If you are in the manufacturing business then its operation must depend on either one of the CNC machines, performing several functions at-the-same-time. Some might think that CNC machines do not translate to profits.
But, that is where you went wrong.
You might not receive the right machine services due to missed maintenance. With so many mechanical moving parts and high technology pieces in action, machine breakdowns are inevitable.
It is necessary to ensure that your CNC machines get the job done when you need them. A short and consistent checklist along with a long-term preventative plan help reduce the risk of costly stoppages and declining ROI.
As per industry sources., most businesses reduce their maintenance costs by 12-18% with preventive maintenance systems. Machine reconditioning and retrofitting stands to reason: deals with maintenance emergencies and breakdowns comes at a low-price tag and saves production costs, overnight shipment, and several technician visits.
The 4-step CNC machinery maintenance checklist
To successfully perform machinery maintenance on CNC equipment., the following steps will do the deed.
1. Custom schedule maintenance tasks
Each facility acts different when it comes to preventive maintenance requirements. So, schedule your maintenance around the OEM guidelines but also around the facility’s usage. If there are any critical pieces of equipment that run round-the-clock, be sure to schedule preventive and equipment maintenance at another time. On the contrary, machines seldom used might require occasional inspection.
You may also need to consider the labour available as well. If you employ a third-party maintenance company, you need to consider their presence as well. However, if you have an internal team, recognize their skills and other priorities.
2. Provide channels for reporting issues
The scheduled preventive maintenance and automated sensors and detectors do flag several problems. So, always ask technicians who are on the front lines of equipment usage. Employ an easy-to-use system for issue reporting and tracking daily tasks. In case the equipment is louder than regular, running sluggishly, or something seems amiss, these technicians will report you as soon as possible. It prevents any future preventive maintenance planning.
3. Keep spare parts handy
Indeed, you don’t want several unused parts sitting around; you’ll still require the main components of your CNC machine handy in case of an abnormal breakdown. Always keep hard-to-find parts needed for regular replacement with you.
4. Maintain records
A preventive maintenance system is as good as the information stored in it. Make sure to keep records of all inspections, servicing, replacements, and other information. Such records prove to be critical in evaluating maintenance costs, deciding when you need to replace the machine, and during audits. Such records help make smarter business decisions faster.
The top benefits of preventative maintenance for CNC machinery
Manufacturers incur massive capital investment and opportunity cost in case of machinery breakdown. That is why you must invest in preventive maintenance to ensure that your CNC machines run smoothly and at maximum efficiency. The concept entails servicing the CNC equipment to avail its several benefits like quick repairing and fewer breakdowns.
1. It reduces machine downtime
Fixing CNC machines during breakdowns can take longer than expected. For the duration for which the equipment is under repair, you cannot conduct any operations during that time. Since it will affect your production, there is a chance you might miss your deadlines.
However, through preventive maintenance, you can recondition your machine and avoid breakdown and repair cycles. In the long run, it reduces downtime and promotes efficient operations.
2. Reduce complete breakdown:
The advantage of using a CNC machine is that it offers you precision, quality, and the ability to deliver more in a lesser time. Since machine tools perform faster than human labour, they reduce the chances of a complete breakdown or the lack of skilled workers. Identifying potential problems lead to solving issues and concerns beforehand. It reduces machine failure cases significantly.
3. It promotes savings
Inefficient machines that operate below the optimum capacity consume more power, draining profits. Therefore, carrying out reconditioning and retrofitting process helps you address any challenges to ensure that it continues to run at its full capacity. Eventually, such prospects translate into increased savings and higher profit margins. It helps you enjoy steady revenue margins while keeping the production process upscaled.
Conclusion
Planning a CNC machine preventive maintenance is not just functional for your production capacity but keeps the entire process safe and sound. Preventive maintenance guards you against all such inconvenience and lowers insurance premiums as well. Moreover, since the machine is well-maintained, you don’t have to worry about its running and operational capabilities.
That said, the preventive maintenance plan (PMP) keeps the machine up and running and helps you make money as well. Routine check-ups will boost output efficiencies, increase machine uptime, and improve profit margins.