Metal-Cutting Machine Distributors

Find a metal-cutting machine distributor for your manual, laser or CNC machine
By Meredith McGhan Whether you'll be using hand-held hydraulic or pneumatic shears or a low-precision grinder or a high-precision cutter, chances are you'll eventually need to seek out metal-cutting machine distributors. At some point in the manufacturing process, most metal items require cutting.
 

Hundreds of metal-cutting machine distributors supply laser metal-cutting machines, CNC machines and other metal-cutting equipment to industries across the country. Some of these distributors also manufacture metal-cutting machines and offer to service them. When checking out distributors for metal-cutting machines, keep a number of things in mind.

1. Look for distributors that offer many brands and types of metal-cutting machines. They're likely to know a breadth of information about the available options.

2. Check out machine distributors that also manufacture metal-cutting machines. They'll have a depth of knowledge about their products inside and out.

3. Find distributors who sell used metal-cutting machines. Buying a product used can save your business money.

Find a metal-cutting machine distributor offering multiple brands

Some distributors deal with a wide variety of manufacturers and models, so if you're looking for CNC machine distributors, for example, you might find one that also distributes a laser metal-cutting machine and other cutting equipment. Usually their salespeople can help you figure out what you need if you don't already know.
Try: Download Westbrook Engineering's brochure for metal fabricating products, including metal-cutting laser machines and CNC machines. Foremost Machinery Corporation's online catalog gives pictures and descriptions of their different metal-cutting machines.

Look for a metal-cutting machine distributor that manufactures machines

A machine distributor who manufactures the cutting machine they distribute will know the machine very well. Consumers require quality assurance from manufacturers or the brand won't survive. Usually, a manufacturer that's also a distributor will send technicians to your place of business if a cutting machine needs service.
Try: Esco Tool manufactures and distributes tools for cutting metal pipes. Gensco Equipment makes and distributes hand-held hydraulic cutting tools, shears and other metal-cutting products.

Consider buying used metal-cutting equipment

As long as it's in good condition, you can't go wrong buying a used metal-cutting machine if you want to save a little money. Just make sure it's under warranty and has complete service records.
Try: Cragg Machine Tool, Inc. has a number of used metal-cutting machines available on their inventory web page. Advanced Jones Machine Co. specializes in used cut-off machinery for metal-cutting applications.

• Go to trade shows where metal-cutting machine distributors will showcase their products. Gather brochures and business cards to make connections with distributors.
• If you belong to a professional association, ask other members to recommend metal-cutting machine distributors they've used.