The Importance of CNC Machine Maintenance

2017-6-9 14:20:59

CNC Machine Maintenance may seem like aboring chore compared to the other tasks of running a successful machine shop.When a machine breaks down, it can cost a business owner thousands of dollars,not only for the cost to repair the breakdown but in lost profits too.

In those moments of exasperation, missedmaintenance can be maddening. With lots of mechanical moving parts and hightech pieces, breakdowns are inevitable. However, a short consistent checklistand long term preventative plan can help reduce the risk of costly stoppages.

These are the “apples a day” that keep yourCNC machine tools out of the machine emergency room. They sound simple, andthey are. Doing a few minor checks at the end of each day or each shift can helpcatch a problem before it snowballs into a major breakdown. The machine toolspecialists at Absolute Machine Tools recommend the following daily maintenanceschedule:

1. Check Those Fluids. CNC machines require adequate fluid levels, such as lube andhydraulic fluid. Working daily with your machines will give you a good baselinefor how quickly the fluids need to

be replenished. When machines start usingfluid at a higher rate, have your machines checked. Excessive fluid use can bea sign of problems.

2. Give Them Grease. Grease is the smooth operator that keeps all the working partsmoving and grooving. Not all machine shops check grease points each day, but werecommend looking at all moving parts for dry spots. A quick shot of greasegoes a long way to reducing unwanted wear.

3. Renew With A Rag. Wipe down all the surfaces to show a little shine by cleaning awaythe shop grime. Wiping the machine down daily will also keep the smaller metalshavings from building up in damage-prone areas – such as the way cover seals.

Spring Cleaning For Milling Machines &Lathes

When performing a thorough spring cleaningon your milling machines:

Make sure the machine tool’s enclosure iscleaned and chips are completely removed from under the way covers and balls crewarea.

Basically, perform a full-enclosurecleaning!

Check that all lubricants are at normallevels and functioning properly.

Perform fine adjustments (if necessary) onthe automatic tool changer so it continues to change tools flawlessly with nohang-ups or jams.

Complete a thorough inspection of thespindle and spindle drivetrain to ensure there are no contaminants that wouldaffect the overall life of the spindle.

Check spindle belts for tension, oil, chipsand wear to avoid unnecessary or untimely downtime and avoid compromising apart during cutting operations.

It is recommended to perform a ballbar testto check the circularity and alignment of the machine’s planes.

When performing a thorough spring cleaningon your lathes:

Indicate the lathes turret, tailstock, andheadstock alignment to ensure optimum accuracies and tool life.

Check that all lubricants are at normallevels and functioning properly.

Perform fine adjustments to the turret (ifnecessary) to avoid hang-ups, jams or indexing issues.

Check hydraulic system for dirt andcontamination.

Check the actuator for chip build-up.

Check spindle belts for tension, wear andoverall condition to avoid unnecessary or untimely downtime and avoidcompromising a part during cutting operations.

Perform a ballbar test to check foraccurate circularity and alignment of the XZ planes.

For both types of machines, it is highlyrecommended that filters be checked or changed often to ensure overallintegrity of your systems.

Preventative Maintenance Plan

A preventative maintenance plan (PMP) isvital to keeping shop machines running and making money. Routine check-upsboost output efficiencies, increase uptime and improve profit margins. Notconvinced? Try this on for size: unplanned breakdowns of CNC machines typicallycost 5 times more than annual PMPs. Between expedited part shipment and wastedhours, a PMP wins every time for cost effective machine maintenance.

Jinan SUNRISE CNC CO,.LTD is specialized inmanufacturing and selling puching, marking and shearing machine for 10 years,get products catalogue or purchasing CNC machine tool click:

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