The last thing you want to encounter when you’re in the middle of an important production run is a machine malfunction. This can happen any time, with any machine, regardless of how much money it cost. Reasons for this can be anything from improper operator training, to using the wrong type of tools or not keeping your maintenance log up-to-date. When your maintenance log is kept up-to-date, your machine will be fine-tuned and running smoothly every day. In the event a technical issue arises, an up-to-date log helps us troubleshoot the issue must faster. Here’s a list of some of the more common daily and monthly maintenance tasks you need to do to keep your machine running smoothly all year round:
DAILY
General Cleaning:
Move the gantry to the back of the machine
Blow off the table surface and X axes towards the front of the table.
Blow off the gantry away from carriage.
Blow down behind the Z plate.
Air Pressure Reading: Record the air pressure reading indicated on the pressure gauge.
Oil Oscillating Knife: Oil the oscillating knife (1-2 drops, every 4 hours).
Check Pump Oil Level: Check the pump oil level through the sight glass on the pump.
Clean Cover nuts and Collets: Clean (Blow) cover nuts threads and collets when changing tools.
BI-WEEKLY/MONTHLY
Clean and grease racks and pinions: Clean rack with wire brush and air nozzle to remove any debris
Grease X axis | Grease Y axis
Grease all bearings and ball screws/acme screws
Initial Z Position
Move the Z axis to the lowest position possible.
Support the Z – plate and tool with a sturdy platform.
Clean Electronics Cabinet Air Filter
Remove filter cover
Remove filter element
Clean filter element and cover or replace filter element and cove
Remove air supply.
Remove and empty filter cup.
Clean Toolholders
Check tools for any debris or rust on the surface of the tool holder
Use a cleaning pad or steel wool to clean the tool holder (do not use sand paper or a file)
Surface should be smooth and clean to prevent damaging the spindle.
Check collets/nuts, and dispose the ones that are damaged.
Damaged | Non-Damaged
These maintenance tasks will vary according to the type of machine. It only takes a few minutes a day, but keeping your maintenance log up to date ensures you’re doing all the maintenance activities at the right time to optimize the performance of your machine.