A strong proponent of this philosophy, Noel Archie, product manager at AXYZ International’s parent company in Canada, has come out with some key advice for CNC Router owners.

He begins: “Every CNC router will come with its own recommended maintenance programme and whilst this may be conscientiously followed, companies can sometimes fall short on what is actually required to ensure trouble-free operation. This shortcoming can often be attributed to an innocent oversight caused by a rushed production schedule or a temporary shortage of manpower.

“For example, it can be the result of a failure to ensure adequate lubrication of machine parts or incorrect specification of the routing spindle, both of which will create problems and lead to a shorter than predicted machine life.”

Many advanced CNC routers include a maintenance log covering daily, weekly, and monthly inspections. Contingent upon the type and make of router, maintenance schedules tend to vary, but Archie recommends the following five guidelines that apply to all machines:

Cleanliness: Routers invariably operate in a dusty environment and it does not take long for bearings and controls to become polluted and this is a sure recipe for operating problems if not rectified on a daily basis.

Change filters: There is no standardised maintenance protocol but as a rule of thumb, filters should be checked weekly and replaced as considered necessary.

Lubrication: Bearings, pumps, router spindles, and knives need regular lubrication but the frequency with which this is carried out will be influenced by the type and make of machine, the extent of its use, and the work environment in which it operates.

Air supply cleaning: Most routers operate using air that has to be clean, dry, and maintained at a steady pressure exceeding 80psi or six barometric.

Safe and appropriate electrical power: Router failure is likely to occur in cases of poor electrical grounding, low voltage or insufficient capacity. As with all computer-operated machinery, power spikes will cause serious damage.

Archie concludes: “The best way to ensure optimal router performance is to rigidly follow the recommended maintenance guidelines. Failure to do so will result in premature wear and tear and owners left with an expensive but non-functioning piece of equipment, as well as a drain on their balance sheets. Proper maintenance devoid of short cuts is imperative because routers are invariably an essential component of many manufacturing companies.”

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