With easy maintenance features on the CNC, machine tools can allow customized programming of predetermined maintenance checks, tool replacements and shift changes.
Electrical blocks and easy-to-read ladder logic visuals aid the maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
Many times machine tools have gone down simply because someone forgot to change the coolant in the reservoir, clean the chip conveyor or clean a filter in the electrical cabinet. On today's CNC, however, it is possible to monitor nearly every performance feature on the machine, including all consumables, as well as plan the normal maintenance operations based on cycles or elapsed time. The CNC can give a warning whenever the time comes for a change. In addition, it can give a way to schedule breaks, shift changes and even errors in a more efficient and traceable manner.
During some breakdowns the machine appears to be in the normal mode, especially in the electrical cabinet. Now, with a visual on the ladder logic of all the electrical circuits, maintenance checks can speed up and, when trouble does occur, identifying the problems can be a much simpler task with the aid of onscreen prompts and clearly labeled diagrams for easier troubleshooting.
State-of-the-art CNCs today have no fans or external hard disk drive, so there is less maintenance on the CNC itself. This also conserves cabinet space and makes navigating wires easier. With plug-n-play features, the CNC offers ease in replacing or adding drives components, safety integrated hardware or plant communications devices. CNC capabilities for remote messaging, such as texting, cell phone calls or e-mail, plus onboard diagnostics for every aspect of the machine tool, can make a big difference in the bottom line performance.
Unscheduled maintenance and unplanned downtime represent the largest sources of profit loss for any machine shop. The goal in easy maintenance features is in making the machines do more and do it more often.
Authored by Randy Pearson, Sales Support Manager, Siemens
For more information contact:
John Meyer
Siemens Industry, Inc.
Drive Technologies - Motion Control
390 Kent Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
847-640-1595
siemensmtbumarcom.sea@siemens.com
www.usa.siemens.com/cnc