How to Properly Clean your CNC Machine

Maintaining cleanliness is essential, not just for the aesthetic, but also for longevity. Regardless if the machine is made by trusted and leading brands; and also guarantees durability, if you are failing to maintain and keep it clean, it is not bound to last. You will not be able to maximize its longevity, as well as the investment you made on the machine. Hence, waste of money. Machines that are well-maintained tend to last longer – maximizing the investment you made.

Much like humans, cleanliness on machines should not only be on the external surface. Both external and internal should be kept clean by religiously conducting Preventive Maintenance. Cleanliness should also be done right. Below are a few tips that you should consider following:

DAILY PROCEDURE

The three most common reasons why machines break down are lack of lubrication, insufficient air supply and congestion. In order to avoid these circumstances, here are some tips on how to clean your machine on a daily basis

Monitor

1. Hydraulic Pressure and Fluids – These two should remain on its proper level. The pressure should only be around 4.5 MPa
2. State of the Coolant Unit – Check if it is properly working.
3. Lube – Make sure it does not run out and refill if necessary. Remember to follow what is prescribed by the machine’s manufacturer.

Clean

1. Pan Clean
2. Stainless-steel Screens
3. Windows and Doors

Communicate

Keep records from the results of your daily maintenance and inspection. This will come in handy in case the machine undergoes breakdown and will help the organization pinpoint what procedure was done wrong and improve. For issues, report it to the management.

Replace

Keep some replacement parts around as this could come in handy. Belts and Wipers are best to keep at bay. When you spot problematic machine parts, replace it immediately. Replacing problematic and damaged machine parts could minimize machine downtime and avoid re-occurrence

SIX MONTH CLEANING PROCEDURE

Every six months, do not forget to conduct these procedures as this helps keep your machine in pristine condition, which is vital for your operation –

Clean

1. Coolant Tank (Get rid of Chips, Musk, Sludge, and Oil)
2. Chuck and Jaws by thoroughly washing them
3. Lubrication Unit
4. Radiator (Fins should not be damaged and is properly aligned)

Change

1. Contents for the Coolant System
2. Filters for the Hydraulic Tank – both suction and line suction
3. Lubricants for the Lubrication Unit

Inspect

1. Leveling of the Machine (This is to guarantee proper functioning of the CNC machine)
2. Wipers (for any damage. If damage is spotted, remove and replace with new ones)
3. Chain on the chip conveyor (if any) and lubricate

YEARLY MONTHLY PROCEDURE

It is important that Yearly machine maintenance should only be conducted by Certified and Trusted Technicians. The technicians are to perform the following procedures to ensure cleanliness and durability of your CNC machines –

Check

1. Entire machinery for any air and oil leakages
2. Turret – its inclination and parallelism
3. Headstock and Tailstock (inspect if there are any tapering)
4. Spindle (to identify if there are any end play and radial issues) and Chuck Cylinder (for run out)
5. Cylinder and Inclination
6. Drawbar tension
7. Bearings (for any damage)
8. Clamps, Chuck, and Jaws of machine heads
9. X and Z Axis Gibs (and adjust if needed)
10. For any bacterial growth (check hydraulic oil if it is contaminated)

Request

1. Run backlash program to check X and Z axes if there are any backlash

Drain/Remove

1. Hydraulic Fluid
2. Coolant Tanks
3. Lubrication Unit (change the oil afterwards as well)
4. Metal Chips

Replace

1. Hydraulic Filters

Breakdowns on your CNC machine will take its toll on your business causing you to lose profit and additional expense for repair (and parts purchase if needed). This could mean trouble for your organization as it opens the possibility of losing customers, breach of contract, and not being able to deliver your deliverables on schedule. Keep these tips in mind to avoid unfortunate circumstances and save yourself from unnecessary trouble and expense – plus, this can also keep your reputation in the manufacturing industry clean. By simply following these tips, it could ensure a long service life for your machine. If you’re ready to purchase a used CNC machine, make us at S&M Machinery your first call when buying surplus CNC Machinery! S&M Machinery is the leading independent machinery dealer of late-model surplus used CNC industrial machine tools in the United States With over 300 machine tools.