11.1 · Machine Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance
A CNC machine that's maintained well lasts 20+ years. One that's abused develops leaks, poor accuracy, and unexpected downtime. This is a general maintenance framework — always follow your machine's OEM manual for exact intervals and procedures.
Maintenance Schedule
| Interval | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Daily | Clean chips, check coolant level, check air pressure, wipe ways |
| Weekly | Clean coolant tank, check lubrication oil level, inspect chip conveyor |
| Monthly | Check way wiper condition, inspect tool changer, examine belts |
| Quarterly | Check spindle runout, inspect hydraulic oil, clean heat exchangers |
| Annually | Replace hydraulic oil, check ballscrew preload, level the machine, laser calibration check |
Never run a machine low on lube oil. The ways and ballscrews rely on automatic lubrication. A blocked lube line or empty reservoir will score the ways in days. Check the lube reservoir every morning.