A CNC machine can work for decades, years, and months. They are known for their longevity. But there is a limit to that. A 20-year-old CNC machine is bound to lose its capability for precision machining while maintaining tight tolerances. The machine’s cutting tool and spindle have lost their edge over time, and the technology has become backdated. So, if you’re also using an old CNC machine in your facility for machining work, then you should consider replacement. But the question is how to be sure if your machine needs to be replaced or if it can run for a few more years with servicing. That’s the exact question that we’re going to answer in this blog.
7 Undeniable Signs That Your CNC Machine Needs Replacement:
Like our body, CNC machines also show signs of old age. Here are the signs that prove that your CNC machine needs to be replaced:
- Slower Cycle Times: One of the most prominent signs that your CNC machine needs replacement is that your machine has slowed down, and the cycle times have gone extremely high. If you’re in large-scale production works, then you need machines that can work with fast cycle times, and if your CNC machine can’t keep up with the speed needs, then it’s time to get it replaced.
- Frequent Breakdowns and Downtime: When a CNC machine starts having frequent breakdowns, then it is also another proof of its aging, as it can slow down the whole production speed and increase the downtime. Downtime can actually be a very fatal thing for a machining shop.
A report of study of 72 major industrial companies reveals that large plants lose 323 production hours a year on average. The average hourly cost of missed income, fines, idle employee time, and line restarts is $532,000, which adds up to $172 million per facility yearly. So, one needs to be very concerned about downtime, and if it’s happening due to the machine’s age, then start looking for replacements. - Outdated Technology: CNC machining technology has advanced very quickly in the last few years, and the graph is just going up. The modern automation features and IoT integration are changing the whole world of CNC machining. If you have a CNC machine with less advanced tech and no proper automation features, then that can be a problem for you in this competitive business world. Your competitors will be able to get machining work done faster than you and will also be able to take up more complex machining work if they have advanced tech CNC machines. So, if the technology is highly backdated, then you should start thinking about replacing the machine.
- Less Precision and Accuracy: Precision is the main USP of CNC machining against other traditional machining methods. But if your CNC machine is struggling to provide precision machining and to hold tight tolerances, then all of these are signs that your CNC machine is losing its capability. Check your machined products, and if there are visible symbols of low surface finishing quality and inaccuracies, then you will most probably have to change your current CNC machine.
- Skyrocketing Maintenance Costs: This is one of the most obvious factors that determines whether your CNC machine might not be fit for more machining ahead. More maintenance and repair work will also skyrocket your spending on the machines, and that will bring down your profit. To maximize your ROI, you will have to go with machines that don’t need frequent maintenance and can help you do your machining operations fluently without any unnecessary issues.
- Difficult Finding Spare Parts: If you’re struggling to find spare parts for your CNC machine, then it is a sign that your machine model is quite old. Machines often need new parts as old parts can get damaged while machining heavyweight products and demanding materials, but if you are facing challenges in finding a replacement part, that means the machine model is quite old, and you need to get a new one in your shop.
- Inability to Meet New Production Needs: A lot of innovation is happening in the whole world of hardware and manufacturing, and the research and development works need CNC machines that can do the different complex machining work. Modern CNC machines have features like multi-axis machining (5/7/9), they have subspindles, and all these features help in different complex machining works. If your CNC machine can’t do those machining works and meet new production needs, then you might have to change your old CNC machine.
Why Buying Used CNC Machines Makes Sense?
So, if you have finally made up your mind to replace your old CNC machine. Then, here are some reasons why you should go with used CNC machines to replace your old ones:
- Less Upfront Cost: Why spend more money when you can get it for a lower price? If you go with buying a brand new machine, then the prices will skyrocket, while we can give you the same machine’s used model at an affordable price, helping you to save costs.
- Depreciation Benefits: When you buy a new machine, it loses its main value in the first few years, while a used machine’s price doesn’t depreciate that fast, which will help you to get a better price when you resell that CNC machine.
- Proven Reliability: When you buy a new machine, there is always a worry about how the machine will perform and whether it will be a good one or not, but when you buy a used machine, you get proven reliability about the performance of the CNC machine.
- Better ROI: When you save on the upfront investment then you are capable of earning a positive ROI faster. With used CNC machines, you will be able to achieve the ROI faster and maximise your profits.
Conclusion:
CNC machines are workhorses for the long run. But there is a finishing point to that long marathon. So, when you can feel that your machine is close to that finishing line, it is better to get that machine replaced at that time and buy a used CNC machine for financial benefits. If you have finally made up your mind about buying one, then don’t forget to check out our collection.
