It does not have to be a mind boggling, all consuming experience to make routine cleaning of your CNC machine tools something that doesn't get forgotten or put off until your machines are no longer functioning correctly.CNC machine tools process a variety of different materials including wood, metals and plastic. The waste products generated from these materials such as shavings, chips and dust will be contributors to equipment failures like system coordinate damage or tool head jams.
The following three basic equipment level actions will get you started on implementing a starting point for your regularly scheduled machine maintenance.
KEEP THEM CLEAN:
Basic thorough cleaning of your machines on a regular basis is highly effective in ensuring performance reliability.
- Post a daily or by shift checklist and schedule for each machine tool separately
- Train all operators on the importance of maintaining their machines properly
- Provide clear and detailed instructions for cleaning each machine
- Train the operators exactly how, when. where and what to clean for each tool
You could perhaps print your cleaning schedules and instructions and then hang them in a shop ticket holder or laminate them and hang them near each machine.CORRECT SET UP:
Most rotating equipment such as CNC tools require a set up or start up before you can begin production with them. For example, a CNC sheet metal punch requires you to set up the tooling before you can process the material. You must sharpen and clean the Punch and Die, as well as select the proper die clearance and align the tool properly in the tool holder.
If you skip or ignore any of these steps, you are just asking for excessive wear to your tool or even damage to its components.
- Provide a start up or set up checklist for each of the machine tools and post it right next to the machine
- Provide clear and precise instructions
- Train operators to know the importance of correct tool set up
- Train operators exactly how to prepare the machine for start up
PROPER OPERATION:
Advances in technology that allow companies to provide higher quality products in shorter amounts of time do come with drawbacks. There is seldom any room for error because of the increased speed and accuracy required. A highly trained workforce that understands the machines' capabilities, technical specifications and operating parameters will help ensure reliability for your CNC machine tools.
- Train operators, programmers and application engineers for each machine's operation, capabilities and specifications
- Laminate operating manuals and keep them at each machine
- Let the programmers and engineers operate the machines for a day or two to gain a lucid understanding of their functions relative to the machine's operation
- Let the operators spend a day or two with the programmers and engineers to undertand their functions and how they relate to the machine's operation
