Milling machines are some of the sturdiest machines out there. The main function of these machine tools is to remove material from a work piece, often for functionality purposes. In fact, pavement milling machines have the ability to remove over one foot of asphalt while still continuing on to perform other tasks.

In order to keep these hard-working machines in tip-top shape, there are a few things that can be done. Some of these maintenance tasks can be performed by machine shop staff, while other tasks can be performed by you, the machine owner. Below, we’ll look at just a few things you need to keep in mind to properly maintain milling machines.

Lubrication

One way to keep tools for machine services in good condition is by making sure that they are adequately lubricated. In order for machines to work properly, they must have the proper lubrication that allows all parts to move smoothly. But before you start lubricating your milling machine every five minutes, make sure you’re 100% aware of how often you should be lubricating and how much lubricant you need to be using. Precision is key when maintaining machine tools!

Cleaning

Another requirement for keeping a piece of machinery usable is making sure that is properly cleaned after use. Many machine parts are often exposed to dirt and other contamination, so it’s crucial to keep your machine clean to prevent any problems. If you’re having any issues with operating your milling machine, dirt could be the culprit! If you’re unsure where to look or you think your machine could use a professional cleaning, take your machine to a machine shop. There, machine shop employees will be able to provide a thorough cleaning and help prevent any problems from occurring in the future. In addition, they can provide machine tool repair services if you find that some part of your machine needs repair or replacement. Rebuilding tools certainly isn’t an expense you should be paying often, so it’s a good idea to try and fix a small issue before it takes a toll on your machines.

Daily Inspections

By keeping up with daily inspections, you can prevent a problem from happening right from the get-go. This is especially important if you’re using your milling machine on a daily basis. If something is amiss and you start using your machine without thoroughly inspecting it first, you may be in for a world of trouble. If something looks fine one day and operates wrong the next, an inspection can catch the issue before it’s too late.

If you find any problem with your tool but are unsure of how to fix it, reach out to your machine shop immediately for the fix or other tips. But until then, make sure you’re practicing good maintenance with all of your machine tools.