Advanced technology has significantly improved the capabilities of modern machines to perform difficult tasks. In the current manufacturing space, customers are demanding shorter lead times and increased customization. Investing in an X-carve machine can help you to deliver high-quality furniture to your customers.
Though your CNC machine can improve your productivity and give you a more potent competitive edge, it can only operate at its peak if it’s in good condition. If it slows down, your productivity will reduce, and that will cost you thousands of dollars. You, therefore, need to maintain it regularly to avoid any inconveniences.
Here are some ways that you can use to carry out routine maintenance on your CNC machine.
- Clean and Lubricate it
The first thing you need to do in maintaining your CNC machine is to keep it clean and lubricated. Because it helps you finish your work quickly, you need to lubricate it with the right oil to keep it in perfect condition. If you clean it and replace the lubricants daily, you can be sure you’ll get better outcomes.
- Establish a Regular Maintenance Schedule
When you buy a new CNC machine, you’re given a maintenance schedule that you need to follow to enable your device to function well. Following the plan can help you to identify any potential problems before they get out of hand.
After using your machine every day, look out for scrap material build-up and grime on the exterior. Wipe the dirt with a rag to remove the debris that could result in mechanical damage. If you follow this schedule, your machine will run properly. If you don’t, you may jeopardize your warranty, destroy your device, or violate an equipment lease.
- Keep Records
Unforeseen machinery breakdown may increase your replacement and repair budget by five times. As you wait for the machine spare parts to be shipped, you’ll waste a lot of time and lose a lot of money. That’s why you need to keep a record or your machine’s maintenance history.
The record may help you to identify pending repairs, recurring problems, and machinery expenditure. It may also help you to diagnose future mechanical issues quickly. If you’re hiring technicians to do the maintenance work for you, tell them to keep maintenance records. Give them templates to enter daily records of the maintenance they’ve done.
- Always Have Spare Parts at Hand
Even if you follow the maintenance schedule to the latter, you can’t stop your machine’s parts from wearing out. Some parts are likely to wear out quicker than the rest. Have spares for those parts with you for quick replacement and reduced downtime. Before you purchase a CNC machine, ensure its spare parts are readily available.
- Monitor Moving Parts
You need to monitor your machine’s moving parts and grease them periodically to prevent them from wearing and tearing out quickly. Follow your machine’s manual and ensure the moving parts aren’t consuming hydraulic fluids faster.
The Bottom-line
Though using a CNC machine is fun and cost-saving, you need to maintain it to keep it in good condition routinely. You can achieve optimal productivity only if your device is operating well. Therefore, ensure you clean it, maintain its regular schedule, keep records, have spare parts at hand, and monitor its moving parts.
