Pulling the plug on an old machine

HEADNOTE

Before the life-or-death decision is made, shops should review these basic criteria for rebuilding or remanufacturing.

Rebuilding or remanufacturing can save an ailing machine tool. But are these procedures

worth the effort, or his it time to purchase new equipment? Shops can accurately diagnose their situations by knowing when to rebuild or remanufacture a machine tool; which machines are good candidates; and how to evaluate and select a rebuilding/remanufacturing source. In addition, current trends can also influence their final decision.

Whenever shops discuss an investment in a new machine, they should also consider rebuilding or remanufacturing. Usually issues of machine performance and manufacturing processes or output requirements instigate such discussions.

Choosing the right machine to revamp also requires evaluations and decisions concerning such things as mechanical characteristics, facilities, and costs.