When evaluating this type of purchase, it’s very common to prepare a comparative table showing the technical specifications that we consider important of the equipment that attracts us. While it’s useful to consider the above, it is also very important to keep in mind that these parameters analyzed individually do not tell the whole story.

Considering what the HEMAQ team has learned since 1988, we believe that the best purchase decision for our clients is the one that takes into consideration, besides the analysis of technical specifications, the Total Cost of Ownership.

Important points to consider when evaluating the real long-term benefits of a machine tool

1. Productivity

In a traditional purchase analysis, it is common to focus on price, travels, work area, speeds and weight, among others. However, this leaves out some critical productivity criteria.

It is essential to consider the increase in productivity that can be achieved with a robust, high-quality machine. The purchase of the right equipment for your project can bring great productivity benefits. The production of parts in shorter cycles, the assurance of tolerances and finishes, the elimination of re-work or the reduction in energy consumption, are some of the parameters that make an immediate difference in the profitability of each job... everyday!

2. Cost of Tools

The rigidity of the equipment must be considered in any purchase. It is more than proven that the lack of rigidity seriously affects the cost of cutting tools. If your equipment isn't rigid enough, the life of your consumable tools will be severely affected, leading to high costs.

Depending on the materials to be machined, the lack of rigidity of a machine tool can cause the cost of cutting tools to be up to four times the purchase value of the machine throughout its useful life. This is even more serious when working materials that are “hard to cute” such as Titanium, Inconel, and others. We have evaluated intelligent purchase decisions, which in addition to considering the specifications, analyze the potential savings in tool costs; analysis worth doing.

3. Maintenance Costs

It is important to analyze the cost of spare parts for similar equipment currently in our plant. When we add maintenance costs to these and compare them with the cost of acquiring a new equipment, we have had surprises in which the cost of getting a new equipment is less when compared to the increasing payment of the operating costs of our current equipment. In fact, some of our clients have discovered that the real cost of acquiring new equipment represents savings in their operation.

HIGH IMPACT NUMBERS

When it comes to buying a new machine, there are aspects that may not appear in the analysis of a comparison table with values and technical specifications. These can become high and have a high impact on your decision-making process.

There are different ways to perform deeper analyzes and collect additional data important to your decision by carrying out cycle time studies, cutting tests (when possible, beyond a simulation) and by visiting and talking with users of similar equipment.

At HEMAQ we are always available to help you in whatever is necessary for your best purchase decision. We hope that these comments will help to analyze your best investment.