After a period of operation, the two mating parts of a CNC lathe experience wear, gradually degrading its performance. At this point, appropriate adjustments and maintenance should be carried out on certain components to restore the machine to its normal technical condition. Routine daily maintenance and first-level maintenance are performed by the operator, while second-level maintenance is conducted jointly by the operator and maintenance personnel. The maintenance intervals and the duration of each service should be determined reasonably based on the lathe’s structure and the specific requirements of roughing and finishing operations, and regularly adjusted in light of actual operating conditions. Second-level maintenance is performed jointly by the operator and maintenance personnel, with maintenance intervals and the length of each service likewise tailored to the lathe’s design and the nature of roughing and finishing processes, and frequently refined according to real-world usage.

　　I. Daily Maintenance and Upkeep of CNC Lathes

　　CNC lathe operators should perform routine daily maintenance and servicing of the machine.

　　1. Check that the oil levels in all lubrication system reservoirs are normal, and start up the equipment to verify that the lubrication system operates properly.

　　2. Check that the oil levels in all hydraulic reservoirs are normal, and start up the equipment to verify that the hydraulic system operates properly.

　　3. Verify that the coolant level in the cooling tank is normal, and power on the machine to confirm that the coolant system is functioning properly.

　　4. Power on the machine and verify that the CNC system is functioning properly, that all fans and chip conveyors are operating normally, and that all pressure gauges indicate correct readings.

　　5. Thoroughly remove metal chips and debris from the guideways inside the CNC lathe, and inspect their surfaces for any scratches.

　　6. After powering on, the machine must run idly for a specified period to verify proper operation. Upon completion of the day’s machining tasks, shut down the CNC system of the lathe, turn off the lathe’s power supply, and clean the work area.

　　II. First-Level Maintenance of CNC Lathes

　　1. Wipe the exterior of the CNC lathe, including the guard, cover, and attachments, ensuring there is no oil, rust, corrosion, metal chips, or debris, and that both the interior and exterior are clean.

　　2. Clean metal chips from the turret and tailstock, and verify that they operate normally.

　　3. Inspect the lathe for any loose screws, and verify that all oil tanks, pipelines, and fittings are securely fastened; repair any issues promptly.

　　4. Inspect the wear condition and tension of the spindle drive belt, the X-axis drive belt, and the Z-axis drive belt.

　　5. Inspect the hydraulic system and its components (hydraulic pump, hydraulic motor) to ensure proper operation and check for any unusual noises during operation.

　　6. Inspect the cooling system and its components (cooling pump, cooling motor) to ensure proper operation and check for any unusual noises during operation.

　　7. Inspect the chip-removal system and its components (chip conveyor, chip‑removal motor) to ensure proper operation and to verify that no abnormal noises are present during operation.

　　8. Verify that the lubrication system is operating properly, ensuring all oil lines are unobstructed; inspect and replace filters as needed; confirm that all oil outlets are delivering oil correctly, and lubricate the machine tool (guide rails and tailstock).

　　9. Inspect all oil tanks and coolant reservoirs, replenishing as necessary, and lubricate all designated points on the machine tool with appropriate grease or oil as required, ensuring that the oil tanks and all oil level indicators and sight glasses remain clean and clear. In summer, add an anti-rust additive to the cutting fluid as specified.

　　10. After starting the CNC system, verify that it is operating normally and that the movements of all axes and the turret on the CNC lathe are functioning properly.

　　11. Wipe the electrical control cabinet to ensure both the interior and exterior are clean; inspect all wiring for leakage, verify that all contacts make good contact, and confirm that the limit switches and grounding system are safe and reliable.

　　CNC lathes integrate electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems into a single unit, characterized by high technological and knowledge intensity. They are advanced machining tools with a high degree of automation, complex structures, and substantial costs. To maximize their performance and minimize failures, meticulous maintenance is essential. Consequently, CNC lathe maintenance personnel must possess not only expertise in mechanics, machining processes, and hydraulics/pneumatics, but also knowledge of computer technology, automatic control, drive systems, and measurement techniques—enabling them to comprehensively understand and manage the machine and carry out timely, effective maintenance.