Author: Win Zhang Publish Time: 2026-01-30 Origin: Jinan Shilai Technology Co., Ltd.
A Leather Cutting Machine is a significant investment for any production line. Unlike cutting synthetic fabrics, cutting natural leather generates a specific type of dust—often sticky due to the oils and tanning agents in the hide. If left unchecked, this can lead to precision errors and mechanical failure.
To ensure your machine continues to deliver the best ROI, a strict maintenance routine is non-negotiable. This guide outlines the essential daily and periodic steps to keep your equipment running like new.
Preventative care starts the moment the shift ends. A 10-minute routine can save hours of repair time later.
Leather dust is heavier and stickier than textile lint.
The Action: Use a compressed air gun to blow dust off the Guide Rails and Rack and Pinion gears.
Critical Spot: Pay special attention to the Vacuum Table holes. If these get clogged with leather scraps, suction power drops, causing the hide to shift during cutting.
A dull blade is dangerous to both the material and the machine.
The Action: Inspect the oscillating knife tip before every shift.
The Sign: If you see "furry" edges on the leather or if the machine sounds louder than usual during a cut, the blade is dull. Replace it immediately to prevent strain on the motor.
Beyond daily cleaning, your machine requires weekly and monthly attention to maintain its micron-level precision.
Lubrication: The X, Y, and Z-axis rails need to be lubricated regularly. Use the manufacturer-recommended grease (avoid light oils that drip). This ensures smooth movement and prevents "jittery" cuts.
Calibration: Over time, belts can stretch slightly. Perform a monthly Orthogonality Check (checking if the X and Y axes are perfectly square). If your square cuts are coming out as parallelograms, recalibration is needed.
The Logic: Digital cutting is software-driven.
The Action: Check for updates for your nesting and control software. Manufacturers often release updates that optimize the cutting path algorithms, making the machine faster and smoother without changing any hardware.
Even with the best maintenance, issues can arise. Here is how to troubleshoot common problems with your Leather Cutting Machine.
Possible Cause: The table surface may be uneven, or the air pressure is too low.
Solution: First, check the air pressure gauge. If normal, perform a "Depth Test" and adjust the knife depth setting in the software. You may need to resurface the felt mat if it is worn out.
Possible Cause: Dull blade or wrong vibration frequency.
Solution: Replace the blade. If the blade is new, increase the oscillation frequency (RPM) of the knife tool. Leather requires high-frequency vibration to cut cleanly.
Possible Cause: Weak vacuum suction.
Solution: Check the vacuum pump filters. They are likely clogged with leather dust. Clean or replace the filters to restore full suction power.
The lifespan of your Leather Cutting Machine is directly tied to how well you treat it. By implementing a disciplined cleaning schedule and reacting quickly to signs of wear, you ensure that your production line remains efficient, safe, and profitable.
Need spare parts or professional service?Don't wait for a breakdown. Contact our support team today for genuine blades, felt mats, and expert maintenance advice.
Q: How often should I lubricate the guide rails?
A: For a machine running a standard 8-hour shift, we recommend cleaning and lubricating the guide rails once a week. If you run 24/7, this should be done every 2-3 days.
Q: Why is my machine making a loud noise when cutting?
A: Loud noises usually indicate mechanical friction or a dull blade forcing its way through the leather. Stop the machine immediately, check the blade sharpness, and inspect the rails for debris.
Q: Can I use third-party blades?
A: While possible, we strongly recommend using genuine parts. Cheap blades often have poor steel quality, which dulls quickly and can damage the tool head holder due to vibration imbalances.
