The right CNC equipment can transform your factory operations and let you achieve everything from increasing output to taking on new, innovative production projects.

Of course the key concern for any potential machinery procurement is the price. There are a few things to consider with regards to adopting CNC solutions in a cost-conscious way, so let’s look at the options you have available to you.

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New machinery is not the only way to go

The first and most important point to make is that there’s no need to buy a brand new piece of manufacturing equipment. The second hand market is thriving, and so you can find a used CNC machine for sale form an equipment dealer in the USA which will be much more affordable.

There are of course caveats to keep in mind when buying used CNC machinery, such as the amount of hours it has on the clock, and the extent of the wear and tear that is apparent. Buying from a reputable marketplace is therefore essential, as is checking to see whether the right maintenance procedures have been followed by the previous owners.

Power usage matters

While the price of CNC machinery doesn’t have to be prohibitive, the amount you pay to acquire the item in question is only half the story. Arguably a more important factor, which will influence its viability in the long term, is the energy efficiency it offers.

There is a balance to be struck between the power requirements of a piece of equipment and what it can do with the energy it consumes. That means you don’t necessarily need to be put off by power-hungry gear, so long as the speed with which they operate and the precision they offer are significant.

As a rule, newer machinery is more efficient than older kit, but this isn’t strictly a problem for second hand units, so long as the price is right. Carrying out careful calculations before you commit to a purchase will ensure that you don’t come to regret your decision.

Space is relevant

Another aspect which impacts the cost-effectiveness of any CNC machine is the amount of floor space it occupies.

If you have a limited amount of room to work with on-site, and the equipment you are thinking about buying is large, then it may either be unwieldy once in situ, or might require you to sacrifice some other part of your production process to accommodate it.

Once again, you need to weigh up your needs against the resources you have available, and carry out thorough research to establish if the machinery on your watch list is practical or implausible.

Staff training is a talking point

It’s not enough to buy a CNC machine; you also need someone who is able to operate it, making the most out of its features and also doing so safely.

If you already have an employee on your team who has experience and accreditation in the use of the equipment, then this will be ideal. If, on the other hand, you will have to pay for training to close the skill gap, or employ a new recruit to fulfill this role, then there will be additional costs to bear.

Conclusion

The answer to the question of the cost-effectiveness of CNC machinery will be different for every factory operation. For some, fresh equipment will help take their business to the next level. For others, it will be an unnecessary expense.

Your job is to work out which camp you fall into, and which machine will represent the best value for your firm.