Maintenance schedules tend to vary with UnionTech cnc machine, but there are five guidelines that apply to all of them:
Cleanliness. It does not take long for a machine to get quite dirty. Most of them operate in what can be considered a very dusty environment, which accentuates the need for cleanliness. Buildups of fluids or chips can easily get into the bearings and controls—a sure recipe for problems if not corrected every day. Manufacturers generally recommend hand-sweeping of the machine. UnionTech offers air gun which can also be used to keep substances away from the bearings. Another fairly standard recommendation: lower the air pressure during the cleaning process.
Change filters. If this sounds like an instruction found in an automobile manual, there is a reason for the similarity. Just as clogged filters jeopardize a car’s engine efficiency, the same applies to the machine’s control box and vacuum pumps. They, too, must be changed on a regular basis as do pneumatic filters that trap oil and water in the pneumatic lines. However, the frequency of filter changes depends on the type of materials being cut and other facility environmental factors such as dust and dirt, which is why there is no standardized schedule. It depends on the specific machine. As a rule of thumb, all filters should be checked weekly and changed as needed.
Lubricate. Here again, this is an action step so basic that no reminders should be necessary, but reminders emphasize the importance. The nice thing about routers is that despite all their parts, they do not require extensive lubrication, but as with all machinery, breakdowns are inevitable if the process is not maintained as required. Making it worse for the ownership, should failure to lubricate be determined as the cause of the malfunction, there is a possibility that the router’s warranty will be voided—the last thing any business in general or chief financial officer in particular needs to confront. Bearings, pumps and oscillating knives need regular lubrication, but again, the regularity is dependent upon the type of machine, the extent of its use and its environment. Expect the schedule to vary.
Air supply cleaning. Most routers operate with pneumatic air that has to be clean, dry and maintained at a steady air pressure more than 80 psi or 6 barometric. Damage to the machine is likely in a very short time frame due to incorrect specifications, so pressure should be checked regularly.
Safe and proper electrical power. Once again, the caveat for electrically powered machinery applies to the CNC router. The power must be sufficient and safely connected as required by local power regulations. Machine failure is likely to occur in cases of poor electrical grounding, low voltage or insufficient capacity. As is the case with every computer-operated mechanism, power spikes will cause serious damage.