5 tips to improve machine tool efficiency

As machine tool experts, we are often asked for advice on how to improve machine tool efficiency, with this often being the number one goal for CNC machinery outfits. However, as many of us understand, improving efficiency of machine tools isn’t a simple task.

Our 5 tips for improving machine tool efficiency are…

1. Lean Manufacturing

Contrary to popular belief, lean manufacturing isn’t just centred about reducing waste and the impact of manufacturing on the environment. Instead, this manufacturing process focuses on improving efficiency of CNC machinery by optimising the key processes each machine undertakes.

As a result of implementing lean manufacturing principles your outfit will benefit from reduced production time and therefore improved efficiencies.

2. Test the limits of your machine tools

Machine tools are your biggest asset – when they are running, however downtime and inefficiency can turn them into a huge expense. Therefore, by testing the limits of productivity and trying out different workflow sequences, you can test how well your machinery can perform.

Having this understanding will allow you to know whether you can take further steps to increase productivity of your CNC machinery.

3. Specify cycle time

Often businesses will work out their cycle time by looking at their overall machinery and dividing this between the machines. However, if you want to look at efficiency of machinery seriously, it is important to look at the cycle time of each machine specifically.

Having this data will allow you to pin down any problems with individual machinery, therefore allowing you to improve efficiency each machine.

4. External Factors

Any manufacturing process will be impacted by external factors; therefore, it is important to review how these are affecting your processes. Things such as organisation on the shop floor, over complicated tasks and lack of staff training can impact on how efficient your machinery can be.

Monitoring these factors and working to improve them will benefit your manufacturing process in the long run.

5. Machine tool maintenance

Whilst these tips will help you to improve machine efficiency, before looking at how to improve efficiency of your CNC machinery, it is important to look at the bigger picture. By improving efficiency, you will be saving time, but who will benefit from this time you are saving? How will it be used, will more items be manufactured, or will maintenance be a priority with this saved time?

These are key questions that, if you want to become a leader in manufacturing, need to be answered. Everything that you look to achieve with CNC machinery in terms of efficiency and maintenance should have a reason and deeper thinking behind the activity.

Get in touch with our team

If you would like to know more about our machine tool maintenance services, do not hesitate to get in touch with our experienced team. We have been working with CNC machinery for over 25 years, working alongside a number of different organisations and educational facilities to provide leading maintenance services.

We work closely with our customers to ensure we meet their exact requirements. To speak with a member of our machine tool maintenance team, simply call 0845 077 9345 or email info@mtt.uk.com and we will respond to your enquiry.