CNC machines offer high precision, but they pose risks if not handled correctly. It happens that a minor oversight can lead to an accident during the cutting process, and its consequences will be significant. How to avoid this? How to safely use CNC machines? We write about this below!
Versatility of CNC
CNC vertical machining centers are considered some of the most versatile machines used by leading manufacturing companies. These machines have vertically oriented cylindrical mills on the spindle axis. CNC allows some vertical machining centers to use up to five axes to achieve desired shapes, holes, slots, and complex details in 3D components. CNC machines can provide high precision and high-quality performance in mass production, making them perfectly suitable for the automotive, aviation, textile, tool, mold manufacturing, military components, and other industrial sectors.
What are the risks associated with using a CNC machine?
While operating CNC machines, the worker must be aware of the dangers that improper handling of this equipment can bring. Some typical gaps associated with unattended use of vertical machining centers include:
- Fragments - if the machine is not shielded, the mechanic is at serious risk of being hit by loose tools or a load that may crack during operation. Flying debris or parts can also damage nearby machines and pose a threat to life.
- Appropriate clothing — CNC components move at high speeds during operation and can cause fatal injuries to mechanics or bystanders. If loose clothing comes into contact with moving parts of the machine, it can immediately get caught and pull in the worker. Such an event can even lead to death!
- Poorly conducted maintenance — although maintenance is safe and does not cause damage, it can be fatal if the machine is not completely turned off before performing maintenance. If the machine is still running, it can injure the technician by grabbing his clothes.
What to avoid when using a CNC machine?
To ensure the safety and well-being of employees, as well as the smooth operation of the CNC machine, we present behaviors that should certainly be avoided to guarantee the safe use of the CNC machine:
- Skipping CNC equipment maintenance – A tool failure can lead to minor errors, which may not cause a major machine breakdown, but can cause serious damage if not repaired quickly and efficiently. Most CNC machine errors and operational problems result from improper maintenance and careless use. Therefore, you need to ensure that your machines are maintained on time, and equipment replacement is prepared regularly to minimize downtime.
How to ensure safety while using the machine?
So far, you have learned about various threats posed by CNC machines. To help avoid fatalities and ensure smooth operation of the machine, we present several safety tips to follow to minimize the risk of injury.
- Ensure proper maintenance and hygiene.
- Before using the CNC machine, remove any dirt or oil from its moving parts that could cause a breakdown.
- Also visually check all screws and bolts for moving parts and covers.
- Thoroughly check the tool settings.
- Check for any cracks or damage.
- Perform a tool test before installing the machine.
- Check if the tool data is program-dependent.
- During maintenance, the machine should be completely turned off according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- If you have any doubts, consult with a trained mechanic.
Safe use of CNC machine, personal protective equipment and training
Wear personal protective equipment during work. Production using CNC machines must also consider user protection throughout the machining process. Although your device has an extra layer of protection in case of failure, you can never completely avoid a catastrophic breakdown. Therefore, it is advisable to take additional steps to wear PPE including:
- work shoes,
- ear protection headphones,
- protective glasses.
Gloves may seem like a good idea, but they pose one of the greatest dangers of getting caught in moving parts of vertical machines. Clothing threads coming out of the gloves often get into the machine, placing the operator dangerously close to the striking element.
Operating a machine is not a simple task, hence intensive training is required to avoid injuries and ensure seamless operation without downtime. CNC machine operators need to understand their operation and potential hazards. The training should include a list of hazards associated with the machine and ways to prevent them. Do not buy cheap clothing and products for CNC. Some CNC tooling and components are expensive, and operators believe they should choose cheaper alternatives to not exceed their budget. However, almost all CNC operator training warns against this behavior. When a hardened steel tool collides with other equipment, the cheap tool releases an energy impulse that causes the part to pierce the reinforced casing. This condition can cause damage to equipment located nearby.
Safe use of the machine, guards and maintenance
Protective shields should be handled by a trained operator. Most accidents occur when unqualified operators try to reach into vertically set machines to remove jams. It is recommended to leave this job to an employee with additional training in adding or removing these shields. Protective shields help prevent sparking, debris, and loose screws during machine operation. They also prevent operators from getting trapped in moving machines.
- Processes such as CNC and automatic material feeding minimize human interaction, so they do not have to deal with the most dangerous parts of the machine. In addition to safety benefits, automation can significantly increase efficiency, lower labor costs, and minimize downtime, thereby increasing profits.
- Machines must be operated only by a qualified operator. Excessive automation often tempts employers to hire less skilled, untrained labor to perform tedious tasks as needed. This situation can threaten the safety of the operator and the better operation of the machine. Automatic or programmed movements can be a source of danger for CNC machine operators.
- Remember that it is recommended to ensure proper and timely maintenance, wearing PPE equipment, training operators, and automating real processes to minimize human intervention. If you do not understand the operation of the machine, consult with a trained technician for supervision.
Summary
CNC machines are a great solution that can significantly improve the quality and speed of production thanks to automation. However, make sure that using this equipment is safe for your operators. Take care of maintenance, proper training of employees, provide appropriate workwear, equipment covers, and your company will certainly be successful.