Macrotec Machine Tools Ltd

1. Make sure it is the right machine for the job. Weight is a good indicator of the rigidity of the machine. For heavy cutting, check the power in the spindle is adequate. For drilling, check the axes drives, particularly the x axis drives. If you plan to do mold and die work, check the speed of transmission, a powerful processor is required to achieve high cutting speeds.

2. The age of the machine is not as important as the number of cutting hours. For a normal 5 day a week 10 hour shift, a machine would register approximately 2600 cutting hours per year. Check the waste bin to determine the type of materials the machine has been used for. The general machine appearance, the paintwork and the condition of the guards are a good indication of the value of the machine

3. Check the dimensions of the machine carefully. Will it fit in your workshop? Is it too high to go through the door? Is it too heavy for the floor?

4. Is the machine tool manufacturer still in business to ensure spares are still available? A well known make will hold its value longer.

5. Check the electrical parts are all from the same supplier e.g. Fanuc, for easier maintenance and sourcing spares.

6. Check the Health and Safety issues. Make sure the guarding is intact and the door interlocking mechanism is working.

7. Remove the guards and check the slide ways are in good condition, clean and smooth and well lubricated to guarantee accuracy.

8. 8. Read the maintenance history. Check that the maintenance regime has been regular and well monitored, particularly with regard to lubricants. Watch out for any recurring problems and make sure they have been properly resolved. Take a look at the original manuals. A good indication of the service history is the state of the manuals. Are they clean and in good condition or well thumbed and covered in oil? Another good indicator of previous trouble with the machine is the interface cabinet. Is the wiring still neatly in place or is it hanging out all over the place as evidence that someone has had to open the wiring looms to trace a fault? Check for evidence of oil leaks on the floor or in the coolant and pockets of oil in the machine.

9. Look for evidence of damage that could be caused by a crash. In the case of a CNC lathe look for damage to the chuck or turret. In the case of a CNC machining centre, check the table and the spindle nose.

10. If possible talk to the operator of the machine to find out how easy it is to use it.