As an owner of a CNC machine, you know the importance of having a well-running machine and how costly it can be to have to replace a machine entirely. Even the most well-maintained machine will begin to wear out, and eventually, someone will need to rebuild it. When it's time to rebuild your machine, do your research to find a CNC machine rebuilder that fits your needs.
To help you find the right one, we've compiled a list of five essential questions to ask when selecting a CNC machine rebuilder. From their experience to their warranties, these questions will help you ensure that you're choosing a reputable and trustworthy machine rebuilder to enhance your machine’s overall operational efficiency (OOE).
1. The CNC Machine Rebuilder's Experience
Selecting the right rebuilder for your CNC machine is crucial to ensure the rebuilding process is successful and the machine operates efficiently. One of the most important factors to consider is the rebuilder's level of expertise and experience. When evaluating rebuilders, ask about the number of years they've been in business and the types of machines they have worked on.
Look for a machine rebuilder with a proven track record of successful projects, particularly with the type of machine you're looking to rebuild. A reputable rebuilder should be transparent and forthcoming with this information and be able to provide you with a clear picture of their capabilities and experience to help you feel confident that your CNC machine is in good hands.
2. Cost of the Rebuilding Service
When selecting a rebuilder for your CNC machine, inquire about the cost of the rebuilding service, including any additional fees or charges for parts, labor, or shipping. Ask the rebuilder to provide a detailed cost breakdown to avoid any surprises in the future. Comparing prices from multiple CNC machine rebuilders can help you ensure you receive a fair price; just ensure that the rebuilders that are quoting you are credible.
To determine the cost of the rebuilding service, the machine to be rebuilt requires fitness/wellness inspections to establish the correctly priced quotation requirements to fulfill the customer's statement of requirements (SOR). While much of the core machine is salvaged during the rebuild, there is still a substantial saving over replacing the machine with a new CNC machine of the same type. Typically, the rule of thumb is that the rebuild costs around 70%-80% of the cost of a new machine, but that varies depending on the complexity and extent of work required.
3. Timeframe for the Machine Rebuilding Process
When considering a rebuild for your CNC machine, it's important to inquire about the timeframe for the rebuilding process. Including how long it will take to receive the rebuilt machine and any expected or potential delays. Understanding the timeline is necessary for planning purposes.
To prepare for a machine rebuild, most customers set aside a buffer of parts to allow the machines to be out of production for the rebuild duration. The customer is typically responsible for providing the decommissioning and shipping of the machine needing a rebuild. This places a significant responsibility on the rebuild company's project management to ensure clear communication and coordination throughout the process.
4. Training and Support for Using the Rebuilt Machine
Inquire whether the rebuilder provides training or support for using the rebuilt machine. Training may include maintenance schedules, operator training manuals, and troubleshooting tips. A reputable rebuilder will provide support to ensure that the rebuilt machine operates efficiently.
Training can range from informal training during commissioning to formal training, including classroom time and hands-on time at the machine. The training should generally be structured around the operator and maintenance manuals to familiarize the staff with these documents and reinforce their importance for future reference. By selecting a rebuilder who provides comprehensive training and support, you can ensure that your rebuilt machine can be operated at its full potential.
5. Warranty or Guarantee for the Rebuilt Machine
It's important to ask about the warranty or guarantee offered by the rebuilder for the rebuilt CNC machine. When inquiring about the warranty, ask about the terms and duration. The terms should be clearly defined and include what is covered and not covered under warranty. The duration of the warranty should also be specified, as this will give the customer an idea of how long they can expect the rebuilt machine to operate without any issues.
A creditable rebuilder should have confidence in their work and offer a warranty that reflects this. The warranty should be comprehensive and cover any potential issues that may arise, giving the customer peace of mind and confidence in their investment.
Your Local CNC Machine Rebuilders
At Ingersoll CM Systems, we specialize in rebuilding CNC machines in the metal cutting, deep rolling, and heat-treating industries. However, we have also worked on other projects, such as gaging equipment, automation, and injection molding machinery. During rebuilding, if we find any items out of scope during the tear-down that require repair or replacement, we work with our customers to determine a cost-effective solution.
Since Ingersoll CM Systems is a designer and manufacturer of new special CNC machines, we have a deeper understanding of what constitutes a complete and successful rebuild of a sophisticated CNC machine and process. We don't merely clean, relubricate and paint a machine. We thoroughly review a machine to ensure the worn parts are refurbished or replaced as needed.
If you believe your CNC machine could benefit from a rebuild, we can be your CNC machine rebuilder. Contact one of Ingersoll CM System's machine experts today to learn more about what we can do for you.