Buying Used CNC Machinery

Save money buying used CNC equipment for your business
By Gennifer Harding-Gosnell Computer numeric control machinery (CNC) is one of the most important purchases a production business owner makes. Many small companies and individual owners consider purchasing CNC equipment used rather than spending a fortune buying new machines.

The benefits of buying used CNC machinery include:

1. The purchase price of used computer numeric control machinery is about 50% less than the cost of buying new equipment.

2. Electronic parts on CNC machine tools are easy to replace and do not change the quality of the product when they start to fail, like mechanical parts that wear down over time; replacing electronic parts makes CNC machines “new” again.

3. Vendors selling used CNC machinery provide customer service and replacement parts with the same standards of quality as CNC machine manufacturers and vendors selling new products.

4. Many used CNC machinery suppliers offer different financing options, which include loans, refinancing and leases.

Identify the type of CNC machinery you need for your business

Research suppliers of CNC machinery online to see who sells it used. Look at the online catalogs of various CNC manufacturers and sellers to determine which products best fit your company's needs.
Try:  To see pictures and descriptions of CNC equipment, review the product catalog at Foremost Machinery Corporation. LOCATOR Services, Inc. searches across the entire country for information about CNC machinery for resale. Search for the specific CNC equipment you need, or search for a specific dealer by name or location.

Compare different used CNC machinery suppliers

Look for variations in purchase prices, warranties, payment options, repair services and shipping and installation practices.
Try:  Premier Equipment, Inc. offers quotes and financing information online. CNC Locator of Texas and CNC Electornics specialize in used replacement parts for all major CNC manufacturers' brands like General Electric and Bendix.

Inspect CNC machinery yourself before final purchase

Computer numerical control machinery is too expensive and the repairs too costly to be purchasing items you haven't physically seen. If you aren't very knowledgeable about CNC equipment, get a qualified technician to inspect the machine for you.
Try:  ABL Technology offers a list of service contacts around the country. CNC machine manufacturers like Fanuc Robotics have repair service technicians available specific to their products.

Learn to fix your own CNC equipment

Becoming a certified CNC technician yourself or promoting an employee to the job will save you money in the future not having to pay enormous labor fees and travel expenses. Used CNC machines may need a bit more TLC than new equipment and paying a contractor can become costly.
Try:  Tooling University LLC offers online classes with a yearly subscription and lets you take a trial class for free. CNC Concepts Inc. provides a list of schools nationwide that offer in-class technician training.

• If you're not an expert on computer numerical control machinery, it is safer to look at purchasing "refurbished" CNC equipment, rather than "used." Refurbished products have been inspected, cleaned, repaired and repainted and usually carry a warranty to cover any reconditioning.