Free CNC machine daily inspection checklist

• The MapTrack CNC machine daily inspection checklist contains 30 checks across 8 sections. Sections covered: Spindle & Tooling, Axes & Way Covers, Lubrication & Coolant, Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems, Guarding & Interlocks, Emergency Stops, Electrical & Control, Housekeeping.
• Reg 213 puts the manufacturer's recommendations first, then a competent person's if there are none. It sets no daily check; that is site practice.
• Test every guard interlock and emergency stop at pre-start. Reg 208 sets the order of guard types, and AS/NZS 4024.1604:2019 covers emergency stop design.
• Reg 210 requires operator controls to be located or guarded against unintended activation, and able to be locked off to disconnect all motive power.
• A machine with a bypassed interlock or a failed emergency stop is tagged out and reported, not run.
• After a crash, tool breakage or any change to guarding, run a targeted inspection before the machine goes back into production.

Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.

Doing daily checks on CNC machines? See asset tracking software for manufacturing for each machine's checks and services on its own record.

• Spindle reliability: detect abnormal vibration, runout and bearing noise before they cause tool breakage or poor surface finish.
• Guard and interlock assurance: verify all safety guards are in place and interlocks are functional, preventing operator access to moving parts during the cutting cycle.
• Coolant system hygiene: check coolant level, concentration and condition to prevent bacterial growth, corrosion and inadequate chip flushing.
• Lubrication protection: confirm way lube, spindle oil and hydraulic fluid levels are correct, preventing premature wear of precision guideways and bearings.
• Emergency stop confidence: test all e-stop buttons to confirm they halt all machine motion immediately, giving operators confidence in the safety system.
• Quality consistency: a machine that has been properly inspected and warmed up produces more consistent dimensional accuracy and surface finish from the first part.

• Machine and operator details: machine number, type (lathe, mill, turning centre, 5-axis), make, model, serial number, CNC control type, operator name, competency reference, date and shift.
• Spindle and spindle motor: visual and auditory check for abnormal vibration or bearing noise, spindle taper condition, drawbar tension (if applicable), spindle orientation function.
• Axis movement and way covers: jog each axis through its full travel and listen for abnormal noise or binding. Check way covers for damage, chip accumulation underneath and correct sealing.
• Tool holder and ATC: inspect tool holder tapers for fretting, nicks and contamination. Cycle the automatic tool changer through a tool change and verify correct seating and retention. Check the tool magazine for loose or missing tools.
• Coolant system: coolant level, concentration (refractometer reading), colour and odour. Check pump operation, nozzle aim, filter condition and chip conveyor function.
• Lubrication system: way lube reservoir level, spindle oil level (if separate), hydraulic fluid level, grease points (if manual). Check the lubrication pump indicator for correct cycle.
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems: hydraulic pressure gauge reading, air pressure gauge reading, regulator and filter condition, chuck or fixture clamping pressure.
• Safety guards and interlocks: door interlocks (guard closed = machine can run, guard open = machine stops), chuck guard (lathe), chip shield, splash guard condition.
• Emergency stops and controls: test each e-stop button location (operator panel, rear of machine, pendant). Verify the control panel power-on sequence, mode selector (auto, manual, MDI) and feed hold function.
• Defect register and sign-off: item, description, severity, corrective action, responsible person, due date, operator signature and supervisor acknowledgement.

1. Record machine identification and operator details at the top of the form.

   Note the machine number, type, make, model, serial number, CNC control type, date, shift and your name and competency reference. Confirm you have completed the required training for the machine type. Record any relevant conditions such as ambient temperature, which can affect machine warm-up accuracy on precision work.

2. Power on the machine, home all axes and perform a visual walk-around inspection.

   Power on the CNC control and follow the manufacturer home sequence for all axes. While the machine is homing, walk around it and inspect the exterior for leaks, damaged way covers, loose panels and chip accumulation. Check that the work area is clear of tools, rags and loose items. Inspect the chuck or vice for damage and cleanliness.

3. Check all fluid levels, coolant condition and lubrication systems.

   Check the coolant tank level and top up if required. Use a refractometer to verify coolant concentration is within the manufacturer specification (typically 5-10%). Check coolant colour and odour for signs of bacterial contamination. Verify way lube reservoir level, spindle oil level and hydraulic fluid level. Confirm the lubrication pump cycle indicator is operating correctly. Check the air pressure gauge and regulator setting.

4. Jog each axis, run the spindle, cycle the tool changer and test work-holding.

   In manual mode, jog each axis through its full travel at low feed rate and listen for abnormal noise, vibration or binding. Run the spindle at low RPM and listen for bearing noise. Cycle the automatic tool changer through a complete tool change and verify correct tool seating. Clamp a test piece in the chuck or vice and verify clamping pressure is adequate. Check for hydraulic or pneumatic leaks during clamping.

5. Test all safety guards, interlocks, emergency stops and control functions.

   Close the main guard door and verify the interlock allows the machine to run. Open the guard door during a test cycle (dry run, no workpiece) and confirm the machine stops immediately. Press each emergency stop button and verify all motion ceases. Reset each e-stop and confirm the machine recovers correctly. Test the feed hold button, mode selector switch and spindle override dial.

6. Record all defects, determine the overall result and sign off the form.

   Document every failed item with a description, severity rating and corrective action. Any safety-critical defect, such as a bypassed guard interlock, non-functional emergency stop, spindle bearing failure or hydraulic leak on the chuck clamping system, means the machine must not be operated until the defect is rectified. Attach a Do Not Operate tag, lock out the machine isolator and notify the supervisor and maintenance team. Sign the form and submit it for review and retention.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.

• Model WHS Regulations (Safe Work Australia)
• ISO 9001:2026, Quality management systems requirements (ISO catalogue)
• AS 4024 series, Safety of machinery (Standards Australia listing)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

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