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24
ITAtube Journal No2/September 2013
Companies
Lower investment volume, ade-
quate production capacity – the ar-
guments for buying a second-hand
machine are obvious. But when is
the purchase of a used machine ac-
tually cost-effective?
Particularly in the case of complex
tube bending machines, there is a
whole range of factors determin-
ing the efficiency of using a sec-
ond-hand system. That is because
the sophisticated plant technol-
ogy cannot be simply dismantled
and reconstructed to produce new
components in a different compa-
ny. “Detailed questions of compo-
nent geometry, material and output
quantity have a decisive impact on
the possible applications of the
machine,” explains Hartmut Stöhr,
Managing Director of bending ma-
chine specialist Schwarze-Robitec.
Exceptionally High Risks
Nevertheless, machines are bought
due to economic considerations
without consulting the manufactur-
er time and again. Initial testing
takes place only on the new produc-
tion site. “Before buying, it should
at least be ensured that the machine
actually works properly. The control
must show no errors, the mechan-
ics must not be worn and the ma-
chine must be complete in terms of
its components,” Schwarze-Robitec
Managing Director Bert Zorn points
out perhaps the simplest basic con-
ditions. “It must then be presented
in test mode, in order to be able to
clarify for example that all of the
axles still work properly. However,
these criteria are really the absolute
minimum and they are adequate in
only the rarest of cases.” Ultimately,
Schwarze-Robitec therefore recom-
mends asking at some point before
any investment decision. The man-
ufacturer can look at his records to
see exactly which machine is being
offered. In addition to the delivery
condition and the exact age of the
machine, he can then also provide
statements about whether the ma-
chine has undergone regular main-
tenance by the manufacturer. “This
is at least an initial indication of
the current condition of the plant,”
explains Bert Zorn.
Focus on Safety Technology in the
Case of Second-Hand Machines
Of course, these indicators also
provide no absolute guarantee. The
ideal way when buying second-hand
machines is therefore to buy from
the original manufacturer. As well
as factory-tested second-hand ma-
chines, Schwarze-Robitec also sup-
plies reconditioned machines. They
are restored to mint condition by
the manufacturer and are compliant
with the current safety regulations.
This is a very important topic, par-
ticularly when buying a second-hand
machine. If machines display no CE
marking and their safety technol-
ogy is incomplete, they must not
be placed in operation. The issue
of spares is of similar importance
when buying a second-hand ma-
chine. Here, of course, the older the
machine, the less reliable our stock.
Generally, only the machine manu-
facturer is able to say whether it is
still possible to obtain vital compo-
nents in case of damage.
Better Brand New?
The question remains: In which
case should a second-hand ma-
chine be avoided and a completely
new system chosen? In the view of
the specialists, the product range
and daily use of the machine are
critical. “If no series parts are to
be produced and enough time is
scheduled for maintenance and re-
pair, a second-hand machine is cer-
tainly an option that can be consid-
ered,” Managing Director Bert Zorn
states. “However, if production is
dependent on a high level of avail-
ability of the plant and you want to
benefit from the advantages of the
latest control generation then the
company is better advised to have
a new machine or a reconditioned
plant. A new machine can then al-
so be completely customised to the
requirements of the customer.
So your second-hand machine
does not become a “Failure”
Dos and Don’ts When Buying a Second-Hand Machine
Reconditioned second-hand machine
Schwarze-Robitec GmbH
Olpener Str. 460-474
D-51109 Koeln / Germany
Tel.: +49 221 89008-0
Fax: +49 221 89008-9920
