Considerations when purchasing a new
or used CNC Machine
At the
Online Tool Show
we were trying to create something useful for machinists,
machine shops, machine buyers and manufacturers that are
considering purchasing a new or used CNC machine
or even a
manual machine, so I did a little research and came up with
a short outline of considerations.
Some of these points you
probably already know, some of them may jog your memory, and
others will give ideas for more questions you should be
asking your CNC or manual machine manufacturer, importer,
OEM or distributor.
These are by no means the only
considerations, but I think they give a good starting point
in your search for the perfect new or used CNC machine
for your shop or factory.
Determine what is the correct machine for what you
want to do
Size of working envelope
Horsepower required
Compatibility to your current cad-cam
software
Speeds/Cycle times
How many axis do I need
What kind of speeds do I need
Machine dimensions/footprint
Machine power requirements
Price range
Support required
What manufacturers make a
machine like what you want to purchase
-
"You get what you pay
for"
-
so keep that in mind.
Where are they located - how close is
the dealer
Check out the tool changer as this is a
source of problems
Tolerances
Spindle speed
Maintenance issues
Rigidity
Service department reputation
Parts availability - do they need to
order from overseas?
Online Manuals?
Lead Times
Price
Tooling availability
Warranty
Controllers
What control is available with the
machine selected
is there a conversational mode available
Is my cad-cam software compatible with
that controller
Controller memory
Program management
Macro Programming
Financing
Will you need to finance the machine
Does the manufacturer/distributor offer
financing
Should I do bank financing
Financing Types
Loan
Program
Flexible Payment
Structures
Capitol Lease /
Lease Purchase
Tax Lease
Non Tax Lease
Promissory note
/security agreement
Step up / step
down payments
Many
others
Tool Life Management
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