![]() ![]() That’s when having a remote monitoring system is invaluable. Although using reliable equipment and following a planned preventive maintenance program will minimize problems, there is always the possibility of machine failure, cutting tool breakage, power outages and other unexpected issues. ![]() Whether using an in-house plan or contracting with a reliable service provider, a preventive maintenance program is critical for lights-out operations. When a machine breaks down in the middle of a lights-out shift, work grinds to a halt and precious run time is lost until someone is available to correct the problem. If a machine goes down at any time, it’s a problem, but if machine operators are present, they can shift production schedules or use other machines until help arrives. Although such a program is invaluable regardless of whether or not lights-out manufacturing is performed, it’s extremely critical for overnight operation. ![]() If loading barstock, is the feeder capable of holding an adequate amount of material in its magazine or holding tray to supply the run? Does it have the ability to continuously feed and support barstock in synch with the machine tool to eliminate crashes? If running a family of parts, can it communicate with the machine tool program schedule and automatically adjust itself to a new part? Is it sturdy enough for continuous operation? Once the cycle is completed, can the part simply be pushed out of the machine tool into a bin? Is a vacuum unloader required to help protect part finish? Is a robotic arm or other device called for to unload the machine tool? The two most common loading methods are bar feeders for loading barstock, and robots for just about everything else. Can the chip conveyor adequately handle the quantity and types of chips produced throughout the production run, or will the chips begin to back up and create problems? Can the conveyor efficiently filter coolant to prevent fines from contaminating the cutting fluid and potentially clogging coolant delivery nozzles or causing a pump breakdown? If high-pressure coolant delivery is required, can the delivery system be programmed to vary the pressure throughout the machining cycle as necessary? ![]()
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