4 Things to Check on Your Okuma Machine Tool

In the day-to-day rush of keeping up with hectic production schedules, it can be easy to push maintenance tasks off to “tomorrow.” But there are some tasks that should not be ignored because they’re relatively easy to perform and make a huge difference in the overall accuracy and longevity of your machine tool. Here are 4 things you should fit into your annual maintenance routine that protect your machine tool investment and keep your parts pristine.

1. Level: A level machine tool is the building block upon which all other accuracies begin. It’s important to realize that your level can fluctuate over time due to foundation shifting. A nice set of calibrated precision levels is all you need to check your level (as shown above). If you don’t have these, your local Okuma distributor will be happy to help.
2. Alignments and Accuracies: Adjusting your Okuma’s accuracy and geometry to factory specs is vital to keeping your machine running as accurately as the day it was installed. If you need the precision testing equipment required to perform these checks, please reach out to your local distributor.
3. General Preventive Maintenance: Wipers should be inspected daily and replaced at yearly to biyearly intervals. Filters and fluids should be replaced and their tanks cleaned at the interval listed in your machine’s Operation and Maintenance Manual. Chip removal from places where they should not be could save ballscrews, linear guides, thrust bearings, and waycovers.
   
   Blog Post: Handy Checklist for Preventive Maintenance: 
   
   
4. Tool Holder Tapers: Please check your machining center tool holder tapers for cleanliness and to make sure there is no damage. A damaged tool taper can transfer damage into your machine spindle taper during machining.

Charlie Cagle is Field Service Manager, Okuma America Corporation.