Considerations when buying a CNC Machine



Posted: Friday, October 17, 2008

by
OnlineToolShow LLC

I was trying to create something useful for machine shops that are considering purchasing a new CNC machine so I did a little research and came up with a short outline of considerations. These are by no means the only considerations, but I think it will give a good place to begin in the search for a new machine.

  1. Determine what is the correct machine for what you want to do
    1. Size of working envelope
    2. Horsepower required
    3. Compatibility to your current cad-cam software
    4. Speeds/Cycle times
    5. How many axis do I need
    6. What kind of speeds do I need
    7. Machine dimensions/footprint
    8. Machine power requirements
    9. Price range
    10. Support required


  1. What manufacturers make a machine like you want to purchase You get what you pay for - so keep that in mind.
    1. Where are they located how close is the dealer
    2. Check out the tool changer as this is a source of problems
    3. Tolerances
    4. Spindle speed
    5. Maintenance issues
    6. Rigidity
    7. Service department reputation
    8. Parts availability do they need to order from overseas?
    9. Online Manuals?
    10. Lead Times
    11. Price
    12. Tooling availability
    13. Warranty


  1. Controllers
    1. What control is available with the machine selected
    2. Is my cad-cam software compatible with that controller
    3. Controller memory
    4. Program management
    5. Macro Programming
    6. Tool Life Management


  1. Financing
    1. Will you need to finance the machine
    2. Does the manufacturer/distributor offer financing
    3. Should I do bank financing
    4. Financing Types
i. Loan

ii. Rental Program

iii. Flexible Payment Structures

iv. Capitol Lease / Lease Purchase

v. Tax Lease

vi. Non Tax Lease

vii. Promissory note /security agreement

viii. Step up / step down payments

ix. Many others

To start your search for the perfect machine or tool you need or to find manufacturers, importers and suppliers try looking in http://www.onlinetoolshow.com.

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Sandra E. Graham
 3 years 93 days ago.
248 fans.
Interesting article, Jim. I wrote an article myself awhile back about "CNC Programming--No Longer a Man's World." You might like to read it. I was a programmer for about 16 years and enjoyed my work very much. Thanks for sharing another view to CNC machines.
 
And Welcome to SearchWarp.
 
Sandra
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