Keeping our machine tools in good working condition is an ongoing commitment for Commodore Technology. In fact, just last month we spent a considerable amount of time servicing one of our Fadal CNC machines, a VMC6030.
After the 1991 fire that devastated our facility, we recognized that we had a major task ahead of us in rebuilding our foam plant. One of the biggest challenges that we anticipated was replacing all of the foam tray tooling that was lost in the fire. Commodore bought the VMC6030 from Mid-Atlantic CNC and moved it into our newly rebuilt shop. Needless to say, our Fadal performed as expected and was instrumental in our efforts to get back in to the foam business. However, after tens of thousands of machine hours, it was becoming apparent that the machine was no longer running to its original accuracy of +/- 0.0005". Recently we had been reduced to limiting the use of this machine to making parts that do not require a high degree of accuracy. As mold making was no longer possible, the decision to renovate the machine was made.
Over a three week period, our employees and a technician from Machine Tool and Research tore apart, serviced, painted, and rebuilt the Fadal. We replaced bearings, scrapers, installed a new lubrication system, and replaced the bearing surfaces on the table and saddle. We even replaced the polycarbonate windows in the doors. Although it may need an updated machine control in the future, the maintenance extended the life of the machine, and better yet, our old VMC 6030 is now more accurate than when it was new!
Eric Vogel running the newly refurbished VMC6030
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