Start here - Speak to an engineer
Machine Tool Maintenance Specialists
Properly planned machine tool maintenance can extend your equipment’s usable life significantly. Machine Tool Technology offer machine tool maintenance programmes ranging from basic to comprehensive.
Our team of highly experienced technicians use state-of the-art diagnostic processes, like the Machine Performance Evaluate Optimise Monitor, to evaluate manufacturer’s specific needs. This ensures we get to the core of the problem instead of treating the symptoms.
Through effective machine tool maintenance, production processes can remain consistent and efficient. However, maintenance processes have become more challenging as machines have become more complex.
CNC and machine tools are now designed to be highly sophisticated equipment. They are expected to perform in dynamic and highly demanding environments leading to production lags and major breakdowns.
MTT Machine Tool Maintenance Services
MTT machine tool maintenance experts can offer manufacturers:
- General machine tool maintenance services: This involves routine checks such as vibration analysis and thermal analysis to ensure optimal performance and production.
- Custom machine tool maintenance: We understand that each manufacturer’s machine is unique with specific maintenance needs. MTT machine tool maintenance is carried out according to the machine’s purpose and special needs.
- Machine tool calibration: MTT experts perform on-site calibration to analyse CNC and machine tools features comprehensively.
- Precision alignment: Proper alignment reduces reverberations and chattering. This significantly reduces energy consumption while simultaneously increasing the machine’s useful life.
- Full geometric analysis: Through geometric analysis, MTT engineers can evaluate the machine tool’s geometric errors.
- Machine tool rebuild: MTT machine maintenance experts can offer retrofits and rebuilds to give alternative uses to parts that are no longer tolerant to production needs.
- Consultation: Through extensive consultations, MTT engineers come up with bespoke solutions tailored for each machine tool’s maintenance needs.
- Training: We equip your staff with simple machine tool maintenance skills through scheduled in-house training programs.
How a maintenance programme is built
We start by finding out what condition the machine is really in. Our Machine Performance Evaluate Optimise Monitor process (MPEOM) uses measurement to pinpoint and quantify machine errors, so the plan deals with root causes instead of working around symptoms. From that baseline we set planned maintenance routines for each machine.
A programme is based on how the machine is actually used. We look at vibration analysis, thermal scanning and the machine’s history to judge wear patterns and fault risk, then set the schedule around your production. We can work alongside your own maintenance team or act as your outside maintenance partner.
Ways to work with us
- Contracted maintenance plans, with periodic servicing, full reporting and prioritised support
- One-off visits, for example after an installation or during a shutdown
- Asset management and lifecycle planning for a whole machine shop
What a routine visit includes is set out on our CNC machine servicing page, and the operator checklist (daily, 500 hour and 1,000 hour checks) is on our preventive maintenance page.
Finding problems before they stop the machine
Regular maintenance does not always show how worn a component is. On one of the largest gantry milling machines in the UK, a milling head attachment in use 75% of the time was being maintained regularly, yet nobody could tell how worn it was or when it would need refurbishing. We stripped and refurbished the head, replacing bearings, seals, spring sets and the hirth coupling and regrinding the spindle taper, then reset the geometry and carried out site acceptance testing. We also fitted run-time monitoring so the next refurbishment can be planned in advance. Read the project write-up.
For continuous monitoring we use our own Sensor Toolkit and, through our partnership with IPercept, predictive CNC monitoring for manufacturers across the UK and Ireland. See predictive maintenance and machine tool monitoring.
Machines we maintain
We maintain CNC and manual machine tools: lathes, milling machines, machining centres, routers, EDM machines, drilling machines and wheel lathes. We hold wheel lathe maintenance contracts in the UK with 24/7 support, 365 days per year. Machine-specific pages: lathe maintenance, milling machine maintenance.
When a machine is past the point where maintenance is enough, a rebuild can cost far less than replacement. For Allied Mechanical in the United States we refurbished and retrofitted a 1970s vertical turning machine whose replacement was estimated at £4 to 5 million. See CNC retrofit and rebuild.
Standards and coverage
Machine Tool Technologies was formed in 2001. Our management systems are registered to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and the certified scope includes planned, breakdown and emergency service and maintenance of machine tools. We also hold SafeContractor and RISQS accreditation. Engineers work across the UK, coordinated from our head office in Chorley, Lancashire.
Frequently asked questions
What does machine tool maintenance include?
Routine checks such as vibration and thermal analysis, lubrication, cleaning, alignment, calibration and geometric analysis, with repairs, rebuilds and operator training where they are needed. Each programme is set for the individual machine and what it is used for.
What is the difference between preventive and predictive maintenance?
Preventive maintenance follows a fixed schedule of checks and replacements. Predictive maintenance uses condition data, such as vibration, temperature and current, to act when the machine shows signs of wear. Most plans combine the two.
Do you maintain manual machines as well as CNC?
Yes. We maintain both CNC and conventional machine tools, including lathes, mills, drilling machines and wheel lathes.
Can you work alongside our in-house maintenance team?
Yes. We can support your own team, train them in routine checks and measurements, or take on all servicing as your external partner.
Do you offer maintenance contracts?
Yes. Contracted plans include periodic servicing, full reporting and prioritised support. One-off visits are also available.
Which brands do you maintain?
All machine brands, UK wide, including Dugard, Gildemeister, Haas, Komatsu, Matsuura, Mazak and ProtoTrak. See the full list of CNC brands.
Simple Machine Tool Maintenance Steps
Lubrication: Regular lubrication, as part of your regular machine tool maintenance routine, will ensure moving parts are protected reducing wear and tear. This includes greasing internal and external moving parts and visual inspection.
Alignment: MTT specialists can train your in-house engineers to conduct simple tests and measurements of parts. This will ensure your machine tools continue to produce parts with accurate specifications and consistent precision.
Cleanliness: Cleanliness is a simple, but often overlooked maintenance step. However, it can go a long way in reducing grime accumulation and rust.
Proper maintenance of machine tool accessories and parts: Routine inspection can sharpen operators’ ability to detect developing issues beforehand. Keeping a checklist and a detailed log of all machine tool maintenance procedures can also help catch possible problems.
Contact Machine tool Technologies Today For All Your Machine Tool Maintenance Needs
MTT engineers have unequaled experience and expertise in providing maintenance and repair of machine tools. Our highly trained specialists provide top-quality machine tool maintenance services to top international manufacturing brands.
We blend decades of research with new scientific technologies to develop effective strategies customised to suit individual manufacturer’s machine tool maintenance needs.
To find out more about the machine tool maintenance services we provide, simply fill in our contact form or call the team on 0845 077 9345.
We work with all machine brands – UK wide service
Dugard – Gildemeister – HAAS – Komatsu – Matsuura – Mazak – ProtoTrak
“MTT Successfully repaired several spindles within a short period time ensuring our
machines were back to full productivity in no time.”