XYZ Bed Mill Safety, Installation, Maintenance, Service & Parts List Manual
4.0 Diagnostics
This section explains the diagnostic procedures used to isolate machine problems.
DANGER!
Some of these procedures involve accessing potentially hazardous mechanical or electrical
systems. These checks must only be carried out by competent personnel.
4.1 The Machine Tool & Set-Up
4.1.1 The Milling Machine Checklist
The following is a quick reference for the types of problems that may arise if problems are noticed in
these areas.
Most Suspect When (and why):
Parts incorrect
Circles out of round
Older machines, machines that are
pushed hard
Premature wear of ball screws,
wear surfaces
New installations (may not be
hooked up or line sheared)
Inadequate lubrication habits
Premature wear of ball screws,
wear surfaces
New installations (more motion than
the machinist is used to with a
manual mill).
Lubricate machine every morning
before use.
See Gib Adjustment - Section
5.2.1
Taper on straight Y moves
Poor finish
Circle out of round
When machine hasn’t been serviced
in a long while.
Not getting to position, does
not repeat, axis faults
Not getting to position, does
not repeat, axis faults
Contact area of gibs. May need to
be scraped. Very old machines may
not have any more adjustments on
gib; new gib must be fitted.
Gibs defective - bowed,
scarred
Excess play when gib is
checked side to side
Way surfaces pocked, scarred,
or excessively worn
Out of round circles
Faulting
Parts incorrect dimensions
Head out of tram in Y direction
Vibration or jerky motion in Z axis
Weight not distributed evenly
on all six screws
See Levelling procedures
Machine geometry off, i.e.
tram.
New installation or heavy crash.
See Tramming Head - Section
5.2.3
Leaves uneven surfaces on
bottom of pockets.
Machine not level, ram gibs loose.