Machine tool maintenance: extending service life through prevention and rebuilding

Machine tools play a central role in all industrial production activities. In sectors such as turned parts, precision machining and general mechanics, their performance determines productivity, quality and lead times. But like all equipment, these machines age, lose precision or break down. Manufacturers then have two options: preventive maintenance or complete rebuild (retrofit).

Based in the Arve Valley, the historic cradle of bar turning, SAMO has established itself as a leading player in the renovation and rebuilding of industrial machine tools. Specialising in the retrofitting and resale of used machine tools, the company rebuilds multi-spindle lathes and centreless grinding machines.

Preventive maintenance: a proactive strategy

What is preventive maintenance?

Preventive maintenance aims to avoid breakdowns by anticipating wear and tear. It is based on regular interventions such as lubricating mechanical parts, replacing worn parts, checking clearances and checking geometric accuracy. This approach is often adopted as part of internal or outsourced maintenance contracts.

Limitations of maintenance on older machine tools

While this strategy works well on recent equipment or equipment in good condition, it has its limitations on older or heavily used machines. When structural components (slides, spindles, drive systems) are deeply worn, simple maintenance is no longer sufficient. Performance drops, tolerances are no longer met, and downtime becomes frequent. In these cases, only a complete rebuild can restore optimal operation.

Machine tool retrofitting: an economical and efficient alternative

Definition and benefits

Machine tool rebuilding, or retrofitting, involves thoroughly renovating an old machine to restore or improve its original performance. It is a particularly cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new machine: the frame, jigs and tools are retained, while benefiting from refurbished or modernised components. Precision and reliability are restored, and compliance with safety standards can be ensured.

Why choose machine tool rebuilding?

There are many benefits to retrofitting:

Restoring original performance (speed, precision, reliability)
Extending the service life of production equipment without disrupting existing operations
Modernising functions (adding variable speed drives, automation, electrical or ergonomic upgrades)

SAMO: experts in retrofitting multi-spindle lathes and centreless grinding machines

Specialising in multi-spindle lathes

SAMO works exclusively on machine tools such as multi-spindle lathes from brands such as TORNOS, WICKMAN, GILDEMEISTER and PITTLER. Each project is unique: the spindles, slides, clutches and controls are dismantled, overhauled or replaced depending on their condition.

Renovation of centreless grinding machines

Centreless grinding machines occupy a strategic position in finishing lines. SAMO is skilled in the renovation of machines such as ROSSI, LIDKOPING and STUDER: tolerance adjustment, guide grinding, bearing replacement and hydraulic circuit reconstruction.

SAMO methodology

Each retrofit follows a rigorous procedure:

After complete disassembly, the components are cleaned, machined or replaced. Particular care is taken with fine adjustments to restore the original tolerances. Finally, the machines are tested under conditions

On-site inspection and corrective maintenance

On-site diagnosis and inspection

On-site geometric checks, wear measurements and machine condition analyses are crucial steps prior to a retrofit. However, these operations are not carried out directly by SAMO: they are entrusted to partners or carried out by the customer before the machine is removed.

Targeted troubleshooting and adjustments: corrective maintenance in brief

When a machine tool breaks down unexpectedly, rapid intervention is required to restore its operation: this is known as corrective maintenance. It includes diagnosing the fault, replacing defective parts and restarting the machine. This type of maintenance is often associated with emergency management and can lead to prolonged production downtime if not properly anticipated.

When maintenance is no longer sufficient, machine tool rebuilding is the most sustainable and cost-effective solution. SAMO supports demanding manufacturers in the rebuilding and purchase of machine tools. Discover our multi-spindle lathes and used grinding machines, offering a high level of precision, traceability and performance.

Contact SAMO for a diagnosis of your equipment and a technical proposal tailored to your production requirements.