How important is it to properly set up a production machine and level it?

We often talk about the proper conversation and maintenance of large metal fabrication machines such as milling machines, boring machines, lathes. For the owners of such machines, it is crucial that they produce quality products and thus generate profit for the company. It is worth taking care of the condition of machine tools from the very beginning of their use.

What can we do to make large and heavy machinery work properly?

Step 1: Solid ground

The first step is to ensure a strong foundation for the machine. Some machines need additional support, such as those that work with high impact force or feature large weight and size. In such cases, you need to install additional reinforcement in the ground. Sometimes you have to make a new pad by cutting out part of the floor and build a proper foundation. This helps absorb vibrations and prevents them from being transmitted to other machines.

Step 2: Correct leveling (gravity level)

When the machine stands on solid ground, it must be properly leveled. This protects it from unwanted overloading during operation. Correct leveling ensures even distribution of forces and vibrations in the machine. If the machine is not well leveled, it can lead to damage and failure. Lack of good machine alignment can also result in poor quality of manufactured parts (e.g., an incorrect trajectory of movement of the milling head or moving machine table will result in shape errors of the machined surface).

The key, therefore, is to precisely align the machine components to the horizontal. It is also a good idea to regularly check that the level is maintained and adjust it if necessary. Even a solid base can settle over time, so it’s a good idea to check once in a while to make sure the machine is level. By taking care of these two things – a solid foundation and proper leveling – machines will operate efficiently and for a long time, which translates into high productivity in the factory.

If you want to find out how we can help you set up or analyze the geometry of your machine: contact us HERE.