Preventive Maintenance — The Cheapest Insurance You'll Ever Buy

Frequency

CNC Machines

Robot Arms

Daily (5–10 min)

Power on and run no-load warm-up; check spindle/axis/lubrication status on controller; inspect way covers and telescopic shields; check/top up coolant; remove chips and wipe down panel; confirm air pressure (0.6–0.8 MPa).

Visual check; cable inspection.

Weekly (~30 min)

Top up way oil to MAX line and verify distribution to all axes; clean coolant tank surface and remove floating chips; inspect chip conveyor and cable carriers; verify E-stop buttons; lubricate manual points per spec sheet.

Joint torque check; gripper inspection.

Monthly (1–2 hrs)

Check spindle bearing temperature (≤60°C normal); replace way oil filter if pressure drop exceeds spec; clean coolant tank thoroughly and check pH (8–9); inspect ballscrew backlash; check spindle drawbar pressure; run accuracy test cuts; update controller backup files.

Cable wear check; calibration verification.

Quarterly (2–4 hrs)

Drain and replace way oil and coolant entirely; clean tank, pump, and lines; inspect spindle belt tension; check air filter on hydraulic pump; inspect axis motors and encoders; verify alarm logging system.

Reducer grease top-up; full motion test.

Annually (1 day, with engineer)

Comprehensive spindle bearing inspection (preload, runout); ballscrew preload check and replacement if needed; linear guide rail inspection and lubrication overhaul; full geometric accuracy verification (laser interferometer); controller firmware update; electrical cabinet inspection; replace worn-out items per inspection report.

Reducer grease change; controller backup; full calibration.

Item

CNC Lathe

CNC Milling

Robot Arm

Spindle belt

1 spare

1 spare

—

Way oil filter

2 spare

2 spare

—

Coolant filter

2 spare

2 spare

—

Tool holder seals

1 set

1 set

—

Reducer grease (per spec)

—

—

1 cartridge

Cable assembly (dress pack)

—

—

1 set after Year 3

Welding torch consumables

—

—

1 month supply