Fixing Machines Vs. Starting Over At Equipment Auctions

By Author: scottcarlos18
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It never fails- you're knee deep in plastic goo and the "Injection molding machines fault" light comes on, bringing the entire operation to a crash halt. You tell the men to take five and hit the candy machine, but getting it back on board can mean hours and headaches, or it might just mean a quick flip of a switch. Like your vehicle's check engine light, it's a notification that can spell calamity or a minor problem. Knowing the difference can save you the price of the mechanic when you know how to fix it yourself. On the other hand, the sooner you know the machine is cooked, the sooner you can start hitting the equipment auctions for a replacement.

Analysis of Systems
When the light presents itself, check with the operator and find out what exactly failed and under what circumstances. Was there any particular anomaly right before failure? Was there smoke or other unusual smells? Was the equipment misused in any way? Are there changes in operation?

Observe the Whole Picture
Check deeper and see if the machine has been damaged. Is the hydraulic system loose or weak? Do the injection molding machines ...
... exhibit any significant interference signal? Check all pressure gauges to ensure they are normal. Also check that the filter, alarm, and interlock devices are working properly.

Knowing When to Ask for Help
If you can't get the machine back online with your own people, and the alert notice fails to go away, consider consulting a mechanic who specializes in injection molding machines. You can usually contact one on an emergency notice within a few hours. Time is money. The longer the machine stays down, the larger the draw on profits.

When to Start Over
Every machine has its time to be scrapped, just like the rest of us. Injection molding machines have a lifespan of their own, and sometimes no amount of repair can bring them back from the dead. Know when it's time to shop fresh. You've got your choices. You could buy new, but you'll likely find more affordable alternatives from equipment auctions. With so many businesses going into the ground in this recession, equipment auctions are plentiful. Finding cheap injection molding machines is about as easy as finding empty warehouses in Detroit.

New or Used?
Deciding whether to buy a new machine or simply make do with a used one depends on your use. In most cases, you'll find much more affordable options on injection molding machines at equipment auctions. You can usually get them in good condition for a fraction of what you'd pay new. Equipment auctions tend to have a pretty good selection of injection molding machines.

Cody Ross is the author of this article about equipment auctions and the deals to be made on items like injection molding machines.