Running a CNC machine is a challenging task that requires attention to various factors, including programming and machine operations. However, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the safety measures. Machining using CNC without proper safety measures can lead to major, dangerous incidents that might often damage the lives of the operators. But the good news is, most of these accidents can be easily prevented by following a very easy set of guidelines, training, and protocols. In this blog, we are going to share with you some of the major safety guidelines that one can follow to prevent any kind of CNC related accidents.
Top CNC Machines Safety Guidelines:
Following the CNC machine safety rules can save operators from small injuries and major life altering accidents. So, here are some of the major safety measures for CNC machine operators:
Understand The Risks:
The first and foremost important thing is to understand the risks involved with CNC machining. CNC machines can cause injuries in different ways, like flying debris of hard materials, electrical shock, contact with moving parts, entanglement, and even chemical burns from coolants and lubricants. Most of the CNC accidents take place due to human errors, so you need to be well aware of what mistakes can cause a fatal accident.
Prioritize Training and Certifications:
Another one of the major CNC machine safety guidelines is prioritizing training and certifications of operators before they even touch the CNC machine. Trying to run a CNC machine without proper training can make you an easy victim of any major accident, especially when doing complex machining work with demanding materials.Training and certifications are a part of CNC machines’ safety precautions because they teach you the right ways of machining, potential dangers, and how to avoid such dangers by doing things in the right way.
Understand The Machine Before Operation:
The next point in the CNC machine safety checklist is that you need to get a proper understanding of the CNC machine before you start the operation. Every CNC machine, like lathes, mills, and routers, has different machining styles with unique capabilities and safety features.Here are the things that you need to do to understand your machine: read the manufacturer’s manual carefully, understand what manual works are needed for your machine, and familiarize yourself with the alarms, warnings, and safety interlocks of the machine.
Wear The Right Personal Protective Equipment:
The next point of our CNC machine safety precautions is wearing the right protective equipment to protect yourself from flying chips, coolant splashes, and noise. Here are some of the things that you should wear:
- Safety glasses or goggles – The glasses and goggles will keep your eyes safe from flying debris or chemical splashes.
- Steel toed boots – The boots will help you to protect against dropped components.
- Cut resistant gloves – These gloves protect your hands while handling raw materials and finished products.
- Hearing protection – The hearing protection aids help when CNC machining can get extremely noisy.
- Dust masks or respirators – These masks should be used for machining materials that generate hazardous fumes or dust.
Perform Pre Operational Checks:
Pre operational inspection of different aspects of the machine and the work area is another important safety measure for CNC machine operators that one needs to follow to ensure a safe machining experience. Before starting the CNC machining operations, check these things:
- Loose or missing guards.
- Damaged cable or hoses.
- Inspect for loose fixtures, tools, or debris in the work area.
- Test all safety features, including light curtains, emergency stops, and interlocks.
- Make sure the workholding devices are properly secured.
Maintain a Clean Work Environment:
The work environment also contributes to the safety of the operators during CNC machining operations. This is one of the most important CNC machine safety features, as a cluttered workspace includes the risk of trips, slips, and falls. Make sure to clear chips and coolant regularly from the machines and the machine floors regularly, keep the aisles and floors dry to avoid slips, and dispose of the scrap metal and waste safely. Also, ensure that you store tools and raw materials neatly to prevent tripping hazards.
Keep Machine Guards and Interlocks Active:
Most of the modern CNC machines are equipped with physical guards and interlock devices, which are a safety measure for CNC machine operators from the side of the brands. Make sure you do not operate the CNC machine with the safety guards and interlocks bypassed or disabled. Also, remember that opening the door during cutting automatically stops the spindle; if that doesn’t happen, then make sure to report.
Using Right Cutting Parameters:
Following and implementing the right cutting parameters are very important for safe CNC machining operations. Improper spindle speed, feed rate, or depth of cut can cause tool breakage, leading to flying debris. Here are the CNC machine safety precautions to save yourself from such accidents:
- Monitor tool wear on a regular basis and replace dull cutters promptly.
- Use the cutting parameters as per the recommendations of the machine company.
- Avoid excessive spindle speed, especially when working with large and unbalanced parts.
Implement Lockout/Togout (LOTO) Procedures:
LOTO procedures are also an important part of being secured during the CNC machining works. LOTO is critical during maintenance, cleaning, or when clearing jams. The total process involves:
- Shutting down the machine.
- Isolating all the energy sources, like electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic.
- Locking and tagging each isolation point.
- Verifying zero energy before starting the work.
Know and Test Emergency Procedures:
Another step that should be in your CNC machine safety checklist is knowing the emergency procedures and knowing how to use them in the moment of need. The operator needs to be familiar with:
- The location of the emergency stop button.
- Function of the emergency stop button.
- Steps for fire, coolant leak, and power failure.
- How to manually stop or home the axes safely.
Stay Focused:
Last but not least, staying focused is one of the most important safety measures for CNC machine operators. Make sure you’re totally focused and in an alert mode when doing the machining work; otherwise, a small, silly mistake can cause catastrophic damage. Here are the top safety mindsets that you need to follow:
- Avoid using the phone or chatting while operating the CNC machine.
- Keep a “no distraction” policy in the machining area.
- Take breaks if you feel overworked.
Conclusion:
Following CNC machine safety guidelines is one of the most important things that an operator needs to do when doing machining work. A small mistake with the machines can result in large damage, so make sure that all the safety precautions are followed, and then have a smooth machining experience. Incase, if you’re looking for a used CNC machine supplier then feel free to check the collection of MachineStation.
FAQs
Q1. Can I operate a CNC machine without proper training?
Ans: No, operating a CNC machine without proper training can lead to major accidents and injuries.
Q2. What should I do if I notice abnormal machine behavior?
Ans: Stop operating the machine right then, and get in contact with experts who can help you troubleshoot the problem.
Q3. What should operators do to avoid entanglement?
Ans: To avoid entanglement, operators must ensure that they are not wearing loose clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
