Imagine walking up to a machine with a workpiece you wish to build, but the machine breaks down and ruins the only workpiece you had in possession. Not only is it going to be extremely time-consuming but also financially taxing to get a new workpiece and have the machine fixed.
When performing tasks like pressing, drilling, and grinding, metalworking equipment is bound to show signs of wear, which is why it demands regular maintenance to retain efficiency and ensure longevity.
Preventive and proactive maintenance is paramount to ensure quality consistency in the final product and avoid expensive maintenance procedures in case of complete failure of the metalwork equipment. Here are some tips for maintaining your metalworking equipment and minimizing downtime -
If your CNC machine employs tools for slicing, cutting, drilling, chopping, scoring, or sharpening metals, it is imperative to sharpen the fundamental components of the machine, including the drill bits, saws, precision cutters, lathe tools, and end mills.
Blunt tools dampen the overall efficiency of your equipment and negatively affect the quality of the end product. Besides the expected wear and tear, blunt tools can lead to deviations in the shape, size, and other specifications of the product from the expected parameters.
Instruction manuals can answer most typical queries regarding the operation, handling, and maintenance of your metalworking machinery. User manuals are excellent for troubleshooting minor hiccups experienced while running the machinery.
Besides being a troubleshooting guide, user manuals also suggest the best practices to maintain uninterrupted operation and enjoy optimum performance. Go through the crucial bits of information on the fundamental parts to learn about maintenance tips and techniques.
Machine components are constantly moving to produce the desired effect and thus, demand an adequate amount of lubrication to ensure smooth functioning. Applying less lube can increase friction between the moving components and result in heating and rapid wear and tear.
Refer to the user manual for the specific lubrication levels of your metalworking machine if you are unaware of the numbers. Ensure weekly greasing and oiling of all movable parts with a decent quality lubricant. Typically, the user manual also contains the preferred name of the lubricant as approved by the manufacturer.
While this step might sound obvious, most machine operators rarely give their machines a proper wipe. The waste produced during metalworking consumes table space, and the grime dampens the lubricating efficiency of grease.
It is imperative to ensure frequent cleanliness of your machinery to enjoy optimum performance and safeguard the health of workers. Prepare a regular cleaning schedule and stick to it sincerely, as it can maximize the machine's efficiency by allowing more space for the motion of the movable parts.
When working on metal, it is paramount to ensure proper alignment. Having a misaligned workpiece can lead to wastage of raw materials and might be fatal to the operator.
Misalignment can also negatively impact the quality and the performance of your machine and the end product. You must run a few test jobs before commencing work on the actual metal feeds, as it can help visualize the final product.
If you suspect misalignment, have the machine realigned yourself or call a professional to maintain specification accuracy.
Machines begin to show imminent signs of a breakdown in the form of machine vibrations, overheating, worn-out belts, cracked gaskets, alignment issues, or visible damage. These trivial issues can transform into enormous deterrents that lead to prolonged machine downtime and expensive maintenance costs.
It is advisable to educate your machine operators during the training process to keep a cautious eye out for symptoms of wear and tear and have it immediately reported to avert damage and life-threatening injuries.
Your machine operators deal with your metalworking equipment firsthand and thus are the greatest assets in ensuring optimum maintenance. It is imperative to train them to perform regular machine inspections before executing operations and using workpieces.
Keep their knowledge and skillset updated periodically and share details on the breakthrough technologies in your respective niche. Educating your workforce and investing in their well-being will be beneficial for your labor and machinery and boost the overall performance of your plant.
Proper maintenance of your metalworking equipment is not merely limited to the machine alone but extends to every accessory being used in a plant. There are various tips and practices that you must follow to ensure machine longevity and minimize downtime to maintain productivity.
Regular maintenance must be prioritized to enhance the performance of the machinery and ensure the safety of your workforce. By adhering to the pointers above, you can add years to metalworking equipment and retain quality consistency in the end product.
About the Author:
Peter Jacobs 
Peter Jacobs is the Senior Director of Marketing at CNC Masters. He is actively involved in manufacturing processes and regularly contributes his insights for various blogs in CNC machining, 3D printing, rapid tooling, injection molding, metal casting, and manufacturing in general.
