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Buying a used servo press can save 40-60% versus new, but only if you know what to check.
Before You Visit:
- Request maintenance records and alarm history from the drive
- Ask for the original tonnage monitor calibration certificate
- Check if the OEM still supports the control system
10-Point On-Site Inspection:
1. Slide parallelism: Measure at four corners. Reject if >0.05mm on presses under 500 tons.
2. Gib clearance: Clearance >0.1mm means liner replacement needed.
3. Brake stopping time: Should be within 10% of OEM spec.
4. Drive alarm history: More than 5 overcurrent faults in the last year is a red flag.
5. Encoder cable condition: Inspect the full cable run for repairs, tight bends, and oil contamination.
6. Counterbalance pressure: Check against OEM spec.
7. Lubrication system: Run the lube pump and check flow at each lube point.
8. Control system response: Run 10 strokes and check position repeatability. Should be +/-0.02mm or better.
9. Frame cracks: Inspect crown, uprights, and bed. Any cracks are disqualifying.
10. Tooling compatibility: Verify shut height, bolster dimensions, and T-slot pattern.
Price Negotiation: gib liner replacement (~$2,000-5,000), encoder cable (~$500-1,500), drive capacitors (~$1,000-3,000) are legitimate deductions from asking price.