The Spanish proverb “A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools,” is particularly fitting for CNC shop owners, whether male or female. Running a demanding business with its tight deadlines, employee issues and financial risks takes a toll on even the heartiest of souls. That’s why paying attention to your health is so important.
You may remember a long running campaign for automotive transmission service that stated: “You can pay me now, or you can pay me later.” The phrase still holds true when it comes to performing preventative maintenance on cars, trucks or CNC machine tools.
Many CNC applications require a steady stream of coolant to optimize cutting speeds and throughput. This is especially true when machining parts from hard-to-machine steel alloys, titanium, and other metals that often require precisely applied high-pressure coolant to maintain cutting efficiency and to reduce tool wear.
Because the computers and electronics that enable us to program and control CNC machine tools are typically housed in a protective cabinet, we sometimes forget that they are still subject to damage if heat builds up or debris finds its way into the enclosure. In fact, a widely accepted rule of thumb is that the rate of failure for electronic devices is cut in half for every 50º F (10º C) decrease in temperature.
Gosiger encourages all customers to have in place a comprehensive Planned Preventative Maintenance Plan for all of the equipment in their shop. By performing the regular inspections and service that every machine requires, you can avoid unnecessary downtime, lost production, late deliveries and expensive machine repairs.
Here are 7 things to keep in mind about gibs:
CNC machine cutting tools are perishable by nature, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to prolong the life of your cutting tools. Not only are the tools, themselves, an expense but replacing worn tools can interrupt production and add labor costs. Not replacing worn tools in a timely manner can also impact the quality of a workpiece.
One of the unsung heroes of CNC machining is the 3-jaw chuck that is standard equipment on many CNC lathes and turning centers. The chuck is the principal workholding device and is essential for maintaining accuracy and enabling the machine tool to perform at optimum RPM.
For those who have through tool coolant delivery systems on their CNC machines, keeping the coolant pins clean and functioning, and replacing them as needed should be part of your planned preventative maintenance program. However, some shops forget about these small items and the result can be costly.