Top 5 Tips to Prevent Breakage as a CNC Operator
In order to achieve the best results while using a CNC machine, you need to be aware of the ways in which tool breakage can occur. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 5 ways to prevent breakage while using a CNC machine. By following these tips, you can ensure that your tools run as long as possible and your machine runs smoothly!
Here are some steps you can take to ensure less unnecessary downtime and lost revenue due to broken tools and motors:
1. CNC Machine Maintenance
If you follow every tip in this article but ignore CNC machine maintenance then eventually you will experience breakage and poor performance. Proper spindle maintenance of a CNC machine is essential to preventing tool breakage and for achieving maximum tool life. Refer to your CNC machine documentation for the proper maintenance schedule. You may need special tooling from the machine manufacturer to properly perform spindle maintenance or you may need to schedule a technician from the factory to perform the maintenance.
2. Toolholder and Collet Maintenance
Toolholders and collets are designed to be consumable and regularly replaced in relationship to the CNC machine spindle which is hopefully a long-term part of your machine that is only replaced or rebuilt every few years under heavy use. Collets are the piece of the toolholder mechanism that should be replaced the most often.
Everytime you change a tool you should examine the shank for collet wear. If collet wear is observed you should retire the current collet to the scrap bin and replace it with a new collet. It is a good practice to always have new collets on hand and organized for easy retrieval.
A common rule of thumb is that a collet that is used 8 hours per day should be changed every 3 months. If you change a collet and continue to have slippage or tool breakage issues, you should replace the toolholder. In addition, you should be using a high-quality torque wrench when tightening tools in collet chucks so ensure you are not under or over-tightening tools in toolholders.
Each time you change a tool, ensure that the toolholder, collet, and collet nut are clean and ready for service. Examine each component for wear or cracks that indicate they should be replaced.
3. Feeds, Speeds, and Materials that Can Affect Your Router Bits.
Calculating a proper chip load for the design of your cutting tool and the material you are machining is essential. If the depth of cut, spindle speed, and feed rate is not correct you are bound to break a bit eventually. Changing materials like species of hardwoods or moving from hardwood to composites will very often require an adjustment in the depth of cut, feeds, and speeds. In addition, make sure that materials are properly secured before starting the CNC machine (as loose materials can become dangerously entangled in the machinery). Properly handling your materials is critical to getting the best results.
Be sure to refer to a chart of sample feed rates and spindle speeds when starting a new project. Most of the time these charts indicate a safe starting place. However, to achieve the best result, you will need to make adjustments based on the cut quality and spindle pressure you observe. Never exceed the tool manufacturer’s max RPM rating for a tool. Never run unbalanced cutterheads or routers in a CNC machine.
4. Keep CNC Tools Sharp and Maintained Regularly.
Dull tools can lead to breakage and CNC machines are precision tools that require regular maintenance to function properly. One of the most important aspects of routine maintenance is keeping your router bits sharp and in good condition. Dull tools will increase spindle pressure during machining and cause more stress on the tool, collet, toolholder, and spindle.
By contrast, sharp tools allow the machine to work more efficiently and improve the quality of the finished product. For these reasons, it is essential to keep CNC tools sharp and in good condition which will result in a higher quality cut/finish. In any industry, it is important to use high-quality tools that are designed for the specific task at hand. If the CNC machine is fitted with dull tools, the risk of CNC tool breakage increases exponentially. This can disrupt production schedules and cause significant delays. By taking these precautions, businesses can avoid the costly and time-consuming consequences of CNC tool breakage.
5. Rushing Doesn’t Save on Time …or On Costs.
When operating the CNC machine, take your time and focus on the task at hand. Rushing can lead to mistakes and accidents, which can be costly and dangerous. In order to get the most out of the machine, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and take care when making adjustments. By taking your time, you can help to ensure that the job is done right and that the machine is used safely. Exercise caution and follow all safety guidelines. Finally, always make sure that the work area is well-lit so you can see what you’re doing to avoid mishaps.
6. Dust Collection
The dust that gets stuck in your CNC machine can cause a lot of damage. The dust will build up on the components and eventually put your router bit off balance and cause premature breakage, and can lead to premature wear and tear on the machine.
Heavy buildup on router bits from MDF for example can effectively dull the cutting edge and prevent good chip ejection from the cut. This will increase the heat generated during cutting and machining and as a tool increases in temperature the wear resistance properties of the cutting edge material will break down. Keeping tools clean and cool will allow for longer runtimes and better cut quality. Good dust collection is an essential part of this strategy.
Taking the time to review these tips can help prevent accidents and costly mistakes when operating a CNC machine. By taking care when loading and unloading materials, keeping the machine and tools well-maintained and properly preparing your stock, you can ensure that your CNC projects run smoothly and safely.