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PieceMaker Online Help - Machine Maintenance

Machine Maintenance:
There is very little required in the way of routine maintenance.  Like every mechanical device the cleaner the moving parts are kept the longer they will last.  The components on this system were selected and manufactured for years of trouble-free service within their expected service duties.  Please keep in mind that oil and grease collect dirt, and in most cases, we have chosen materials that do better dry and dirty rather than caked with oxide-laden grease.

1.0 There are grease nipples on the bearings that carry the indexer shaft.  A single squirt every 12-months will be good.

2.0 The Z-Axis linear actuator has a couple of sliding surfaces.
2.1 Brush the running surfaces with a nylon brush to clean off dust and debris every week or every 40 hours of operation.
2.2 The screw runs in a polymer nut that runs dry intentionally to avoid collecting the abrasive dust and smoke from the environment and torch.  At the time of this writing the systems have been in the field for about five years and we have not seen wear nor had a failure.  Brush with a nylon brush and blow the screw clean with compressed air every week or 40 hours of operation.

3.0 The Rolling-Sliding Material Support on the 2100-series machines.
3.1 Most machines do not have them.
3.2 The rollers/bearings are sealed and sized to last a long time.
3.3 The Sliding Material Support lifts right off the beam.  On the underside it has plastic glides.  Use a wire brush to remove any embedded debris.  When the slides show significant wear replace them.

4.0 Auto Supports on the 2100-series machines.  Not all machines have them.
4.1 The steel pivot axel has small grease ports that can be charged with the included grease syringe commonly recognized as the tool used to grease the carrier gear on the front of a chainsaw bar.

5.0 The Rack and Pinion.
5.1 If your machine has a rack and pinion drive it should be cleaned every year or as necessary.  There is an auto-lubrication system inside the X-axis cover near the X-axis servo.  It is estimated to have a 2-year supply of lubricant in it.
5.2 The lubricant is sticky and cleaning the rack takes some effort.  We recommend a nylon brush and some mild solvent.
5.3 The lubricant applicator is a felt gear.  It should be applying lubricant to the rack not dirt.  If your felt applicator is black and caked with dirt it needs to be replaced.  There is a possibility that the lubricator pump has stopped working.  There is a 2-year life expectation on the battery and the lubrication reservoir.  If you suspect that it is time to service or replace this unit, please contact your service provider.

6.0 The Pneumatic Material Lifts on the 2400-series machines.
6.1 The guide rods are supported by self-lubricating bushings.  You can clean them but do not lubricate them.  Oil or grease will mix with the dirt and jamb them.
6.2 Many oils and solvents will cause them to swell and then they will jamb solid.
6.3 They will last a long time if they are mechanically cleaned or cleaned with water and a mild soap.
6.4 The bushings are precisely bored to match the very rigid fork that fits in them.  Replacing the bushings is not trivial and we recommend that they not be meddled with until something is significantly worn.
6.5 Brush the dirt buildup off of the top of the support rod bushings and the air-cylinder rod bushing every week or two.

7.0 Material Indexing Cams
7.1 The roller that lifts the arms rides in the groove in the side of these plates.  Blow these out regularly.  A small piece of debris will stop these in the middle of operation with surprising efficiency.
7.2 Do not lubricate these grooves.

8.0 All the pneumatic seals in the machine are made to operate without lubrication.  Please do not add oil anywhere.  There is not a factory oiler.

9.0 Quickly wipe the dust off the top and bottom of the 2100-series main beam before every use.  The top and bottom corners are rolling surfaces.

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