CNC safety tips

Understanding CNC Machine Safety

CNC router safety is not to be ignored. CNC routers and plasma tables are highly advanced and powerful machines that allow us to perform precise work on an accelerated timeline. But they’re so high-powered and efficient they can also be dangerous if not used properly.

Safety should always come first at home or in the shop. Using your machine safely will also extend its life and produce a higher-quality product. Proper training, regular maintenance, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are essential for safe CNC machine operation. Although we always recommend consulting with a safety advisor for your shop needs, here are some key best practices to utilize in your CNC work to ensure a safe and effective result.

KNOW YOUR MACHINE WITH PROPER TRAINING

The first and most important rule of safety in CNC work is understanding how to use your machine to perform your intended task properly. Using a machine you’re not trained to use or simply guessing at specific steps of a particular process can be a dangerous way of doing business. It is likely to result in a low-quality product and added wear and tear on your machine. Proper training is essential to ensure you understand and can operate the machine safely and effectively.

Before you dive in, make sure you understand and have a plan for what you’re doing. If you don’t, don’t be afraid to consult an industry professional or turn to your manual for guidance.

Ensure your safeguards are in place

Most CNC machines have built-in safety mechanisms to protect the machine and the user during work. These typically include curtain guards, contact mats, an emergency stop button, and more. These mechanisms are built into the machine for a reason, and you should make sure they are set up properly before you begin your work.

Understanding and using the control panel is crucial for safety. It allows machinists to manage different operational levels of machinery through a locking key switch. This switch ensures that the right level of access and restrictions are enforced based on the task at hand.

In some cases, it may be necessary for you to install safety mats and guards as determined for your and your employee’s safety.

PRACTICE SHOP SAFETY WITH PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

If you’ve spent enough time in the shop whether at home or professionally, you’re no doubt aware of the many basic safety guidelines inherent in such a setting. These include:

• Wearing eye and ear protection
• Wearing closed-toe shoes or boots
• Containing long hair when near the machine
• Standing clear of the machine during operation
• Powering down and cleaning the machine after each use
• Avoiding loose clothing to prevent entanglement in machinery

Following these simple guidelines already puts you on a positive track to promoting proper safety in all other work areas. As soon as you start slacking in these easier areas, it’s easy to let yourself slide into different areas, so ensure the simple safety tasks are taken care of.

Dont modify your machine

It may be tempting to make unauthorized alterations to your machine to make it perform a certain way, but doing so can have dangerous effects on its operation and can also damage its components. Accessories and additional options are available for many CNC machines that will help you safely achieve your desired result.

Unauthorized modifications can lead to faulty wiring, which poses severe electrical hazards such as electric shocks and fires, endangering the operator and the overall workspace.

Knowing your machine also means working within its specified capabilities and not trying to make it perform tasks it’s not designed to perform.

Again, many machines are engineered to operate in a specific way, and any alteration can have a ripple effect.

DOUBLE-CHECK BEFORE OPERATING CNC MACHINES

There are several things you should confirm before completing a cut, including:

• That the machine isn’t running
• That the tools are set correctly
• That the correct tool data is set
• That the spindle and machine direction are properly set
• The cutting tools are sharp, and none of them are cracked or chipped
• That the hold-down method is properly installed and functioning

You should also make sure the bit path is clear of obstructions. Failure to do so could result in the obstruction becoming part of your project or shooting in the direction of you or someone else in the shop.

OTHER SAFETY TIPS FOR CUTTING TOOLS

Other essential safety tips to practice on an ongoing basis center around keeping the machine clean and well-maintained before and after every use. This will extend the life of your machine and will also produce higher-quality work consistently.

Additionally, be aware of the chemical hazards associated with cutting fluids and coolants. Direct exposure to these substances without appropriate protective equipment can lead to potential health complications.

ShopSabres industry-best CNC machines provide precision, efficiency, and total versatility to help shops produce truly outstanding results with a fraction of the labor. Let the machine do the work.

Contact us today to give your next project a boost toward unmatched results.