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How to Upgrade Your Used CNC Machine for Better Performance?

When you buy a used CNC machine, you save a lot of upfront costs but you might have to spend some more money for upgrading to make it the same as new CNC machines and the total spending will be still less than new CNC machines. Some top quality upgrades can make the old and used CNC machines as good as the new advanced ones and give you a strategic gain for a better and faster machining process. Knowing how to approach the upgrade of the used CNC machine can help you with efficiency, precision, and productivity. In this blog, we will discuss how you can find the best upgrades needed for your CNC machine.

Key areas to upgrade your used CNC machine and how to do that?

Upgrading some parts of your used CNC machine can make it look like just a new one and give you the best of services. Here is how you can upgrade your CNC machine and the main parts that need the upgradation

Upgrade the CNC control system:
Among every other part of your CNC, the control system might need an upgrade in the first place. It is the brain of your CNC machine and upgrading to a modern control system can transform the whole machine’s capability extensively.
Why upgrade?
- The old control systems may lack support for the modern and advanced formats of files.
- Modern control systems also have better interfaces, advanced diagnostics, and better touchscreens.
- The better memory and enhanced processing power of the new control system are capable of handling more complex toolpaths.
After you are done installing the system, configure all the features of the system, and do a trial run. Make sure that the new system suits your current setup and operational needs while the operators are also comfortable managing it.
Upgrade your motors and drives:
Outdated servo motors can make your CNC machine sluggish, while a new one will bring more speed and accuracy. So you should use high performance drives and motors that will improve the performance of your machine while matching the machine’s specifications and requirements.

Why upgrade?
- The acceleration and deceleration cycles become faster with the upgradation of the motors.
- The upgrade will also improve the closed loop feedback system.
- The change of the servo motors and drives will also help in smoother and quieter operations.
You can consider upgrading to digital servo drives with Ethernet or CANbus communication for faster data exchange and real time error correction.
Change your spindle:
The spindle can be considered the single most important part of a CNC machine, if it is worn or not working properly then no amount of upgrading of other parts will be able to improve the performance of the CNC machine. Selecting a powerful spindle that also matches your machine’s specifications and requirements can boost the machine’s performance by several times.

Different upgradation options:
- You can upgrade with higher RPM spindles for better surface finish and better detailing.
- Variable frequency drives can also be employed to adjust the speed dynamically.
- Upgrade with chiller systems which prevents overheating during the long run.
You can also consider upgrading to Automatic Tool Changers (ATCs) if your current setup is manual which will save your setup time and increase the efficiency of the allover machining process.
Update the software:
Modern software is much more intuitive and even feature rich which helps the operators to conduct the whole machining process. The modern CAM software can help the machines generate more efficient tool paths and bring optimal cutting strategies.

Some suggestions for software upgradation:
- Firstly you should upgrade the CAM software, like Fusion 360 and Mastercam. This will help with better toolpath generation and simulation.
- Enable remote monitoring features to reduce human labor and diagnostics using IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) tools.
- Also, make sure you update the machine’s firmware to match the new upgraded software which will ensure protection against communication errors.
You can also add ethernet and wifi settings to your machine which will help in remote program uploads too.
Add probe and tool setting systems:
The manual setup process is extremely time consuming and also prone to human errors. Changing tool setting systems, bringing automatic tool changers, and probing can solve the problem and get it more streamlined, speed up the part alignments, and tool offset measurements.

Advantages of upgrading the tool setting systems:
- This will drastically reduce the setup time.
- This will improve the repeatability of the machine and reduce scrapping.
- The in-process inspection process and part verifications become possible.
You can also invest in modular vises or vacuum tables for faster setup speed, a 5-axis vise will improve multi sided machining.
Make mechanical improvements:
Mechanical components are prone to most wear and tear. No matter which brand of machine parts you use, they will wear down over long years of heavy usage. You must not overlook them and restore the accuracy and reliability of the mechanical parts.

Key parts to check:
- You need to update the ball screws if you notice any kind of backlash or inconsistent positioning.
- Inspect for scoring, excessive play, or corrosion in the Linear guideways, and change if needed.
- You must inspect and change the bearings because worn bearings can introduce vibration and reduce the tool life.
Having a lubrication system is also very important for maintaining the bearings in the most optimal condition.
Improve the safety and user experience:
Modernizing safety features is a must for having the optimal performance of your CNC machine because any accident can halt the machining operations for days. Most older machines lack modern safety features so here are things that you can do:
- Add or update emergency stop buttons, limit switches, and safety interlocks too.
- Organize cables with drag chains to prevent wear or electrical faults, and enclose the guardings with interlocks.
- Install a more ergonomic control panel for easier operations.

Why upgrade a used machine over buying a new machine?

Here are some reasons why we believe that buying a used machine and upgrading it is a better deal than buying a new CNC machine:

You get to save on cost. The total cost of buying and upgrading a used machine is mostly less than buying a new CNC machine.
You will get the same features by upgrading the software and control system of the used CNC machine.
You can make it compatible with Industry 4.0 without paying any sky high price.

Conclusion:

Purchasing used CNC machines can be a great financial investment for your business but you may need some upgrades for better performance and advanced technologies. So just making the necessary upgrades following our list will change the game for you.

If you are someone who is planning to buy used CNC machines, then you can check our collection at MachineStation. If you can’t find the right fit there, then let us know your requirements in the Machinery Locator and we will try to help you out.