Unexpected CNC machine downtime can disrupt production, delay deliveries and increase repair costs. A structured CNC machine tool preventative maintenance program can help identify developing mechanical, electrical, lubrication, coolant, pneumatic and hydraulic issues before they become larger problems.
Hillary Machinery provides preventative maintenance for vertical machining centers and horizontal machining centers, including standard 3-axis production machines and more complex multi-axis configurations from supported machine-tool brands.
6-System, Up-to-50-Point CNC Machine Inspection
Our standard preventative maintenance program evaluates six major machine systems and includes up to 50 inspection points designed to help identify wear, maintenance issues and developing machine problems.
- 20 Mechanical System Checks
- 10 Electrical System Checks
- 5 Way-Lubrication System Checks
- 5 Coolant System Checks
- 5 Pneumatic System Checks
- 5 Hydraulic System Checks
Applicable CNC lathes and turning centers may also receive additional lathe-specific preventative maintenance checks based on the machine configuration.
CNC Preventative Maintenance Benefits
- Help reduce unexpected machine downtime
- Identify developing mechanical or electrical issues
- Help maintain machine accuracy and repeatability
- Reduce scrap related to wear, alignment or machine-condition changes
- Improve machine reliability and production consistency
- Extend the useful service life of CNC equipment
- Provide documented machine-condition information for future maintenance planning
Preventative Maintenance for CNC Lathes & Machining Centers
The standard preventative maintenance program is well suited for many 2-axis and 3-axis CNC lathes, turning centers and machining centers. Most standard inspections can typically be completed within one working day, depending on the machine condition, configuration and accessibility.
For single-shift operations, an annual preventative maintenance inspection may be appropriate. Machines operating multiple shifts, running demanding applications or accumulating higher operating hours may benefit from bi-annual or customized maintenance intervals.
Custom Preventative Maintenance Plans
Larger, more complex or specialized machine tools may require a customized inspection plan. Hillary Machinery can develop machine-specific preventative maintenance programs for equipment including:
- Horizontal boring mills
- Horizontal machining centers
- 5-axis machining centers
- Bridge and gantry mills
- Multi-axis and B-axis turning centers
- Multi-spindle and multi-turret turning centers
- Vertical turning lathes and vertical turning centers
- Other specialized CNC machine tools
Optional Machine Condition & Accuracy Services
Additional diagnostic and machine-condition services can be incorporated into a preventative maintenance program when appropriate.
Ballbar Analysis
Ballbar testing evaluates machine circularity and can help identify positioning, servo, backlash and geometric-performance issues that may affect machining accuracy.
Vibration Analysis
Vibration analysis measures machine vibration characteristics and can provide useful baseline information for evaluating changes in spindle, drive-system and rotating-component condition over time.
Machine Calibration & Accuracy Evaluation
For applications requiring additional machine-accuracy evaluation, contact Hillary Machinery to discuss available calibration, alignment and diagnostic services appropriate for the machine and application.
What Happens After the Inspection?
If the inspection identifies maintenance or repair items requiring additional parts or labor, Hillary Machinery will communicate the findings and recommended corrective actions. Additional repairs, parts and labor are performed only with customer authorization.
Customers should provide any machine-specific lubricants or consumables required for scheduled maintenance unless other arrangements are made in advance.
Preventative Maintenance vs. CNC Machine Repair
Preventative maintenance is intended to identify developing issues and help maintain machine condition before an unexpected failure occurs. When a CNC machine is already experiencing alarms, mechanical problems, electrical faults or production issues, our CNC machine repair and technical service team can provide troubleshooting and field service.
Schedule CNC Preventative Maintenance
When requesting preventative maintenance, provide the machine manufacturer, model, serial number, CNC control, machine location and approximate operating schedule. This helps our service team determine the appropriate inspection program, estimated time requirement and technician assignment.
Ready to Schedule Preventative Maintenance?