Preventive Maintenance for CNC Routers

“A Clean Machine is a Happy Machine”

This article offers guidelines for maintaining a CNC router machine.  Well-built CNC routers can potentially operate for many years, but only if they are properly cared for. A disciplined approach to preventive maintenance can extend the useful life of any CNC router, reduce repair costs, and improve cut quality.  Most preventive maintenance tasks listed in this article can be performed by the end user, but there are times when it is important to call the CNC router dealer for help, and those are addressed later in this article.

Monthly Maintenance

The following maintenance tasks should be performed monthly:

1.      Check and change heat exchanger coolant filter

Once a month the heat exchanger coolant filter should be inspected and changed if needed.

2.      Lubricate racks

If the machine features any rack-and-pinion devices, the racks should be lubricated monthly. 

3.      Check for loose bolts on machine and tighten as needed

4.      Wipe rails with a scotch bright pad