What You Must Know Before Buy ATC Router

ATC router adopts grid phenolic resin vacuum adsorption to fix the worktable. The advantage of the vacuum adsorption table is that even if it is an irregular plate, it can still be tightly fixed on the table of the CNC machine. During the routing process, vibration will not affect the routing effect. Obviously, the table with vacuum adsorption will be to a certain extent. Improve the accuracy of routing, especially for thinner, lighter or irregular plates. After this type of fixture is fixed, it may still cause small displacements due to machine vibration during the routing process, which affects the accuracy of routing, and the vacuum adsorption table is very A good solution to this problem. ATC CNC router refer to these engraving machines equipped with automatic tool-changing devices.

The X and Y axes use high-precision racks, and the Z-axis uses high-precision grinding grade ball screws, which have the features of high precision, reversibility and high efficiency. X, Y, Z axis adopt high-precision self-lubricating linear rail. Grinding grade high-precision linear slide. High positioning accuracy, good reproducibility; Low friction resistance, can maintain accuracy for a long time; Can withstand high load capacity in four directions; With automatic centering ability, walking parallel accuracy ≤18um; Self-lubricating, low noise. 

Before we dive into the specifics, let's look at the basic terms and notions connected to the atc cnc router machine.

As everyone knows, a auto tool changer cnc has four motion axes. But in fact, a machine with four axes may not be a real four axis cnc router. Because, only coming with a dedicated 4-axis cnc controller and 4-axis CAM programming software, can it be called a true four axis cnc machine. And this is the right machine capable of 3D carving projects like status, Queen Anne legs, and props. Otherwise, even if it has four axes, it is essentially a 3 axis machine.

Many people will find that the use of CNC engraving machines can effectively extend the service life, and it has already spread across different industries, which is recognized as a new type of product. At present, the service life of CNC engraving machine is basically more than 100,000 hours. In this case, because the conversion rate is relatively high, the operating cost can be reduced, but the service life is not completely fixed, and it is necessary to maintenance.

Daily Maintenance

The following maintenance tasks should be performed daily:

1. Check the machine’s air pressure regulator

ATC cnc routers with air cylinder, feature an air pressure regulator that helps to control incoming air pressure.  On auto tool change machine, the air pressure regulator is located at either the back of the machine on the right frame rail or in the middle of the right side of the machine’s frame.  The regulator should be adjusted so the incoming pressure to the machine is within the manufacturer’s specification (between 0.5 to 0.8 MP for a Qingong CNC Router).  To adjust the regulator, pull up on the center cap and rotate to set the desired pressure.  After pressure is adjusted push down on the center cap to lock in place.

2. Purge water and oil separators

ATC routers, feature water, and oil separators on the incoming airline.  The water and oil separators need to be checked and purged daily to make sure that no contaminates get through the air supply to the machine.  To purge the oil and water separators turn the knobs at the bottom of each unit until clean air flows out. Some of these units have red push buttons to purge instead of knobs that turn.

3. Check heat exchanger (if the spindle is liquid-cooled)

The coolant reservoir in the heat exchanger should be checked once or twice a week to make sure that the coolant level is full. If coolant is needed, use a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and ethylene glycol.  Always make sure that the heat exchanger is on and running at the start of each day. If the spindle is run for an extended amount of time without cooling it will damage the bearings in the spindle.

4. Clean the spindle fan (if the spindle is air-cooled)

Dust accumulates on the spindle’s cooling fan and can cause it to become out of balance.  Use compressed air to blow off the fan daily.

5. Check computer connections

6. Sweep work area

7. Examine tools before cutting

8. Check dust collector bins/bags (if equipped) and empty if needed

Weekly Maintenance

The following maintenance tasks should be performed weekly:

1. Lubricate bearings and screws

CNC routers can use a combination of rack-and-pinion, ball screw, and lead screw devices to create motion.  Each of these requires regular lubrication, and users should find out from their dealer how many of each of these devices are on the machine and where they are located.

2. Clean vacuum pump filters

Vacuum pump filters should be checked and cleaned each week and replaced when necessary. Take great care when removing and cleaning the filters not to let any debris enter the vacuum pump inlet.

3. Clean air filter in the heat exchanger (if the spindle is liquid-cooled)

The air filter on the heat exchanger should be cleaned with compressed air once a week and replaced as needed.

4. Clean tool holders and collets

Tool holders, collets, and collet nuts must be rust-free and clean.  Use a mild scotch-bright pad to clean any rust.  Apply very light oil to prevent oxidation, and then remove excess oil with a clean, soft rag.  Never use abundant oil or grease.  Typically these components need to be cleaned weekly, but frequency really depends on the amount of moisture in the air and how quickly rust develops.  Components should look like they are new at all times.

5. Clean the spindle taper

Cleaning the spindle taper should be done once a week.  Wipe the taper very well with a green scotch bright pad, use compressed air to blow the taper out, and then wipe with a clean dry cloth.

6. Wipe off excess grease

7. Double check all connections

Monthly Maintenance

The following maintenance tasks should be performed monthly:

1. Check and change heat exchanger coolant filter

Once a month the heat exchanger coolant filter should be inspected and changed if needed.

2. Lubricate racks

If the machine features any rack-and-pinion devices, the racks should be lubricated monthly.  A typical Qingong CNC engraving machine has 3 gear racks, 1 on the X-Axis and 2 on the Y-Axis.

3. Check for loose bolts on the machine and tighten as needed

4. Wipe rails with a scotch bright pad

Working Principle and Application – True 4 Axis vs. False

The fake four-axis machine can only run X/Z/A or Y/Z/A simultaneously. Therefore, you have to disable X-axis or Y-axis instead of making the rotary (A-axis) be able to work. This kind of machine is also known as the index 4th rotary; it can only do some regular, symmetrical cylinder carving projects.