CMM Machine Not Working Smoothly
In quality inspection work in factories, Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) are essential equipment used for precise measurement of workpieces.
However, in this case study, it was found that the CMM machine was not working smoothly, leading to unstable measurements, reduced measurement accuracy, and occasional machine shutdowns during operation.
These issues directly impacted the efficiency of quality inspection, causing wasted time due to re-measurements, increased workload, and potentially affecting the reliability of measurement results.
On-site issues encountered
The CMM machine exhibited abnormal symptoms during operation, such as:
- Machine movement not smooth
- Unstable measurements
- Reduced measurement accuracy
- Machine occasionally stops working
- Quality inspection takes longer
Based on these issues, further investigation was conducted, and it was found that the quality of compressed air might be a significant contributing factor.
Identified Cause: Dirty Compressed Air Affects Air Bearings
In CMM machines, the mechanisms that drive various components, such as the bridge and measuring table, often utilize air bearings to ensure smooth and precise movement of the machine.
Air bearings have very small air vents. If the compressed air used contains contaminants such as water, oil, oil mist, dust, or small particles, these impurities can accumulate in the air vents.
When the air vents become clogged or contaminated, it can cause the machine to vibrate, move erratically, or malfunction.
Why Oil Mist in Compressed Air is a Problem for Measuring Instruments
CMM machines are high-precision devices. If compressed air contains oil mist or other contaminants, it can affect the drive system and the performance of air bearings.
Even very small contaminants, when accumulated over time, can cause uneven machine movement, leading to unstable measurement readings and increasing the risk of machine shutdowns.
Therefore, controlling compressed air quality is crucial for factories that use CMM machines or other high-precision measuring instruments.
Solution: Install a 3in1 Multi Dry Filter
To prevent problems caused by dirty compressed air, a 3in1 Multi Dry Filter was installed to filter the compressed air before it enters the CMM machine.
The 3in1 Multi Dry Filter is a compressed air filter that helps reduce contaminants in the air system, such as water, oil, oil mist, dust, and small particles. This ensures cleaner compressed air for use with high-precision equipment.
This product is particularly suitable for factories that are unsure about their compressed air quality or are concerned that compressed air might be causing problems with their measuring instruments and machinery.
Suitable for Factories Requiring Compressed Air Quality Control
Compressed air conditions vary in each factory. Some factories may have high humidity, others may have oil mist contamination from compressors, or some may have fine dust in the air system.
The selection of a compressed air filter should therefore consider actual on-site conditions, existing compressed air quality, and the type of equipment used, in order to effectively mitigate problems.
For high-precision CMM machines, installing an appropriate compressed air filter can help reduce the risk of contamination and ensure more stable machine operation.
Results After Installation
After installing the 3in1 Multi Dry Filter, the previously frequent problems were reduced, allowing the CMM machine to operate more stably and measurements to run more smoothly.
The results obtained include:
- Reduced issues with CMM machine not operating smoothly
- Reduced risk from oil mist and contaminants in compressed air
- Improved measurement stability
- Reduced chances of CMM machine shutdowns
- Increased efficiency of quality inspection work
With reduced problems from compressed air, measurement tasks can proceed more efficiently, helping to ensure continuous quality inspection processes in the factory.
What type of applications is the 3in1 Multi Dry Filter suitable for?
The 3in1 Multi Dry Filter is suitable for factories experiencing these issues:
- CMM machine not operating smoothly
- CMM machine accuracy issues
- Measuring machine occasionally stops working
- Air bearings at risk of clogging from contaminants
- Compressed air contains water, oil, or oil mist contaminants
- Need to prevent problems with measuring instruments
- Need to increase stability of quality inspection work
- Unsure about the quality of compressed air in the factory
Summary
This case study demonstrates that CMM machine problems such as not operating smoothly, unstable measurements, or machine shutdowns can be caused by compressed air containing contaminants such as water, oil, oil mist, dust, and small particles.
When these contaminants enter the air bearing system, they can clog air vents, cause vibrations, erratic movement, and affect measurement accuracy.
Therefore, installing a 3in1 Multi Dry Filter is one approach to reduce oil mist and contaminants in compressed air, prevent CMM machine problems, and help measurements run more stably.
If your factory is experiencing CMM machine problems such as not operating smoothly, frequent shutdowns, or you are unsure about the quality of your compressed air, inspecting your compressed air system and selecting the appropriate filter may help reduce problems and improve the efficiency of your quality inspection work.
Reference: https://www.maedauni.co.jp/casestudy/p938/
