CNC Operator Housekeeping Responsibilities

[kkarasch]

I'm trying to implement some 5S into my shop procedures and starting by doing a complete clean/repair of each machining center we have. I was wondering what some procedures other shops are using to help keep the machines looking and running like new. I've heard of flip cards at the machines and some other daily checklist type sheets.

Also whats the best practice for the interior of the machines during production to keep chips from building up. Garden hoses from coolant pump, brushes, etc.

Thanks for any input.

[Khalid]

In our Shop,The operator of the machine is responsible of housekeeping before the start of shift... This takes only 20 minutes to clean all chips, oil from the machine..
Regards

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

We always did our clean-up as Khalid's shop except we did it at the end of the shift. That way the next operator arrived at a clean machine.

Also, if the machine was not operated for a period of time, like over a weekend, the coolants etc. would not have time to become "sticky" on the ways or closures interior.

Dick Z

[kkarasch]

What do you use for the clean down procedure? Garden hose from coolant pump?

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Wash down with hose then wipe down with cloth or paper wipers. NO AIR HOSES ALOWED, that propels chips into areas they do not belong and can cause damage. After wipe down, check oil levels etc.

Dick Z

[kkarasch]

Do you have a garden hose coming off the coolant pump? If so do you have pictures or can you explain your setup.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Place a "T" between the pump and the supply to the coolant system. Connect a separate line from the "T" to the cleaning hose. There should be a shut-off valve in the hose line and the another in the coolant system supply line.

Before wash-down, close the coolant supply valve and open the wash down hose valve.

Dick Z

[kkarasch]

i was looking into a 3 way solenoid valve hook to a switch for easy use at the front of the machine by the operator. also putting a check valve in as well.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

That's even better.

Dick Z

[maz43]

At IR in north Carolina We installed garden hose wash downs but used IR-ARO diaphragm pumps with the intake plumbed to the coolant tank.
This setup worked very well-especially on older machines with so-so coolant pumps.
Operators were washing down at the end of each shift.
This was prompted by a "kaisan" event to keep operators from blowing chips up under the ways where they don't belong. They actually considered taking air guns away from operators before coming up with the solution.
IR's final solution for max efficiency was to close the plant and move to China.