Maintenance tips for prolonging the life of CNC pipe bendin

Almost all manufacturers involved in pipe bending operations need to provide a substantial amount of investment to get their hands over the latest and advanced machinery and tooling. And when it comes to something as delicate and vulnerable as the CNC pipe bender, the money to be invested in buying one machine is quite high when compared to other bending machines. Owing to this, it is the responsibility of the manufacturing company to ensure appropriate maintenance steps are implemented from day zero so that the machinery can last for years to come and generate the same efficiency and productivity as one would expect from a new machine. 

However, it is much easier said than done! If you take a look at the real-time scenario, most manufacturing facilities lack the tools and methodologies to maintain the CNC pipe bending machine at its optimal condition. As a result, it suffers from tool damage, reduced operational efficiency, and several other problems. Getting these fixed further incur huge costs on the manufacturer, and often leads to immediate repair and replacement needs. Hence, it would be best if you also had a proper and detailed guide on maintenance of such an advanced and complicated machinery that could prolong its lifetime. 

What factors affect the lifespan and efficiency of a CNC pipe bender?

Before you plan and implement the maintenance procedures for the CNC pipe bending machine, knowing about the variables affecting its lifespan is crucial. This way, you not only can avoid unnecessary repair and replacement requirements but also ensure your methodologies could yield excellent results in the long run. Considering this, we have explained a few factors that will impact the longevity and operational efficiency of the CNC pipe bender. 

Load bearing capacity

Every CNC pipe bending machine comes with a predetermined load bearing capacity. The measurement determines the maximum load of the workpiece that can be handled by the entire tooling structure without suffering from prominent wear and tear, or worse structural damage. Hence, if in real-time operations, the load imposed on the tool is greater than the maximum limit, it can lead to significant increase in the wear and tear of the tooling components.  

Material

Another major factor affecting the lifetime and efficiency of the pipe bending tooling is the material used in manufacturing and processing. For instance, if the steel grade of the punch dies or the grip jaws aren’t up to the industry standards, the components will suffer from increased wear and tear. In extreme cases, they might be rendered deformed owing to excessive pressure and mechanical stress. Hence, you need to consider the materials used in making each component of the CNC pipe bender to assess the maintenance requirements and handling techniques. 

Processing quality

All the components used in the pipe bender are processed with extra caution and follow the top-notch industry practices. However, if there exists any processing or treatment error in the components, you cannot expect the tooling set to hold out for years and have the same efficiency and productivity level. For instance, if the surface finish of the bending dyes isn’t optimal, they may form scratches and wrinkles due to frictional force. 

Working conditions

One of the most crucial factors affecting the longevity and operational efficiency of a CNC pipe bender is the working condition. For instance, if the operator doesn’t handle the machine with utmost care or there exists a knowledge gap in user training, the tooling is likely to suffer from mechanical damage, or worst complete failure within a few months. Similarly, if the friction heat generated during the pipe bending operations isn’t removed immediately, it might harm the tooling, causing surface damage and structural deformities. 

How should the CNC pipe bending machine be maintained for prolonged lifespan?

1. Corrosion and rust prevention: You have to be extra careful while operating the CNC pipe bending machine so that it doesn’t suffer from corrosion and rusting. These two cases result in complete machine operation failure if not treated at the right time. 
2. Lubrication maintenance: When you use lubricants, the deposition needs to be removed periodically. If the oil residue is left without any further treatment, it will not only cause surface wear and tear but also reduce the mechanical strength of the tooling components. 
3. Filter maintenance: Since every CNC pipe bender uses a set of air filters, it is crucial to inspect them every now and then and propose for required replacement. If the filters are blocked, the machine won’t be able to operate in the best way and it will ultimately degrade the production quality. 
4. Periodic inspection: Also, it is important to inspect the tooling conditions on a periodic basis to detect any error or structural deformity. If the extent of wear and tear is high enough, you can request for a repair or replacement of the concerned components. 

Conclusion 

Now that we have discussed the major factors affecting the lifespan of a CNC pipe bending machine, your responsibility will be to revise the maintenance methodologies and practices. Since you will be investing a handsome amount of money in buying the machine, there’s no point in overlooking the maintenance just to save money. In fact, improper maintenance and handling of CNC machines incur more costs than comprehended.