The Best Time to Buy a Used CNC Machine

A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine is one of the most important machines in the manufacturing industry which comprises of a microcomputer and a program of instructions directly fed into it through a small keyboard that provide a level of efficiency, accuracy, and consistency than a manual process. This pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory machinery and tools, and can be edited as often as required. CNC machines do not only work 24/7 with precision and accuracy, but can also produce parts in less time, reduce waste, and eliminate the risk of human error.

​Depending on the production needs, brand new CNC machines are good to have but it can be expensive. Although there are different factors that determine the needs and what should be purchased such as the machine configuration, speed, power, options (coolant pressure, automatic tool changer, tool/part probing, chip conveyor, pallet pool, etc.), country of manufacture, size and weight of the machine; entry level CNC machines range from $30k to $100k. And for people who need production machines for their businesses, they should prepare more than the range of entry level CNC machines. This is why some business owners result to purchasing used CNC machines, which ranges from $6k to an average of $80k. However, there are also factors to consider before purchasing a used CNC machine and some of these are:

• Service – When buying a used CNC machine, make sure to choose from reputable suppliers who surely provide good service and inspected their CNC machines. Buying a used machine requires more research than buying a new one so look into the ins and outs of the machine you are thinking of purchasing. Make time to study this machine to avoid spending excess money on keeping it serviced and maintained because you cannot diagnose problems on your own. Also, do not purchase the machine if the supplier doesn’t have a way to test the equipment or put it into production while you or the person you assign to inspect the machine is watching, even if they give you a detailed checklist or report.
• Quality – ​One of the advantages of purchasing a used machine is that there is a plenty of time to identify the problems, drawbacks, or advantages of specific models. Compare the similarities and be aware of the differences between various models. Keep an open mind and do some research about the models that have maintained its good quality throughout the years and are best suited for the production needs of your machine shop. Look into other components and common problems as well that often fail or require repairs. Inspect the machine if it passes the eye test, and check its axes, spindle movement, tool alignment, abnormal noises, and overall condition. It would be helpful to seek some help with an experienced machine inspector or engineer who is knowledgeable and has worked with a variety of machines in the past.
• Updates – Ensure that the machine has been upgraded or still capable of being upgraded to suit your needs. Construct a list of requirements you need for the machine to do the job, and try to get a hold of as much documentation on the machine if you can such as original bills, manuals, repair history, and preventive maintenance records. If your needs require you to do complex machining, you may need to add more advanced controls to the machine. With this, it is important to look into the availability of replacement components and upgrade-able parts.

​After examining the CNC machine that suits the production needs of the business, it is important to note that there are some general times throughout the year that are considered optimal for buying.

​There are many business owners who choose to buy CNC machines towards the end of the year. First, the machine dealers are busy trying to meet their end of the year sales quotas which is an opportunity for the buyer to negotiate for good deals and get the best price possible. It is also advantageous for the buyer to make use of Section 179 – which is a tax benefit that allows businesses to deduct up to the entire purchase of a business essential up to a certain amount. CNC machines usually qualify for Section 179 because these are large purchases, which make them a good return of investment for businesses.

​However, buying a CNC machine at the end of the year is not always feasible because some businesses have production quotas to finish that require them to purchase a machine as soon as possible. In this case, they can buy towards the end of the month and negotiate with a dealer that needs to meet their monthly quotas. It is crucial to plan ahead and be wary of how the sales go in every season to ensure that you get the best machine available.

​Aside from the above mentioned, purchasing a CNC machine at the beginning of the year can also be a good idea for the business. The business owner can decide how much they want to allocate for a new machine since new business budgets are created during this time. They can also look at their manufacturing forecasts and anticipate their production levels. And they may be able to find good deals and better inventory selection since business is slower at the beginning of the year, and dealers have to meet their quotas.

​Now if the machines are breaking down or have very slow production rates, then purchasing another machine should be prioritized as soon as possible. With this, it is very important to be knowledgeable about the machine and have it suited for the production needs before making a purchase.

​Finding a used CNC machine would not only save a fortune, but is also a smarter and more economical choice. New machines are reliable, modern, and productive for sure but it can be costly. Finding the right supplier is also a hard thing because it takes time and dedication to research for a supplier with excellent service and good reputation. And if a machine with a new technology is purchased, it might take time for the machine operators to figure it out. But just like a new machine, a used CNC machine has its pros and cons too. Some of the disadvantages are: there is no guarantee of how many previous owners the equipment has had and how they cared for it, an inspection of the equipment is needed, and choosing to buy it may take longer than it would to buy a brand new machine. Meanwhile, some of the advantages of buying a used CNC machine are: it is more affordable and the seller may throw in tooling and accessories for free, it may offer greater machine quality because it has likely been figured out from inside out, it is more available than brand new ones, and it can increase productivity and profitability while reducing the initial and monthly investment cost.

​When purchasing a used CNC machine, do not focus on choosing the ones where you can save the most for it might give you problems in the long run. Aside from your budget and production needs, keep the size of your workspace in mind. At the end of the day, the quality, speed, and versatility of the machine are what determine how much it is worth, whether it is a new or used CNC machine. If you’re interested in buying a used CNC Machine, contact us at S&M Machinery, the leading independent machinery dealer of late-model surplus used CNC Industrial machine tools in the United States. Look through our extensive inventory of used CNC Machines and contact us today, we’ll help you find the right machine that’s perfect for your business.