Dos and Don'ts for CNC Machines – The Complete Guide

Comments · 511 Views

Modern manufacturing environments require the use of CNC machine tools to be productive

Modern manufacturing environments require the use of CNC machine tools to be productive.  The constant demands for higher production speeds, constantly changing parts with increased complexity, and the emphasis on consistent product quality necessitate the maintenance of your CNC machines to ensure that they meet or exceed these requirements.

Here are some suggestions that will assist you in getting the most value out of your CNC machines over an extended period of time. 


Tolerance 


Maintain a constant temperature in the workshop, as fluctuations and changes in temperature can affect tolerances and precision.  Make sure that your CNC machines have access to clean air. . You should not have to travel far to reach your air compressor, and it should provide clean, dry, and filtered air.

In CNC Machining Centers, air is used to clean the spindle and tool taper during tool change, to provide air for the Air-Oil lubrication system at the spindle (if available), to clear the tool measuring system, and to operate inside Linear Glass Scales (if available) to protect your expensive glass scale from external contaminants. (Constant positive air pressure from inside to outside), a similar system is used at the nose of your machine spindle, positive air pressure from inside to outside is used to prevent coolant or dirt from entering your machine spindle during machining.


Antifreeze

Regularly inspect the coolant to ensure that the correct amount and mixture is being used to ensure that your machine can operate continuously.

Coolant with a high concentration should not be used because it can cause machine damage and component corrosion or rusting.  Besides that, it can have a negative impact on the health of your operator.

 

There are five different types of cutting tools

When it comes to achieving a high-quality surface and finishing, it's important to use the proper cutting tools and start with the recommended settings.  You can be confident that your operator has the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.

Use of blunt tools, incorrect (dimensioned) tools, or tools that are not appropriate for the materials being worked on can result in rough edges, cutter marks, raised marks, or burn marks on the finished surfaces, which can cause damage to the finishes.  Alternately, it could result in subpar performance altogether.

Surface Treatments

During part machining, make sure to use the proper feeds and speeds.  Consider the following factors in determining the surface quality of your part or mold: a.  Vibration caused by the CNC machine itself; tooling that is not sharp or unbalanced; tool holders that are not suitable or unbalanced; as well as influence from external sources to your machine (mentioned in the previous point – dust or shock waves created by presses, stamping, or electrical variations and fluctuations); andThese factors will not only shorten the life of your tools, but they may also shorten the life of the spindle of your CNC machine.

Comments