Keep Your Leadwell, Feeler, or FFG DMC Equipment Running Smoothly in the Heat
CNC machine overheats are a common problem during the summer months. As temperatures climb, your equipment is under increased stress, especially in small machine shops or facilities running multiple vertical and horizontal machining centers. Heat-related issues can lead to costly downtime, reduced accuracy, and long-term damage to critical components.
FFG Americas CNC machines, including Leadwell, Feeler, and FFG DMC, are built for performance. But even the best-built machines need preventative care when conditions get extreme. Here’s how to keep your CNC milling and turning equipment running cool all summer long.
Coolant Flow & Concentration
Coolant isn’t just about keeping chips clear, it’s essential for controlling heat at the cutting zone.
Check that coolant is:
- Flowing freely through nozzles and tool paths.
- At the correct concentration for high-temp applications.
- Free of buildup, leaks, or low-pressure zones.
Without proper cooling, thermal expansion can throw off tolerances, increase tool wear, and damage sensitive parts like spindles and ball screws.
Fan & Filter Maintenance
Your CNC machine’s control cabinet, drive system, and spindle motor all rely on ventilation. Blocked airflow equals an increase in internal temperatures and shorter component life.
Inspect:
- Cabinet intake and exhaust fans.
- Filter screens (especially on older machines or in dirty shops).
- Airflow direction and force as weak fans can mean clogged intakes.
Keeping these systems clean helps protect the electrical and control systems built into Feeler, Leadwell, FFG DMC, and all other models of CNC machine tool equipment.
Electrical Cabinets
Overheating in electrical cabinets is one of the leading causes of CNC failure in hot weather. CNCs packed with servo drives, power supplies, and PLCs generate internal heat, and summer makes it worse.
What to look for:
- Dust or oil buildup on contactors or boards.
- Warped insulation, discoloration, or signs of overheating.
- Audible buzzing, high-pitched whining, or inconsistent fan noise.
A clean, ventilated cabinet keeps your machine running as reliably in July as it does in January.
Spindle & Axis Drive Temperatures
FFG Americas brand CNC machines use high-performance spindles designed to handle heavy loads, but excess heat can nonetheless cause issues. Over time, it can warp components, damage bearings, and throw off precision.
Watch for:
- Inconsistent finishes or thermal expansion in part dimensions.
- Rising load readings during long runs.
- Random thermal alarms or slowdowns.
Some CNC machines may include sensors or alarms, and it is critical that you don’t ignore them. If you’re running long cycle times or large parts in high ambient temperatures, consider adding cooling units or fans.
Shop Environment
Even a well-maintained machine can’t perform in a poor environment. CNCs need consistent ambient conditions to maintain precision.
Improve your environment by:
- Installing fans or portable AC near machines.
- Using dehumidifiers to limit condensation and corrosion.
- Running heat-sensitive jobs earlier or later in the day.
High humidity and ambient heat are especially tough on machines with enclosed cabinets or integrated automation. A few environmental adjustments can go a long way in protecting your equipment. For more insight into how temperature and humidity affect shop performance, NIOSH offers detailed heat stress guidelines for industrial settings.
A Pro Tip: Try the Touch Test
If the electrical cabinet, control panel, or motor housing feels hot to the touch, your machine may already be running too warm. Address it early to avoid shutdowns or part failures.
Summer-Ready Machines Perform Better
Leadwell, Feeler, and FFG DMC machines are built for accuracy and durability, but even they aren’t immune to summer stress. A few small checks can help you avoid costly interruptions, protect your investment, and keep your shop productive through the hottest months of the year in your Wisconsin machine shop.
At Accurate Machine Tool Services, we specialize in repairing, servicing, and maintaining all makes and models of machine tool equipment, including CNC mills, lathes, and machining centers from top brands like Leadwell, Feeler, and FFG DMC, and more. Whether you need a preventative maintenance check, emergency repair, or it’s time to consider a CNC machine upgrade, our team is here to keep your shop running efficiently, no matter the season.