A CNC lathe machine is frequently utilized in manufacturing tasks, such as metalworking processes. In this machine, the main spindle rotates while holding the workpiece. The cutting tool that cuts the material is mounted and moves along several axes.
CNC machines may malfunction and cause lengthy downtimes even though they are intended for precision, accuracy, and reproducibility. Downtimes may harm the CNC machine shop’s production and reputation. CNC machines must receive timely maintenance to be able to continue providing CNC machine services with minimal downtime. This article offers tips on how to keep your CNC lathes in good working order.
Sustenance for CNC lathe machines
There are three different forms of maintenance for CNC lathes.
Weekly or Daily Maintenance:
You can perform a daily visual inspection of the machine and its components to make sure that errors like machine stoppage due to insufficient lubricant, chip overflow, inadequate ventilation systems, drop of coolant levels below the threshold resulting in overheating and damage, and other problems don’t affect your production.
The operator must look for obvious damage symptoms even though everyday maintenance may not always be practical. Before beginning to work on the machine, any part that appears out of sync, broken, or damaged beyond repair must be replaced.
It is necessary to create a weekly maintenance schedule that allows the operator to examine the following:
- Quantities of coolant
- The state of the cutting tools
- Hydraulic systems leaks
- Ensure cleanliness and drying where needed.
- Observe leaks or noises signaling a problem.
Quarterly or semi-annual maintenance:
You could concentrate on bigger factors when performing quarterly or semi-annual maintenance. For example, you can check the following topics:
- Verify that oil, chips, and sludge have been removed from the coolant tank.
- Clean the machine’s chuck and jaws by removing them.
- Check your machine’s leveling and make any required adjustments.
- Make sure the radiator’s fins are straight and undamaged. Perform cleaning.
- Examine the all-around wipers for any damage.
- Drain the hydraulic tank
- Drain, clean, and refill the lubrication unit. Replace the used hydraulic oil with new hydraulic oil.
Annual Maintenance:
It would help if you concentrated on the machine beds, hydraulic systems, and spindle lubrication systems while doing yearly maintenance on CNC lathe machines.
Along with those above, you can also ensure the following:
- Make sure the precision and quality of your machine tools fit your needs.
- Look for radial and end play problems with the spindle.
- Check to see if the chuck cylinder is empty.
- Verify the tailstock’s quill operation and alignment.
- Verify the parallelism and inclination of the turrets.
- Clear out any felt pads and grease holes.
- Verify the X-axis drive belt, Z-axis drive belt, and spindle drive belt.
- Examine the electrical box for leaks.
- Verify the contacts’ reliability and safety.
- Verify the stability of the ground connection.
- Check to see if the X and Z axes need to be adjusted.
Benefits of Regular CNC Lathe Machine Maintenance
Maintenance of CNC lathe machines has various advantages:
- Decreasing machine and production downtime gradually raises your company’s profitability.
- The productivity of the machine tool can be increased with routine maintenance.
- It helps your machines and cutting equipment last longer.
- It assists in reducing or eliminating collisions or accidents that could be hazardous for drivers.
- Reduced material waste is a result of routine maintenance. You can cut down on and even prevent costly repairs caused by unplanned machine breakdowns.
Modern CNC lathes have tools with several axes of operation. These instruments can be configured to carry out milling, drilling, and tapping tasks while achieving the goals of the intricate part design procedure. The maintenance of CNC machines must be monitored to care for them properly, and you can partner with a trusted CNC machining service.