The Importance of Maintenance

Pegasus ATC

CNC Machine Maintenance

Maintenance of your CNC router is very important from all aspects including prolonging the life of the machine, accuracy, productivity, efficiency, cost saving and safety too.

Cleaning

Clean the bed regularly, ideally after each job and ensure the CNC router is clean from dust and grime. This will help with the prevention of errors in the placement of cuts and designs impacting the overall quality of the finished product.

Daily

Lubrication

Ensure lubricating stations are at the correct level. This will ensure moving parts are properly lubricated. This will help with accuracy and overheating of the components which could be a fire hazard. Airline oil can be used to top up the lubrication stations.

Daily

Collets

We recommend cleaning collets and nuts and check the tooling is not too worn. Tools should be replaced when worn. Any debris buildup can interfere with the secure grip of the tool. This could be a hazard to the operator and/or damage to the machine.

Daily

Loose Parts

Switch the machine off and check there are no loose parts at the end of the day.  If so, tighten any loose screws and bolts. Loose parts could cause damage to other components of the machine. Addressing loose parts can also prevent any downtime of the machine.

Daily

Cleaning

Clean the bed regularly, ideally after each job and ensure the CNC router is clean from dust and grime. This will help with the prevention of errors in the placement of cuts and designs impacting the overall quality of the finished product.

Daily

Lubrication

Ensure lubricating stations are at the correct level. This will ensure moving parts are properly lubricated. This will help with accuracy and overheating of the components which could be a fire hazard. Airline oil can be used to top up the lubrication stations.

Daily

Collets

We recommend cleaning collets and nuts and check the tooling is not too worn. Tools should be replaced when worn. Any debris buildup can interfere with the secure grip of the tool. This could be a hazard to the operator and/or damage to the machine.

Daily

Loose Parts

Switch the machine off and check there are no loose parts at the end of the day.  If so, tighten any loose screws and bolts. Loose parts could cause damage to other components of the machine. Addressing loose parts can also prevent any downtime of the machine.

Daily

Cleaning

Clean the bed regularly, ideally after each job and ensure the CNC router is clean from dust and grime. This will help with the prevention of errors in the placement of cuts and designs impacting the overall quality of the finished product.

Daily

Lubrication

Ensure lubricating stations are at the correct level. This will ensure moving parts are properly lubricated. This will help with accuracy and overheating of the components which could be a fire hazard. Airline oil can be used to top up the lubrication stations.

Daily

Collets

We recommend cleaning collets and nuts and check the tooling is not too worn. Tools should be replaced when worn. Any debris buildup can interfere with the secure grip of the tool. This could be a hazard to the operator and/or damage to the machine.

Daily

Loose Parts

Switch the machine off and check there are no loose parts at the end of the day.  If so, tighten any loose screws and bolts. Loose parts could cause damage to other components of the machine. Addressing loose parts can also prevent any downtime of the machine.

Daily

Bearings

Lubricate and clean the rails; this prevents the bearings from being compromised by dust particles. Cleaning the rails will increase the lifespan of the bearings.

Monthly

Vacuum

Vacuum pump filters should be checked and free from dust. Loss of suction may occur when dust and grime, especially from MDF clog up the vacuum pumps.

Monthly

Control Box

Clean the inside of the control box from time to time to ensure it remains dust-free. Always ensure the CNC router is switched off at the wall at all time.

Monthly

To summarise, a routine should be in place either daily or monthly for general housekeeping. Educate your machine operators to appreciate the importance of good housekeeping.

Also, we recommend daily checks for most housekeeping, primarily if the machine is in use for long periods. The housekeeping will not only reduce the potential for breakdowns and subsequent downtime but prolong the life of the machine.

It will also improve efficiency, maintain quality, safety and reduce costs in the long run.

Not carrying out the maintenance on the CNC router or laser machine can also affect the warranty.