Buying a used coordinate measuring machine from a reputable retailer comes with a lot of benefits. These benefits include cost-savings, customizability, customer service, reduced waste, and more. That said, your used metrology machine’s long-term benefits and functionality will depend on the steps you take after your purchase.
After all, why buy used CMM equipment if you aren’t going to take care of it? Plan accordingly after your purchase to ensure that your machine is always maintained, up to date, and accurate. Your productivity and efficiency depend on it.
Here’s how you can ensure your used CMM continues to work at its full potential for long-term use:
Ensure Proper Installation & Storage
Be sure to professionally install your equipment in a place that is well suited to your business’s processes and maintains an ambient temperature.
Used CMMs must be installed and stored in a temperature-controlled space. This space can be a lab or a factory floor, dependant on your business’s needs. These conditions are necessary to avoid humidity or moisture that can cause condensation and damage the functionality of these complex machines.
Get Any Necessary Training
So, you now have a used machine updated with modern CMM software. Does anyone on your team know how to work it? Work with a used CMM retailer that can provide on-site and off-site training to ensure that your team can operate the machinery correctly and read its data accordingly.
Upgrade Regularly
After purchasing and even using your machine, you will want to consider installing upgrades over the years. These upgrades play an essential role in keeping your equipment relevant and at the top of its game.
The good news is that specific dealers will sell you your used machine and then make any requested custom additions or upgrades before delivering the CMM to your site.
Get Retrofits Added as Needed
Although you may purchase your used CMM for one purpose, your needs may change. The good news is that you can always add retrofits to your used CMM to provide it with elevated capabilities and meet your growing needs.
Maintain Your Machine
CMMs require maintenance to ensure their continued accuracy and functionality. Be sure to work with a retailer who can help provide preventative maintenance.
Typical preventative maintenance measures include thorough cleaning, and the inspection of filters, bearing conditions, drive components, and encoder gaps. Retailers can also conduct calibration to compare your machine’s findings with others to ensure it’s still working efficiently.
Facilitate any Necessary Repairs
After you purchase your CMM and start using it, be sure to spot any warning signs that may suggest the machine requires repair. The good news is that, when you buy your used equipment from a retailer authorized by the Machinery Dealers National Association, you will get guarantees to repair any mechanically unsatisfactory machines.
Get your machine repaired as needed. When you leave problems unattended, they will worsen and lead to more expensive issues that will take that much longer to rectify.
Utilize Customer Support
When you buy your used CMM from an experienced retailer, you can receive significantly more customer service than if you were to buy your machine from an auction. If you have any questions or troubles, utilize the customer service and support provided by your retailer to make the most of your machine.
