To reap maximal benefits from your CNC service machine and ensure efficient and cost-effective functionality, diligent maintenance is key. Failure to invest in the upkeep of machinery can result in reduced machine lifespan and decreased efficiency. In the long run, this equates to minimised production time – and no business owner wants that! Here are some tips on maintaining your CNC machine:
Day-to-day Maintenance
- Check chuck pressure and level of lubrication
- Wipe down and clean filter
- Check hydraulic pressure to ensure it is maintaining a level of 4.5 MPa
- Check hydraulic fluids are at optimal operation level
- Check cooling system and clean out the chip pan
These maintenance tasks may seem mundane or superfluous but implementing these habits on a daily basis helps to prevent deterioration of the machine and maximises its functionality with minimal effort. Making these checks a staple in your daily machining routine is a must.
Intermittent Maintenance
- Check the chain on the chip conveyor and ensure that it is greased
- Check and clean the coolant tank filters
(every 3 months or 500 hours)
- Check coolant tanks on machines and clean the sludge, chips and oil
- Remove and thoroughly clean the jaws and chuck
- Drain and clean the hydraulic oil tank and change the oil
- Change the suction and line filters
- Clean radiator and ensure that the fins are straight
- Test your machines levelling
- Inspect all way wipers to ensure they are undamaged, replace any which are damaged, clean all that are left
(every 6 months or 1000 hours)
Yearly Maintenance
- Inspect the headstock and tailstock for taper
- Test the chuck cylinder for run out
- Run a backlash programme for the X and Z axis (this can be done by your distributor or engineer)
- Examine the parallelism and inclination of the turret
- Test the spindle for end play
- Contact a CNC Company for expert advice if your machine need additional maintenance or parts
Keep maintenance records
Create a record of all inspections which have been carried out, by whom and when. This helps to ensure that maintenance is regular and helps to document the health history of your machines.