The importance of CNC machine maintenance

“Don’t save on CNC machine maintenance costs!” – As far as production advice goes, it’s wise. Think about it: nothing can be done when CNC machines fail, and proper maintenance is required to keep them running. A machine failure can cost a business thousands of dollars in wasted hours, overnight spare parts shipping and missed deliveries, not to mention a damaged reputation. With so many high-tech devices in a field, breakdowns are inevitable. However, performing regular maintenance of CNC machines will help machines operate normally, eliminating the possibility of costly downtime.

Unlike the complexity and precision of CNC machines, maintenance is a relatively simple job…simple but very important. After all, damage to a CNC machine is a costly mistake that no business wants to make.

Tools move quickly, which means heat. Without proper coolant level and concentration, parts being machined and tools will quickly fail.

Spindles move quickly and often run above 10,000 rpm. means heat. You can easily avoid heat problems with the right cooling system and temperature sensors that warn of anything out of the ordinary.

In most machines, oil/grease keeps things running smoothly. Moving parts are dry and need lubrication to reduce unwanted wear. Other fluid levels, such as hydraulic fluid, should also be added during CNC machine maintenance. Using too much liquid is a warning sign that the machine may have a problem.

Dirt accumulates if left unchecked. Wipe down all surfaces – windows, doors, lights, handles, etc. – to ensure good visibility, grip and overall clean working environment.

Another responsibility of CNC machine maintenance is a skill not found in the CNC machine manufacturer’s operating instructions: listening. A seasoned maintenance professional knows these machines inside and out, and they know how they sound at full speed. For example, when a machine encounters even the slightest mechanical failure, it sounds different. Strange sounds during a cycle are a red sign that something is wrong.

An unplanned CNC machine breakdown usually costs about 5 times more than planning for annual maintenance, often referred to as a “preventive maintenance plan.” Carrying out routine maintenance as routine helps to ensure the CNC machines are in good working order; But what is that daily schedule and how often the tasks need to be completed?

Manufacturers recommend certain CNC machine maintenance intervals for their machines, however many CNC machine shops vary those intervals based on their manufacturing needs and experience. It’s not that their recommendations are incorrect, it’s that each business establishes a process to achieve peak performance and control downtime.

The CNC machine’s sophisticated, automated detectors and sensors also detect potential problems, alerting maintenance crews to areas that need attention. For example, when a hydraulic hose bursts, the machine detects a loss of pressure and stops the cycle to prevent further damage. The machine also sends a message to alarm the operator. In case of more serious problems, not only the machine operator is alerted, but also an email is sent to the supervisor. Fortunately, most CNC machines are solidly built, so it will be difficult to damage them.

CNC machine maintenance makes sense based on hours of use, similar to changing your car’s oil every 8045 km. But that strategy makes it extremely difficult to monitor dozens or even hundreds of CNC machines in an enterprise. It’s much easier to schedule preventive maintenance every day or month or year on all machines.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it covers most of the things that need to be done, in different time periods.

Depending on the size and number of machines in the business, day-to-day tasks alone may be enough to keep maintenance staff on the job. Smaller businesses may require CNC machine operators to handle the daily maintenance of their machines (lubrication, cooling, etc.), which inevitably reduces their productivity.

Contact to supply robot spare parts – repair CNC machines