If you’re looking at buying a used injection molding machine, below are some things to know/ask before purchasing.
- Begin with getting the year, make, model, tonnage, shot, serial number, hours & location of the machine along with photos of the machine from all 4 sides, inside the electrical cabinets, the platens, the toggle mechanism or ram and the operator station.
- Find out if there is a warranty and ensure a proper inspection is done prior to purchasing. This inspection should note what items function properly and what needs repairs or replacement.
- Ask to see the machine under power prior to shipment and if that’s not possible, ask to see a video of it running. This should be a 1-2 minute video that shows the clamp move [in auto], the control screen with brief activity on it, the injection end moving and a quick walk-around of the rest of the machine. Seeing the machine running in person or via video should be a requirement for purchase.
- Not all used machines are “abused” so look beyond its appearance for things like broken or loose tie bars, bent or cracked base or cracked clamp casting.
- Parts and service support may or may not be a concern but a little planning ahead will go a long way so ask if both are available.
- Be prepared for costs that don’t normally occur in a new machine purchase, most commonly machine loading.
- Full payment in advance is standard for the industry.
- Find out if it comes with leveling pads, prints and a manual and if machine specifications are available.
- Ask if the seller owns the machine or if they are brokering it. If the seller owns it, they will have first-hand exposure and a vested interest in the machine’s condition.
- Ask why they are getting rid of the machine and what the known issues are with it.
Milacron sells used injection molding machines through our Milacron Certified Pre-Owned program. To view our current inventory, please visit our website. If you have any questions about pre-owned machinery, feel free to contact us at 817-912-5400 or [email protected].
