Precautions and Maintenance of Machining Centers Before and After the Holiday

Machining centers are vital to the manufacturing industry, as they enable high-precision and intricate part production. As holidays approach, it is essential to understand the necessary steps to properly shut down, maintain, and restart these valuable machines. In this blog post, we will discuss the precautions and maintenance of machining centers before and after holidays to ensure a smooth transition and maintain their optimal performance.

Pre-Holiday Precautions and Maintenance

1.

Lubrication and Protection

Before shutting down the machining center, ensure all axes are well-lubricated using the specified grease. Move all axes through their full range, allowing the ball screws and guide rails to be thoroughly covered in lubricant. Once completed, stop the X, Y, and Z axes near the center of their travel range.

2.

Spindle and Tool Holder Care

Do not leave tool holders inside the spindle. Residual cutting fluid on the spindle and tool holder's taper surfaces can cause adhesion. Remove the tool holder and clean the spindle taper surface, applying a rust inhibitor to both the spindle and tool holder taper surfaces.

3.

Surface Rust Prevention

To prevent rust formation on the worktable and fixture surfaces, apply a rust inhibitor and lubricant before shutting down the machine.

4.

Battery Replacement and Monitoring

Check the battery icon on the lower-right corner of the display screen. If the icon is visible and the battery has not been replaced recently, change the battery at least one week before the long holiday. Neglecting to replace the battery may lead to data loss, such as machining programs and machine parameters.

5.

Data Backup

To protect against data loss, transfer essential machining programs and machine parameters to a computer or USB drive for safekeeping.

Post-Holiday Startup and Maintenance

1. Inspect the equipment's exterior for any signs of water or oil leaks.

2. Check the quality of the air source and ventilate the equipment.

3. Verify that the coolant and lubricant levels are within the normal range and top them off if necessary. For pneumatic tool change cylinders, ensure that the hydraulic oil level is at least 2/3 of the container's height. If it's below this level, add hydraulic oil.

4. Check if the machine's axes are in the same position as before the shutdown. Inspect moving components for corrosion and debris, and remove any rust inhibitor.

5. Examine all cables for signs of damage, ensuring all terminals are securely connected. Check for any circuit interruptions or short circuits. If everything is in order, turn on the main power supply.

6. Jog-move each axis to verify the limit switches and test if all peripherals are functioning correctly (lubrication pump, electrical cabinet air conditioner, cooling system, chip conveyor, coolant pump, chip flushing pump, etc.).

7. Slowly run each axis and perform a spindle run-in (2000 RPM for 5 minutes, 6000 RPM for 5 minutes, 12000 RPM for 5 minutes, and 20000 RPM for 30 minutes). Once you've confirmed that there are no abnormalities, the machining center is ready for normal use.

Proper precautions and maintenance of machining centers before and after holidays are essential for ensuring their longevity and optimal performance. By following these guidelines, you can protect your machining center from potential damage and costly repairs, ensuring a smooth and efficient return to operation after the break.