Benefits of Investing in Used CNC Machines
CNC machinery is ideal for all machine shops. It can be appropriate for most manufacturing units, too, as modern manufacturing has a lot of crossover between the two.
The choice of buying a CNC machine might be left to an individual or made by an organization.
There are distinct advantages to purchasing quality used CNC machines. Just like other machines, a CNC machine loses 25% of its initial worth during the first year of ownership. However, there might not be any technical issues or performance loss. In that case, a good-quality CNC machine bought from a CNC machine auction can cost you 35% to 50% less than a new one.
The question is, should you buy a new or used CNC machine? How can you predict whether a CNC machine will last a long time? How do you know if the machine merchant is trustworthy?
Well, you can’t.
Used CNC machines can improve your assembly line as much as a new machine; it all depends on where you purchase the machine and who the seller is.
Value
Whether you should purchase a used CNC machine depends on value, not cost. If you can add capability or capacity to your shop for half the cost of a new machine, you should think about it. You can save a ton of money. The new machine might be smooth and shiny right now, but it will get messy with use, just like a pre-owned machine. A used CNC machine can provide equal or better value.
Availability
The immediacy of the need is often the driving factor behind the search for a used CNC machine. Finding new machines can take months, which you don’t have. In such a situation, a used CNC machine is the best option. Ordinarily, a used CNC machine can be in your factory and at work in seven to 10 days, even when you perform a complete machine assessment to guarantee that you’re purchasing quality.
Performance
When you buy used CNC machinery, you can afford other machines, too, including higher-efficiency alternatives like live tooling, larger tool changers, automation, or even a higher-capacity machine. The investment is far lower than with new CNC machinery.
Machine Maintenance
This factor can’t be emphasized enough: The reason some used CNC machines are worth more than new machines is that some machine merchants know the best approach to refurbishing a CNC machine.
There are major differences between a machine that has been fixed and one that has been refurbished or retooled. They are quality, nature of work, longer running time, quicker RPM rates, etc. Repurposed CNC machines that seem like new are often operated for many additional years.
The CNC vendor who can take an older model and refurbish it to suit the current standard is a seller who’s worth keeping in your contact list. They will have exclusive contacts who can help you find a machine that will work wonderfully. Furthermore, they’ll be able to offer better support for your currently owned machines.
You purchase machines in order to expand your capability and make your business more profitable. Make sure you’re buying a machine you can trust, from a vendor you can trust. A reliable machine seller will also provide you with documentation detailing the maintenance history of the machine. It will include any recent refurbishments, like new parts, paint jobs, oil changes, etc.
So, how do you purchase a pre-owned machine?
Step 1) Find a trustworthy machine seller with a manufacturing company, or a sales rep with prior experience in sourcing and selling machines who is well acquainted with used machinery and used industrial equipment auctions.
Step 2) Explain your main issues and difficulties with choosing a machine.
Step 3) Discuss your aptitude level and that of your factory to understand how much help you’ll need in finding and acquiring a suitable used CNC machine.
Step 4) Explore multiple options for backing your purchase so you can keep your cash reserves for unforeseen tooling, material, or installation costs. The machine seller should be acquainted with overhead costs such as cargo, repairs, and transport.
Conclusion
With many available alternatives and a network of machine sellers, you can get all the assistance you need in finding a CNC machine that matches your manufacturing processes, capacity, cost, and scale.
By working with certified sales reps and resellers, you can rest assured that your machine will be up and running from the day you get it to your facility.
