| Your company has the potential to save over 40-50% | | | | purchase a robot from an auction, you will then also |
| when purchasing a reconditioned robot they are now | | | | have to secure tooling, fixturing, programming, training, |
| readily available. They are an affordable option to | | | | and service for your robot. |
| smaller shops that want to begin automation and larger | | | | Robots are complex and intricate industrial equipment. |
| companies with automation currently in place. The ROI | | | | They are also, once integrated, crucial to the running of |
| on a quality refurbished robot allows it to pay for itself | | | | your company. Repairs need to be made as urgently |
| in much less time than a new robot. There are some | | | | and cost-effectively as possible. A parts warranty and |
| common pitfalls you want to avoid when purchasing a | | | | service contract can be a life-saving asset in that |
| used robotic system. | | | | circumstance. Knowing that your automation line will be |
| First, make sure the potential system you are | | | | functioning in little time is important when every hour |
| considering comes with a warranty. A used robot | | | | counts for your bottom line. Verify that the source of |
| should come with a warranty that offers 100% | | | | your used robot is capable of servicing the machine |
| coverage on parts and 100% coverage on labor. You | | | | should the situation require it. When you are considering |
| should also ask if the warranty comes with free | | | | a purchase, inquire about the number of engineers and |
| technical support. Buying a robot with no guarantee is | | | | technicians that the company employs. Also, it is |
| a costly gamble. "As is" does not mean that a robot | | | | important that your company receives adequate |
| will operate properly, even if it does power up to run. | | | | training on your system. Working with an individual |
| Accuracy and reliability are crucial aspects of a robotic | | | | project manager is an excellent way to accomplish |
| system. The system should be demonstrated before | | | | that. The provisions in your sale should allow for |
| you make the final commitment to purchase. | | | | representatives from your company to train on your |
| Equipment auctions that offer robots for sale do not | | | | systems with the engineers and technicians who |
| guarantee the robots they are selling. Often the | | | | programmed the robot. You should also receive a |
| machinery has been standing idle for an extended | | | | manual that documents events your might encounter. |
| period of time and may even be non-supportable. Also, | | | | Buying a reconditioned robot is often like buying a used |
| it could have been stored in a non-temperature | | | | car. There is an extraordinary amount of potential to |
| controlled environment or even outside! The robot | | | | save money on a robot that is just "broken-in." |
| could look to be in perfect condition, yet suffer water | | | | However, you can encounter problems if you do not |
| or heat damage that renders it useless. There is no | | | | take precautions. These steps are good ways to |
| way of knowing unless repeatability testing can be | | | | ensure your company does not purchase more than |
| performed to your satisfaction. Also, robots purchased | | | | they bargained for. Verify that your robotic supplier |
| from auctions rarely include integration packages. | | | | offers a warranty, training, and has qualified technicians |
| Robotic integration is a costly procedure if purchased | | | | on staff should you encounter problems. Automation |
| separately from the robot unit. Many companies will | | | | will help your company stay competitive and grow in |
| not integrate a system they can not guarantee. If you | | | | the industrial market. |