Don’t be fooled by these common refurbished processing equipment misconceptions. They could be all that’s standing between you and a more cost-effective operation.
People tend to fall into one of two camps when it comes to buying used: they’re either advocates, or they’re not.
Your personal preferences aside, investing in used and refurbished processing equipment at work can really help you to improve the cost-effectiveness of your site’s operations. And it doesn’t have to come at the expense of compliance. Or traceability. Or any of the other second-hand equipment myths we see time and time again taken as fact.
In this article, we’ll run through seven of the most common refurbished processing equipment misconceptions and why you can leave them at the factory door.
If you have any questions about refurbished processing equipment, download our buyer’s guide or contact us and one of our experts will get in touch.
7 common used processing equipment misconceptions
1. Used equipment is more likely to break than new equipment
If the used parts or machines you buy haven’t been properly refurbished then this myth might hold true, but professionally refurbished equipment purchased from reputable suppliers is no more likely to break than its brand new counterparts.
If there’s a takeaway here, it’s not that used equipment breaks easily but that where you source your used equipment from makes all the difference.
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Don’t forget to: inspect the parts or machines prior to purchase This can include a visual inspection as well as a chance to make sure the relevant test certification is in place. Does equipment you’re considering for purchase have the certificates to evidence that it has been well maintained and is in good working order? |
2. Used equipment is a compliance nightmare
On the subject of test certification, it’s a commonly held belief that because equipment is second-hand, it won’t have a complete traceability history or required compliance documentation might be inaccurate.
In a similar vein, there’s the belief that user or refurbished equipment might not comply with the most up-to-date legislation, also risking internal and external compliance.
But just because a part or machine hasn’t come direct from the manufacturer, that doesn’t mean it will be missing its technical documentation or user manual. If anything, a used item should have a comprehensive history of test certification and maintenance records, giving you an accurate snapshot of its performance capabilities and overall condition.
Should a user guide or other technical documentation be missing, ensure the supplier sources this for you from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), either as part of the cost or at a reasonable price.
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When reviewing its certification and records… …can you clearly tell what products have been used in the machine? When was it last cleaned or purged? Are service dates clearly recorded and up to date? |
3. It will be impossible to find the spare parts you need for used machine
We can see why many people might think it would be difficult to source the spare parts they need to make repairs and extend their used equipment’s life, but in reality, this just isn’t true.
It’s almost always possible to find spare parts for even older makes or models of processing equipment that has since been refurbished. You just need to know where to look.
In most cases, the OEM will be able to supply you with the parts you need. If the thought of contacting the OEM to discuss this is one more thing you don’t need adding to your to-do list, your refurbished equipment supplier/distributor will usually be happy to source it for you.
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If you’re still struggling to source the part you need… …parts can also be obtained from other used/refurbished equipment of the same make and model. Again, speak to your trusted supplier, who should be able to help. |
4. Well, surely I won’t be able to find the exact specification I need?
Just as it’s possible to source the precise parts or components you need to keep your refurbished equipment in top condition, the market’s filled with all different kinds of equipment from manufacturers across the industry meeting every specification you could want.
Rarer, perhaps high specification or older, models might take more hunting but as we’ve referenced a few times now, if you find the right supplier for your refurbished equipment, they will be more than willing to help you find the specifications you need.
The best used equipment suppliers won’t just show willingness — they have extensive (in our case, global) networks made up of contacts and OEMs, which they can leverage to help you find the used make or model you need.
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Still can’t find what you’re looking for on the used market? If, after everything, the specification you need isn’t available on the used market, your supplier should be able to recommend a suitable alternative that aligns with your processes and does the job just as well (if not better.) |
5. It’s not actually that much cheaper to buy refurbished processing equipment
Yes, refurbished processing equipment is still a sizable investment. We’re talking about expensive equipment that needs to stand up to the trials of your operations and deliver quality output, to specification, day after day.
But if you think you won’t save all that much by going used, think again. A refurbished vacuum furnace or autoclave will always be cheaper than buying new, and in some cases, savings can be as much as up to 50% as the value of the machines is driven down by time and the launch of newer lines/models.
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Unlock even more value by… …making the most of your supplier’s knowledge and contacts. Explaining your operations and requirements will help them to help you find the best-value refurbished processing equipment for your operating needs. |
Don’t miss our other cost-saving articles:
- 3 Technology Solutions to Rising Energy Costs
- How Routine Furnace Calibrations Reduce Production Costs
- Budgeting in Manufacturing: Fix Future Costs Now with a Multiple-Year ServiceCare Contract
6. Isn’t it simpler just to buy new, ‘off the shelf’?
No! You can still buy ‘off the shelf’ when leveraging the used market, if you don’t need anything custom-built. You’re just buying items that have previously been used and refurbished, as opposed to something that has never been used before.
There’s nothing more complicated about taking this route. It won’t take you longer or add lots of complex steps to the process. And any instances where you’ll need to brief your supplier on your circumstances and requirements, to help them find the right machine for you, are just as applicable as if you were buying new and wanted to find the right machine.
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To make the buying process as streamlined as possible… …prepare the following information in advance before engaging your supplier. What specification do you need? This includes the machine’s capacity, its construction material, and any size limitations (floor footprint, for example). Do you use a preferred OEM? What is the timeframe in which you need the new equipment installed and operational? |
7. Used equipment might not work with our process
Further to the above, one of the most important things to explain to your supplier or dealer — when buying new or used — is your operating process and how it works.
Communicating this clearly will ensure your dealer sources the most appropriate machines for your requirements. It’s especially important when buying refurbished equipment because if there’s a superior make or model that would actually improve your operations and increase performance, your supplier will be able to recommend this to you.
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Is there a trial period? This is a great question to ask, particularly if you’re buying from an OEM you haven’t used before. In practice, a trial period involves you taking the equipment back to your site and testing it within the remit of your operations to make sure it works for your product and your general needs. The benefits of this are obvious, and many suppliers will offer trial periods of varying lengths and conditions, so you can buy used with confidence, safe in the knowledge that if it’s not right for you, you can always return the item before the trial period expires. |
Discover the process change procedures manufacturers are making to improve operational efficiency.
Feel more confident with these refurbished processing equipment facts
How many of these myths and misconceptions did you believe in, and how has debunking them changed how you feel about buying used processing equipment?
With over thirty years’ experience in heat treatment and processing equipment, we’ve seen and heard it all. We hope this read has helped you to feel more confident about considering used equipment going forward. You’ll certainly save your operations money. You’ll improve your ROI and refurbished equipment is a great way of improving operational efficiency, too.
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We’ll explore many more benefits of buying used and refurbished processing equipment in a future article, as well as the benefits of buying from VFE specifically, so keep your eyes peeled.
If you have any questions in the meantime, download our guide to buying refurbished processing equipment or contact us and one of our experts will get in touch.