Six Tips for Optimizing the Performance of Your Grinding Machine

Do you want to grind outstanding parts? Then you need a high-quality machine. However, optimal machine performance and long service life are in the hands of the people who operate the machine. These six simple tips give you practical support to keep your machine in good shape for longer. 

Your new machine has just arrived? Then make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions, i.e. the machine manual, before unpacking the machine. If you don't, you could miss important information such as: 

• How to remove shipping brackets
• Important information about the power supply and other requirements and specifications
• How to connect the pneumatics and cooling system correctly
• How to connect the fire extinguishing system and put it into operation

It might seem tedious, but you should take the time to read the machine manual. You will gain a better understanding of how your machine works, be able to adjust parts correctly, set up the steady rest or tailstock yourself, and much more.

At first, you might think it is counterproductive to shut down a functioning machine for preventive maintenance. But regularly scheduled and performed preventive maintenance prevents a huge amount of downtime, which can cause major disruption. What’s more, a perfectly functioning machine is always more pleasant to operate and makes a better impression on customers.

Here’s how to take advantage of all the benefits of preventive maintenance: 

• Ask Customer Service for annual maintenance contracts.
• Ask Customer Service to perform a machine assessment.
• Maintain a regular servicing interval. 

Take 10 minutes a day for general maintenance. It doesn't require much effort, but will have a big impact: It will allow you to keep an eye on the condition of your machine and identify problems early.

You can carry out these daily tasks: 

• Check air pressure and water tank.
• Check hydraulic oil level.
• Check coolant level and condition.
• Take a look at safety equipment such as door locks and emergency stops.
• Check the guideway covers for cracks or holes.
• Clean the grinding spindle and tool holding fixture. 
• Clean the machine at the end of each working day.
   

The coolant has a major influence on the grinding results. Keep in mind that some coolants are aggressive and can cause damage and that maintaining coolant and ambient temperatures can prevent deviations.

When inspecting your coolant, make sure that:

• The nozzles are directed at the grinding contact area
• You use recommended high flash point coolants
• You check the concentration level
• You remove swarf from the settling tank to prevent problems with the surface finish
• You look for bacterial buildup. 

Accessories such as the mist collector can have a major impact on the condition of your machine and cause damage if not serviced properly.

That's why you should check accessories such as:

• Mist collector, coolant tank, and coolant cooler for correct operating temperature control.
• Collet chucks, hydraulic chucks, and other workholding equipment for stability and wear.
• Grinding wheels for runout, mounting, and sharpness.
• Use of fire extinguishers to comply with local regulations.

Operators have an enormous influence on the service life of machines. An untrained operator may accidentally not use the machine correctly or overlook signs of poor condition. While knowledge is always passed from operator to operator, operator training can significantly extend the service life of your machine and improve the results for the customer. 

You can arrange training sessions with your machine's customer care representatives. You should also adopt these best practices: 

• Learn how to correctly measure a machine.
• Schedule time regularly to re-measure and re-qualify machines.
• Use the correct tools, wheels, and maintenance tools.
• Avoid software crashes by paying attention; do not just press AUTO and walk away from the machine. 
• Take time at the end of your shift to clean the machine and prepare it for the next shift. 

These six tips are simple and perhaps obvious. However, in the hectic of a working day, it can be easy to put off simple things until tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Take the time to perform daily maintenance and regular checks – your machine will thank you for it. 

Want to know more about preventive maintenance? We would be happy to advise you. Contact our Customer Care team.