As you grow your business, you need to
have the right tools to keep it growing. In manufacturing, having the
right tools may mean having a CNC milling machine. If you don't have
a CNC machine already, buying one may feel like a big investment you
can't afford right now. Buying a used machine will make your budget
happier. Before you buy a used machine, you need to look for certain
things.
1. Machine Hours
The more hours that the machine has
logged, the more work it has done. Those hours can be hard on the
machine and all its components. You need to know how many hours it
has logged, as well as how many of those hours were used on various
kinds of materials. Some materials are harder to work than others and
will have caused more wear and tear on the machine.
2. Service Records
You also need copies of all service
records for the machine. You need to see how often it has been
serviced as well as how often various parts have been replaced. The
records should also tell you what kind of parts were put into the
machine, such as OEM parts or aftermarket parts. Each type of CNC
machine has standards as to how often it needs servicing, and the
records should reflect them.
3. Self-Inspection
Watching the machine work will let you
see how well it works, if it sticks anywhere, and if the machine
performs the jobs it should. While you watch it work, you should also
listen to the machine. You don't want to hear anything that sounds
like it grinds or rubs because that indicates the machine may have a
problem.
4. Resale Values
You want to make sure that you get the
best value for your dollar. You also want to make sure that you don't
pay more than you need to. Checking into the original sales price of
the make and model machine that you are interested in as well as the
average resale price can give you a good idea as to how much to pay
for the machine you want.
5. Types of Jobs
Before you buy, you need to know what
kinds of jobs you plan to use the machine for. Since it is an
investment, you will likely want it to make money for you. Think
about how the machine can fit into your current jobs and what kinds
of work the machine can take over. If you only buy it for one or two
things and don't use it for the rest of the time, it may be a waste
of your money.
6.
Inspections
As you narrow down your choices to the
machines you are most interested in, you should have a service
company inspect the unit for you. They will check on the wear on the
machine to see if what the service records say agree with what the
machine itself says. The service tech can also go more in-depth about
the machine than what the service records say. That will give you the
best info.
When you buy a used CNC machine, we
at Quad Fluid
Dynamics, Inc.
, can help you. We can look over the machine
to see that it is in good working order. We can also set up a
maintenance plan for the machine once it is in your facility so that
your investment will keep running. We know that growing your business
is important, and we want to help you grow and be a stronger
business. Call us to learn more, including with any questions you
have.
