Used Laser Metalworking Machines: Conveniences and Risks in Ukraine

In case of industrial equipment, the decision to purchase used equipment requires careful consideration. This is especially true for used laser cutting machines, a technological asset that can be a blessing or a curse depending on the specific circumstances.

p>In this article we will assess the feasibility of buying a used laser metal cutting machine. In what cases it makes sense, and in what cases it is not recommended and will only cause extra costs and problems to your business. We will also reveal potential pitfalls and problems that buyers may encounter while operating such a machine. We will give you tips that will help you avoid making irreversible mistakes and losing money and reputation.

When is it profitable to invest into used laser machines?

Investing into a used laser cutting machine can be the correct strategic choice when you need to significantly reduce your initial investment and get a machine ready for use in a short period of time.

It is reasonable to consider the option of buying a used laser complex when it is important to significantly reduce the initial investment and get the machine ready for use in a short period of time.

However, even under these conditions, such a decision can be unreasonable in some cases.

Let’s take a look at the scenarios when it might make sense to invest in a used laser machine.

Scenario 1: Modernized laser machine.

Investment in a used laser cutting machine can be the correct strategic choice in certain cases.

Consider a scenario where the machine is from top global manufacturers such as Trumpf or Bystronic, has been in operation for 3-5 years and has been modernized using the latest technologies.

Such a machine can offer savings of funds and still deliver amazing cut quality.

However, there are some peculiarities that need to be taken into account.

• First: further modernization, commissioning and ongoing technical support. These can become a major problem, because in Ukraine at the moment there are no system dealers of top European producers, and those representatives who are present, very rarely and only at sky-high prices can provide maintenance of equipment purchased by the client independently in other markets.</li >

• Second, there is the problem of an obsolete technology.

Currently, the largest number of used machines on the market are based on the CO2 technology. However, this technology has already become obsolete due to lack of efficiency and has been replaced by ytterbium fiber laser cutting technology.

Such machines’ efficiency is too low: only up to 8%.

For example, a machine with a 3 kW CO2 source will consume at least 70 kW of electric power per hour! A modern machine with an optic fiber source – about 20 kW. This simply will not allow a manufacturer to manufacture products with high profit margin.

This ends up in loss of competitiveness .

A machine with a 3 kW CO2 source consumes at least 70 kW of electric power per hour! A modern machine with an optic fiber source – about 20 kW.

• Third: supplies of consumables, parts and components . Sometimes parts for discontinued models are not only very expensive, but they are also very hard to find.

Scenario 2: Present fleet of equipment from one manufacturer

Another scenario where purchasing a used laser cutting machine can be feasible is when a company already can boast of an equipment fleet from a certain producer. Being a single brand operator, a company can potentially capitalize on existing relationships, cutting down maintenance costs and personnel training costs.

However, there is a restriction: the risk of over-dependence on a single producer. Choosing equipment from a single supplier can lead to inconvenience if that producer encounters problems or if the company’s needs outgrow the capabilities of their machines.

Problems and pitfalls when buying a used metal cutting machine:

While choosing a used laser machine can be feasible under certain conditions, it is important to take into account the problems that can arise in the long run.

 Unlike used economy-class cars, where a bargain price can sometimes outweigh the drawbacks, outdated equipment can become a double-edged sword that cuts both ways.

Let’s review some of the potential problems.

1. Lack of the up-to-date functions.
   Even after modernization, used machines may still be missing the most modern features, which impact efficiency and precision.  Modern systems’ software allows to significantly increase the cutting speed, save consumables, minimize the quantity of waste etc.

2. Laser head power.

   If 5 years ago 1 kW lasers seemed to be the peak of progress, nowadays Leading manufacturers no longer even consider machines with the power below 4-6 kW. because the speed and quality with which such machines perform cutting allows to significantly reduce operating costs and make the products more competitive.

• Long-term expenditures.

Initial cost saving effect can be wiped out by frequent breakdowns and higher maintenance cost, related with aging of the equipment.

• Long downtime periods

In addition, older machines tend to break down more frequently and that results in the related long downtime periods, disrupting the workflow of the entire enterprise. With such equipment, it is impossible to plan or even understand at what moment and for how long your business will be out of action.

• Limited technical support

Technical support limitations pose another threat. In the regions where local dealers are not present, it can be difficult and expensive to obtain technical assistance.

• Incompatibility with future needs

Finally, incompatibility with future needs. A machine that meets current requirements may turn out to be insufficient as production requirements evolve.

Conclusions:

Summarizing the above, we note that making a decision on the purchase of a used machine for laser metal cutting requires a detailed assessment of a variety of factors.

The decision should be based on:

• the machine’s age,
• modernizations introduced, 
• compatibility with the existing fleet¦
• and the producer’s reputation.

¦Although there are cases where buying used equipment is consistent with business objectives, there is also a risk of long-term costs and inadequate support.

In case of limited resources but a topical need for a laser cutting machine, we also offer to consider various financial instruments.

By the way, our experts will gladly advise you on choosing the optimum financing program.