[UKRobotics]

How does one go about protecting their new home built metalworking CNC milling machines from damaging themselves with swarf and coolant.

Does it matter if this gets into the ball screws and ways as long as its cleaned and lubricated each day or should they be covered up somehow to avoid anything comming into contact with them?

Also, while the motor drives and interface are well out of the way what is the best method to protect the servo motors, encoders and limit switches from getting covered in coolant .... or are they generally sealed enough for this not to matter ?

[Willyb]

Hi Dom

Swarf is very bad for our Ball Screws & Nuts. The Coolant is also bad because it contains small metal fillings. The best way to protect these components is to install guards on them. You can get round bellows type covers for the Ball Screw and flat ones for the ways. Even flat rubber sheets are better than nothing. Metal guards can be used as long as you leave enough room for the travels. The big guys use telescoping metal covers which are great but very expensive for our hobby use.

Your Servo/Stepper/Encoders & Limit Switches should also be protected. Allot of machines you see do not have any type of protection over the Motors. If you are going to be using a coolant system than these should be covered. Metal covers would be the best way to go or I have even seen plastic used for them. The limit switches should also be protected depending on the type. If coolant gets inside them, it can cause a short and screw up that part you just spent four hours machining.

I also think that CNC Machines should have a One Shot lubricating system plumbed up to the ways and the Ball Nuts. If you keep everything full of oil, this will help to keep the junk out. And your Ball Screws will last allot longer. You can purchase a manual type One Shot for around $100.00 which is way cheaper than a set of Ball Screws. Just my opinion.

Regards
Willy