{"id":7633,"date":"2022-04-07T23:18:32","date_gmt":"2022-04-08T05:18:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/?p=7633"},"modified":"2025-05-30T13:05:25","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T19:05:25","slug":"machine-tools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/machine-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"The ins and outs of machine tools maintenance"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column][vc_column_text]The use of machine tools represents the backbone of any metalworking industry. A typical machine shop utilizes machining technology to perform operations such as milling, grinding, cutting, drilling, and turning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The operators use sophisticated controllers in Computerized Numerical Controls (CNC) machines that precisely repeat machining operations without compromising output efficacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

The problem is that, as the machine tools get more advanced, the requirements to properly maintain them also get more complex and require a greater degree of skills and expertise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The purpose of this article is to outline must-know machine tools maintenance practices that are prevalent in the industry.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-bottom” kd_top_separator_style=”arrow-down” kd_top_separator_height=”separator-height-small” kd_bottom_separator_style=”arrow-down” kd_bottom_separator_height=”separator-height-small” kd_top_separator=”true” kd_bottom_separator=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1682969165097{margin-bottom: 40px !important;padding-top: 60px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background: #dde4e8 url(https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cta-laired-hex-4.webp?id=9077) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;border-radius: 0px !important;}” css_tablet_landscape=”.vc_custom_1682969165097{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}” css_tablet_portrait=”.vc_custom_1682969165098{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}” css_mobile=”.vc_custom_1682969165098{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” gap=”15″ kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″]

Maintenance Inventory Tracking Template<\/h2>

Begin tracking your maintenance and parts inventory with this free and easy-to-use template.<\/h6><\/header>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_raw_html]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[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

The essence of machine tools maintenance<\/span><\/h2>\n

Machine tools have many sensitive parts that need to be properly and regularly maintained. While the following maintenance practices might look basic at first glance, when it comes to machine tools, their execution leaves very little room for error.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Machine<\/a><\/p>\n

1) Lubrication<\/span><\/h3>\n

As machine tools have moving parts, it is vital to minimize any friction in order to avoid excessive wear and tear at the point of contact. The simplest approach to avoid friction is through proper lubrication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most <\/span>Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)<\/span><\/a> will tell you that checking lubricant level is the central activity of machine tool maintenance. They will recommend inspecting lubricants in weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance cycles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For maintenance to be effective, <\/span>you need to monitor the quality, quantity, and nature or chemical composition of the lubricant<\/b>:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • If there is too little lubricant, the tool is going to experience excessive friction.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • If it is too much, there might be chances of leakages at joints or pressure increases that may cause the premature failure of the bearing.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • The chemical composition of the lubricant should be specific to the requirement of the machine. Some of the common lubrication mediums for machine tools include greases, spindle oil, and hydraulic oils.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Incorrect lubricant may result in inefficiencies and cause degradation of the machine tool due to overheating.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Some advanced machining tools come with an automatic alarm system that can be triggered as soon as the lubricant level in the main tank drops beyond a specified threshold.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2) Calibration<\/span><\/h3>\n

    When the machine tool is first installed, it comes with a set of manufacturing tolerances within which it should function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    However, the use of machines over time often results in a steady displacement from manufacturing specifications. Reasons include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Inevitable wear and tear and increase in the vibration due to regular operation<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Mistakes or misuse by machine tools operators\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Transporting the machine from one place to another\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Prolonged operation in an extreme temperature or humid environment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      To enable high-precision machining of an object, the machine tools should be regularly calibrated. It is the only way to ensure they operate at the intended specification and within set tolerances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      The first machine tools were fairly easy to calibrate. They required simple adjustments of the displacement error in the x, y, and z planes.\u00a0<\/span>However, as technology got complex and precision requirements got as stringent as the width of a hair, machine tool calibration<\/a> became a very intricate process.<\/span><\/p>\n