the service on-site, downtime is reduced, and transportation and disassembly costs are minimized.
• Higher Precision and Quality: Portable machining equipment is designed to offer high precision, ensuring a quality finish that meets industrial standards.
• Flexibility: On-site machining can be applied to various types of industries and equipment, from large engines to complex metal structures.

When to use on-site machining?

This practice is recommended whenever the part or equipment is too large, heavy or when removal is impractical. It allows for maintenance on board or on platforms, where transportation logistics are complex and costly.

On-site machining at Metalock Brasil

At Metalock Brasil, we use cutting-edge equipment and have a specialized team in on-site machining to meet our clients’ maintenance needs, whether in the Marine, Offshore, or Industrial sectors. Our services are carried out with high standards of safety and quality, ensuring precision and reliability in every intervention.

On-site machining is a strategic and effective solution for industries looking to maintain operational continuity with quick interventions that meet high-quality standards.