Whenever you move machinery it is important to properly prepare the equipment. Whatever moves during normal operation and or is loose (like control consoles, pendants etc.) needs to be secured during transport. Prepping a VMC is a very simple process especially if you have kept (and located) the original shipping brackets. You also should contact your machines manufacturer to get proper instruction which was likely provided to you in your user or maintenance manuals that were originally supplied with your machine. Certainly any deviations your manufacturer may have from our recommendations below should be followed closely to ensure your equipment is not damaged in the moving process. 
 
There are some basic supplies that you will need and most will be available right in the shop you are preparing the machinery in. A quick list would be:
  1. Zip Ties to secure doors, loose cables and hoses.
  2. Tarp(s) to cover machine as necessary
  3. Shrink wrap to wrap machine tight.
  4. Packing Tape 
  5. Bubble Wrap
  6. Scrap Cardboard
  7. 4X4's and 2X4's as necessary to block axis. (2' - 4' lengths are fine)
  8. Saw to cut wood to size 
  9. Hammer & Nails or Wood Screws and Driver
  10. Boxes for Manuals, Spare Parts, Tooling and Software.
  11. WD-40 or Equivalent Anti-Rust Spray
Now that you have your supplies together you can begin preparing the machine. Follow the below steps closely to ensure you have performed the proper steps in sequence BEFORE pulling power. 
  1. Drain all coolant and remove chips from inside machine. Remove, wrap in bubble wrap and box all tooling. Wipe out work area of machine. 
  2. Remove coolant pans and chip conveyor, clean and dry thoroughly
  3. If equipped with shipping bracket, bolt bracket near center of table and lower spindle to align locking bolt hole with VMC with Shipping Bracketbracket. Bolt to secure in place (See photo).
    1. If NOT equipped with a shipping bracket position table to the furthest forward position and using 4X4's and 2X4's Block table AND saddle against column to prevent movement during shipping. You may need to remove way covers to access a solid area to brace against. DO NOT put pressure on way covers as they will dent and bend easily. Next position head (tooling removed) close to bottom of travel (lowest position) and place blocks between spindle housing (NOT SPINDLE) and table. Lower spindle remainder of the way until the blocks are secured under the weight of the head.
  4. Now Shut down and unhook power and air from machine.
  5. Use shrink wrap, bubble wrap, packing tape and cardboard to cover control face and protect it from damage. Secure control against machine. Remove and pack any other loose items.
  6. Take photos, inside and out showing machine is secure AND dry.
  7. Box manuals, spare parts, tooling, consumables and anything else going with the machine. Photo each box before closing inventorying contents. Place inside cabin under the table. 
  8. Secure doors and tie wrap handles together. 
  9. Take more photos. 
  10. Cover machine with tarp & shrink wrap in place (NOTE: THIS IS NOT IN LIEU OF TARPING THE LOAD ON THE TRUCK, ALL MACHINERY MUST BE TARPED BY DRIVER ONCE LOADED).
  11. Once loaded on the truck ensure driver tarps/covers machine. 
  12. Photo:
    1. Load on truck tarped.
    2. Drivers door of truck with trucking company name and DOT numbers.
    3. Signed BOL WITH Drivers cell number (Not Dispatchers Number).
At Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales, Inc. we pride ourselves in helping our customers get the most value for and securely relocate their investment of machinery.  Whether this is your first machinery move or one of many we are here to help should you have any questions.  Call us at 813-444-4555 or visit us on the web at www.southernfabsales.com for more detailed information on machinery moving and many other useful subjects related to manufacturing.