Tips for Keeping Your HAIMER Equipment Clean for Top Performance

Just like any device, HAIMER shrinking, balancing and presetting machines work better when they are properly maintained. Benefits include efficient operation, reduced downtime and a longer life. In general, we recommend that you have such work carried out by trained HAIMER technicians. This will guarantee that the maintenance is handled professionally. Work that is carried out incorrectly can also affect the safety of the devices. We offer a variety of maintenance programs that make this easier than ever. (See Preventive Maintenance Programs Pay Dividends in Time and Money)

However, keeping your equipment free of dirt, dust and debris on a regularbasis is a simple way to achieve peak performance between maintenance visits. In this article, we will outline the basic steps for cleaning your HAIMER equipment.

Tool Holders

In order to achieve the best possible shrink fit connection, the bore in the tool holder should always be cleaned with a quick drying solvent like brake cleaner prior to shrinking a tool in them. Brass or nylon brushes can be used to clean out the bore to help the cleaning fluid along. If you've ever wondered if the oxidation seen on the exterior of the tool holder needed to be removed, the answer is, it does not. But Scotch-Brite can be used to remove this if you wish.

Remove any coolant, oil, or dirt that has accumulated on the outside and chamfer of the holder. Contaminants left there will come into contact with the induction coil on the HAIMER heat shrink machine and could affect its life and performance.

Power Clamp Shrink Fit Machines

Shrink fit machines probably get more rough treatment than balancers or presetters. They’re not delicate, but a little bit of TLC will go a long way. Clean them on a regular basis. Here’s how. 

• Turn off the machine with the main switch
• Disconnect the power cable
• Clean the surface of the device with a damp, lint-free cloth
• Do not use abrasive cleaning agents
• Do not allow any liquid to enter the interior of the housing 

The interior of the inductor should be cleaned as necessary. Vaporized cutting emulsion or similar vapors can cause contamination. This can be prevented for the most part by using clean and dry shrink fit chucks.

The linear unit must be cleaned when dirty to retain its functionality and ease of operation. The guide rods can be oiled with a drop of resin-free oil, or else lightly saturate the felt on the carriage.

Speed Cooler

If your model has a Speed Cooler, it is essential to ensure that the fins of the air-cooled condenser are kept clean to ensure proper functioning of the cooling unit. Ambient air that contains oil, in connection with dust, leads to the condenser fins getting dirty more quickly. The cleaning should be done at regular intervals, especially in a dusty environment.

• Remove dust from the cooling fins with a hand brush
• Carefully blow out the areas between the cooling fins with compressed air
• Ensure when doing this that you do not bend the cooling fins.

Solvents and liquids can affect the proper functioning and safety of the cooler. If the dirt sticks firmly, then you should have the cleaning done by a HAIMER professional.

We recommend the use of the cooling manager. The cooling manager switches the Speed Cooler on and off automatically as required. It is then impossible to accidentially leave the unit on. 

• Running time of the Speed Cooler is reduced
• Service intervals can be extended
• Life of the Speed Cooler is lengthened

UNO and VIO Presetters

To maintain accuracy on presetters, the camera lenses should be cleaned using a soft, lint-free, dry or slightly moist cloth. Never use aggressive solvents such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, acetone or similar media. This will damage the plastic parts or the seals (scrapers). Lightly oil the spindle and adapter at regular intervals to avoid rust and to guarantee smooth running. You should also ensure that the spindle and the adapter are free of dirt and that the bearing surface is clean before using.

Tool Dynamic Balancing Machine

Balancers don't require a lot of work, but neglecting the maintenance of this equipment can affect the operation of the unit, which may impact your day-to-day use. Keeping proper points lubricated is key. 

• Keep the contact faces of the clamping adapter clean and covered with a fine film of oil
• When fitting a new clamping adapter, clean the contact faces of the spindle and the clamping adapter and cover them with a fine film of oil
• Drain the water separator of the compressed air maintenance unit every month

These simple tips can pay real dividends in keeping your HAIMER equipment running like new. If you run into problems, or if it is time for more complex maintenance procedures, contact us to schedule a visit by a HAIMER service technician. 

Any questions? Contact us for details on repairs, training, installations and more HAIMER services.