Some machines start experiencing frequent breakdowns right after the warranty expires, while others can easily last over a decade. In fact, the answer lies in a simple formula: Equipment Lifespan = Inherent Quality + Usage Habits + Maintenance Precision. Today, we’ll discuss how to extend the "longevity" of your CNC drilling machine. After all, a single machine can cost anywhere from tens of thousands to over a million yuan—each extra year of use means recouping more of your initial investment!
The "origin" of a CNC drilling machine directly determines its base lifespan. Currently, high-end domestic equipment on the market has an average lifespan of 5-8 years, while imported brands like Germany’s Homag can often exceed 10 years with proper maintenance. A compelling example is Guangdong Ligong CNC: by optimizing the design of wearing parts (e.g., automatic drill bit and rubber sleeve replacement), their drilling machines not only boost efficiency but also reduce component wear—this is the advantage of a "solid inherent foundation."
However, "origin" is not absolute. Master Zhang Zengcheng from CSSC (China State Shipbuilding Corporation) proved through practical action that old equipment can be revitalized by upgrading its CNC and electrical systems. The DK-14 CNC deep-hole drilling machine he retrofitted has maintained stable performance for over 3 years.
Even the best equipment cannot withstand being "pushed to the limit." As the "teeth of industrial machines," CNC cutting tools’ material directly affects equipment load: traditional steel tools have a short lifespan, while carbide tools can last nearly 80 times longer. This means choosing the right tools significantly reduces spindle wear.
A furniture enterprise learned this lesson the hard way: to meet an order deadline, they ran the equipment 24/7, leading to severe spindle precision loss in just six months. Expert calculations show that continuous high-load operation can shorten equipment lifespan by over 40%. Remember: equipment also needs "work-life balance"—arranging reasonable downtime for cooling is crucial.
The team led by Zhang Yushui at CRRC Tangshan Co., Ltd. maintains over 600 CNC machines. Their secret to keeping high-value imported equipment precise long-term lies in "0.01mm-level maintenance precision." Daily maintenance should focus on three key tasks:
Clean guide rails and lead screws daily to prevent dust-induced wear.
Inspect the lubrication system weekly to avoid dry friction.
Calibrate spindle perpendicularity monthly to detect minor deviations promptly.
Humid, dusty environments accelerate equipment aging. It is recommended to control workshop humidity at 40%-60%, install dust covers, and clean the electrical cabinet filters regularly. An electronics factory once faced frequent equipment short circuits due to heavy workshop dust; after cleaning and renovation, faults decreased by 70%.
The safety regulations of Jiaxing Vocational and Technical College emphasize: never touch live components when the equipment is powered on, and always cut off power before connecting communication cables. These seemingly trivial rules are key to preventing sudden "equipment failure." Proper use of the emergency stop button is also important—pressing it immediately when an abnormality occurs can reduce the risk of major damage by 90%.
Wearing parts like tools and bearings must be replaced when they reach their service life. A case involving a fully automatic servo press showed that using high-quality carbide tools, despite higher single-use costs, reduced the total lifecycle cost by 60%. Remember: the money saved by using inferior consumables will eventually be doubled in repair costs.
Just like humans need regular medical check-ups, equipment requires professional inspections. It is recommended to have the manufacturer conduct a comprehensive precision calibration annually, focusing on:
Zhang Yushui’s team maintains high-speed rail production equipment in optimal condition through this "preventive maintenance."
Don’t rush to discard equipment when its performance declines. Master Zhang Zengcheng retrofitted the CNC system of an old machining center, revitalizing it and creating over 2.6 million yuan in economic benefits. For equipment used for more than 5 years, upgrading the servo system and replacing high-precision sensors are cost-effective ways to "extend its life."
If your equipment shows the following signs, it may be "asking for help":
Sudden drop in machining precision, with hole position deviation exceeding 0.02mm.
Abnormal noise during spindle operation or rapid temperature rise.
Frequent unexplained alarms on the control panel.
Use this checklist to evaluate your equipment:
Daily cleaning → Yes □ No □
Weekly lubrication → Yes □ No □
Monthly calibration → Yes □ No □
Annual professional maintenance → Yes □ No □
Use of original consumables → Yes □ No □
The lifespan of a CNC drilling machine is never a fixed number—it is an answer written by you. Those who can use their equipment for over 10 years all understand a simple truth: the more care you put into your equipment, the more it will repay you.
Next time someone asks, "How many years can a CNC drilling machine last?" feel free to share this article with them—because the true determinant of lifespan is always the user’s attitude and methods.
