How to Take Care of Your CNC Machine

Daily Care

Daily routine maintenance procedures are needed to ensure your production rate is not being slowed by simple errors such as blockages, poor air supply, and a failure to top up lubrication oil.

CNC machine operators’ daily maintenance routines should include:

• Checking the hydraulic fluids to ensure they are at the right level.
• Checking the hydraulic pressure to ensure it is at the right level.
• Checking the pressure is at the correct operating level.
• Making sure the cooling system’s cooling unit level is at the proper operational level.
• Making sure the lube level is right and replenish it if needed.
• Cleaning chips out of the pan.
• Cleaning the windows and the doors of the machines.
• Wiping down stainless-steel covers and lubricating them with hydraulic oil so that they move smoothly.

Maintenance and Checks You Need to Perform Every Three Months

Every three months, you should check and grease the chain of the chip conveyor. You should also do the same for the filters of the coolant tank.

Maintenance and Checks You Need to Perform Every Six Months

Twice a year, you need to check the air reservoirs, pumps, coolant tanks, and oil drainages are all working smoothly. You also need to clean them. Do not overlook how important such things are.

For example, your coolant tank could collect sludge over time. If it is not cleaned regularly, it could reduce your tank capacity for the coolant. It could even affect the purity of your coolant and cause damage to the spindle’s performance.

To prevent such things from occurring, complete the following at least every six months:

• Clean the coolant tank of sludge, oil, and chips.
• Clean the radiator and ensure the radiator fins are straight and not damaged.
• Take off and clean the machine’s chuck and jaws.
• Check the leveling of your CNC machine and adjust if required.
• Drain and clean the lubrication unit and add fresh lubricant.
• Drain the hydraulic tank and replace the oil with fresh hydraulic oil. Change the suction filter and the line suction filter at the same time.
• Drain and refill the cooling unit.

Maintenance and Checks You Need to Perform Once a Year

The more axis your CNC machine has, the more vital it is that it remains aligned and calibrated.

For complex machine tools like a five-axis machining center, you need to check the status of the machine beds, the spindle lubrication systems, and the hydraulic systems every year. You should also test the machine for accuracy and the machine tool level.

Whatever type of CNC machine you have, you need to check it once a year for leveling, functionality, and accuracy. Such things need to be done by professionals, so you may need to call in a certified engineer if you or your workers do not have a thorough knowledge.

To keep your CNC machine in perfect condition, perform the following once a year:

• Check the spindle for radial and end play issues.
• Check the tailstock for quill function and misalignments.
• Check the chuck cylinder for run out.
• Check the headstock for any damage or misalignments.
• Check the turret parallelism and inclination.
• Inspect the entire machine for oil and air leakages.

By performing regular maintenance and checks, you can keep your CNC machine in good running order to ensure its accuracy, functionality, and longevity.

Source: roboticsandautomationnews.com