Machinery Inspections

The best way to purchase a used piece of machinery is to see it under power and in use.  This is not always possible due the fact that many times it has been moved from the facility where it was making parts and into storage somewhere.  If you are working with a reputable dealer they will typically offer you two solutions to this problem:

1. They will arrange to hook up the machine to power and to run it in order to demonstrate that it is fully functional and in good working condition.  This will tell you 90% of what you need to know about a machine’s condition.  You can check spindle runout, backlash compensation and listen to all of the axes for thrust bearing issues (listen to these in full rapid mode).
2. They will guarantee the machine to be in good operating condition and fully functional.  This is the case many times when a machine has multiple parts and is too costly to hookup (ie. a laser or waterjet).  This arrangement is fine as long as you know that you are dealing with a reputable dealer.  The guarantee is only as good as the dealer making it!

A word of warning on buying machinery that has been pushed into the corner of a shop and not run for months or years – DO NOT buy it unless you are purchasing it at a substantial reduction off market price.  In my experience whenever I have purchased a machine that “was running a couple months ago” there have always been problems in getting that machine up and running.  From missing boards to lost parameters there will be unforeseen costs that you will incur in putting the equipment back into production.

Please feel free to call us at anytime if you have questions regarding any of the above.  We are always happy to help….free of charge and with no strings attached.  714-545-0940

Haas VF3 CNC Vertical Machining Center ST2065

CNC/Fabrication Equipment, USED VS. NEW: TOP 3 REASONS PRE-OWNED IS BETTER

1.       Price:    When purchasing equipment it is possible to realize a savings of 30% - 80% in the cost of used versus new machinery.  This reduced price translates into less cost associated with each part that machine produces and hence, more profit.  This allows a shop to be more profitable or quote their jobs more competitively – either way it means can mean a healthier company.

2.       Availability:       New equipment (especially larger pieces) is often not available immediately and sometimes may be three to nine months out before it can be delivered.  If good used equipment can be located, it is typically available right away and can be installed and making parts within days.

3.       Reliability:          Good used equipment has often been making quality parts for years and its capabilities are known and documented.  New equipment that has not been proven can sometimes be unable to perform as represented.

The bottom line is that purchasing Good Quality Used Equipment can many times be a great business decision.  The key is to make certain that the equipment you purchase is represented properly and meets your expectations.  That will be the topic of next week’s Blog…..