Things to consider when purchasing a new or used CNC Machine

Machine Shops, Manufacturers and anyone else that is looking at the purchase of a new or used CNC machine needed a short outline of considerations or questions they should be able to answer before they even started looking. 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 machine manufacturer, importer or distributor.

These are by no means the only considerations, but I think it will give a good outline to begin in the search for a new machine.

1. Determine what is the correct machine for what you want to do
a. Size of working envelope
b. Horsepower required
c. Compatibility to your current cad-cam software
d. Speeds/Cycle times
e. How many axis do I need
f. What kind of speeds do I need
g. Machine dimensions/footprint
h. Machine power requirements
i. Price range
j. Support required

2. What manufacturers make a machine like you want to purchase – You get what you pay for - so keep that in mind.
a. Where are they located – how close is the dealer
b. Check out the tool changer as this is a source of problems
c. Tolerances
d. Spindle speed
e. Maintenance issues
f. Rigidity
g. Service department reputation
h. Parts availability – do they need to order from overseas?
i. Online Manuals?
j. Lead Times
k. Price
l. Tooling availability
m. Warranty

3. Controllers
a. What control is available with the machine selected
b. Is my cad-cam software compatible with that controller
c. Controller memory
d. Program management
e. Macro Programming
f. Tool Life Management

4. Financing
a. Will you need to finance the machine
b. Does the manufacturer/distributor offer financing
c. Should I do bank financing
d. Financing Types
i. Loan
ii. Rental Program
iii. Flexible Payment Structures
iv. Capitol Lease / Lease Purchase
v. Tax Lease
vi. Non Tax Lease
vii. Promissory note /security agreement
viii. Step up / step down payments
ix. Many others

To start your search for the perfect machine or tool you need or to find manufacturers, importers and suppliers try looking in http://www.onlinetoolshow.com.

Article Source: http://www.mycontentbuilder.com

Jim Mathieson - www.onlinetoolshow.com www.onlinetoolshow.com/online-tool-show-advertising.aspx 401-a Governor's Highway South Windsor, CT, USA 06074 (860)290-8444

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