Heavy industrial equipment used for wood or metalworking requires proper care and attention if you want to get the most mileage out of it. There’s a lot of wear and a lot of tear going on, so you best be ready to do your darndest in order to keep your machine happy and healthy through regular preventative maintenance. Curious to see our top 5 tips for milling machine care? Read on!
Why Do Milling Machines Require Special Attention?
Milling machines are designed with durability in mind – it’s what you need when cutting such dense materials like wood or steel down into precise shapes and bits. While most can withstand a lot of punishment and continue uninterrupted operation, depending on the manufacturer and make, a lot can go wrong quickly without proper maintenance.
These are complex machines with many moving – and dangerous – parts. Over time, general wear-and-tear may cause these parts to break down, at which point using the machine may become a safety hazard, on top of inadequate or unsatisfactory quality. Regular and thorough inspections can prolong your milling machine’s lifespan and ensure nobody gets hurt by accident.
Best Maintenance Tips for Milling Machines
Without further ado, these are the best maintenance tips for milling machines you can implement into your routine right away:
Clean It Regularly
After each use, make sure there is no spare debris around the machine, particularly around the ways or cutters. Wipe it down with a clean cloth after operation as well. Only do this when the machine is not currently turned on.
Replace Using Quality Spare Parts
When something breaks down, replace it as soon as you can. However, the quality of the milling machine parts you use as replacements matters tremendously here. Poorly made parts will just make the machine break down sooner rather than later, so do your research to find out who the most reputable resellers are.
Operate the Machine According to Manufacturer Specifications
This maintenance tip should be obvious, yet many believe they know better than the producers. Acting against what the manufacturer specifies in the instruction manual could damage the machine or lead to its premature breakdown. It’s always better to be on the safe side to prevent damage.
Perform Regular Servicing
Lubricating the machine, checking secure electrical connection, and a thorough visual inspection every now and then ensures it remains in good working condition. If you detect any unusual noises or vibrations, investigate them promptly. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of proper alignment and adjusting the spindle can do the trick, but it could also signal a more severe issue.
Monitor Coolant Levels
Keeping the machine’s coolant levels at appropriate, manufacturer-ordained levels ensure proper function of the milling machine. Ignoring this could potentially lead to overheating and damage, risking the safety of both the machine and its operator.
The Takeaway
Implementing these milling machine maintenance tips doesn’t take much, but the potential benefits should speak for themselves. Proper care of your milling machine will serve you a long time without issue!
