Which Makes Better Sense, Used or Remanufactured?

When considering the purchase of capital equipment, used equipment can make sense, but you may find yourself asking, "Why are there so many different prices for the same type of machines?" It's your money; you deserve to ask the question and to receive an accurate answer.

Before considering the purchase of used equipment, several other factors relating to vendor performance should be evaluated. The small initial capital investment may be attractive, but the purchaser should also consider the warranty, spare parts availability, installation, training, factory support, machine documentation and upgrades provided with the equipment. Depending upon the particular used equipment supplier chosen, these miscellaneous factors can determine the best option. Vendor training support should also be considered, along with the availability of spare parts, manuals, service, and telephone technical support. Purchasing rebuilt equipment from the original manufacturer increases the probability that support is provided in these areas.

The most important consideration when evaluating rebuilt equipment is the level of machine rebuild that has been performed. Some vendors will ship the equipment without reconditioning of any kind, and may even drop-ship directly from the previously owner. Others will refurbish the equipment. This means that the machine is fully inspected and the worn items and the insertion tooling may have been replaced. New software and state-of-the-art control terminals may have been added, in appropriate cases. Some machines may be totally remanufactured and completely torn down and rebuilt. Purchasing a machine from the original manufacturer will increase the likelihood that the machine has been refurbished or remanufactured to the original specifications, since the vendor has the original drawings and documentation and can provide original spare parts. In most instances, new original equipment manufacturers engineering developments or upgrades will be included during rebuild process.

When purchasing used equipment, the buyer should insist that all reconditioning procedures be documented and agreed upon prior to signing the purchase agreement. More importantly, the customer should inspect the machine carefully before purchasing it.

Universal Instruments Broome Engineering Division will put in writing what has been done to the machine during the rebuild process upon request.. We will provide a list of what is (as a minimum) replaced on all machines rebuilt by Universal Instruments Broome Engineering Div.. We encourage you to use this list and compare it with the parts list you receive from other suppliers.  As always, it's best to get this and all agreements in writing.

The prime objective of most printed circuit board assemblers who evaluate used equipment is to purchase high-quality assembly systems that provide the highest possible yield for the lowest capital investment. The best advice to follow when considering refurbished equipment is to know your supplier and be aware of the quality of the assembly equipment. Ask for references and ask for what are the major quality issues the supplier faces with supporting their used equipment.

Low initial price and quick delivery are not always the best reasons upon which to base selection of a refurbished equipment supplier, you should know the "Total Cost" to put that piece of equipment into production. We welcome your comments and questions concerning your equipment needs and expectations.