30 Aug 4 Critical Reasons Why CNC Router Maintenance Is So Important
4 Critical Reasons Why CNC Router Maintenance Is So Important
Written by: Nate Hall, Director Of Sales at MachMotion
Recently at the International Woodworking Fair, I attended a workshop on CNC router maintenance. The speaker did a fantastic job of not being too “salesy” during his presentation, giving keen insights into what he has seen in customer shops. CNC Router Maintenance seems so basic and obvious, I almost passed the class over for other, more catchy subjects. I imagine a lot of people in the industry did as well.
Most of it was expected information. As you can imagine, he covered all the basics: “Clean, dry air is key. Clean your filters. Don’t let the lube run dry.” But he also shared 4 insightful tips that packed a bit more of a punch for me, 1 of which I immediately started using in my own shop. And his opener really opened my eyes to those sneaky problems that hide under the surface. But I saved it for last.
The 4 Critical Reasons Why CNC Router Maintenance Is So Important:
1. Knowing How Much Your Downtime Costs
2. “Tribal Knowledge” Is Easy To Lose
3. The Small Details Matter
4. Negligence Is Our Own Fault
Knowing How Much Your Downtime Costs
If you don’t know what a day of downtime costs, START SOMEWHERE! The first step in CNC router maintenance is understanding what your downtime is costing you. Everyone should know what 1 day of downtime costs. The average 4-machine shop is $10k per day. If you don’t know start somewhere, even if it’s $1,000 per day. This is a great exercise because it is a mental reframing that propels you towards proactivity.
``Tribal Knowledge`` Is Easy To Lose
Most shops don’t consider the lost “tribal knowledge” when an operator leaves. The best preventative CNC router maintenance training comes from the OEM or dealer at the initial installation. What happens when the person who was trained by the OEM leaves the company? You can retain these processes simply by having the original trainee write them down in a simple SOP you post on the machine. This one step can help you retain crucial maintenance information and add to your machine’s life.
The Small Details Matter
Tool holders should be cleaned every day! I imagine a great deal of you have HSK tool holders that hold chips and grime. Do you clean them every day as part of your preventative CNC router maintenance routine? I didn’t, but I do now. This buildup leads to rust. Rust is never good and not normal, even though we treat it like it is.
Negligence Is Our Own Fault
“NOTHING happens all of a sudden.” Wow. That’s a show-stopper. This is the quote that floored me. We can fool ourselves into thinking that we are victims of some cosmic string of bad luck. But in reality, the signs are there. The negligence is on us. And when it comes to CNC router maintenance (and life in general) discipline and proactivity are king.
In conclusion, CNC router maintenance is not just about keeping your machines clean and operational; it’s about preserving the productivity and efficiency of your entire shop. The educational workshop at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF 2024) served as a powerful reminder that proactive CNC router maintenance is crucial, not just for avoiding downtime but also for ensuring that valuable knowledge isn’t lost when experienced operators leave.
By implementing the tips shared—like maintaining clean tool holders and documenting maintenance processes—you can significantly help extend the life of your CNC routers and avoid costly setbacks. Remember, nothing happens all of a sudden; taking small, consistent steps in your CNC router maintenance routine can make all the difference in the longevity and performance of your machines. If you are interested in doubling the life of your router, reach out to us by filling out the form below.