Is used CMM popular?

Author:J           Date:2025-09-26

The primary appeal of used CMMs lies in their high cost-performance ratio. Brand-new CMMs, especially mid-to-high-end models from leading brands like Hexagon and Zeiss, are very expensive, often costing millions of RMB. For small and medium-sized businesses, startups, or educational institutions (especially vocational schools) with limited budgets, used equipment offers a viable path to advanced measurement technology at 30%-50% or even less of the original price.

Many industries have a strong demand for CMMs. Data shows that automotive, aerospace, electronics, and mechanical manufacturing are the primary application markets for CMMs. Quality control, product inspection, and reverse engineering in these industries all rely on precision measurement. For certain applications, such as teaching demonstrations, initial inspections with low precision requirements, or relative measurement of large workpieces, a stable used CMM is fully sufficient.

Market Activity and Regional Distribution
In terms of market activity, the used CMM market is vibrant. For example, in 2021, the number of CMMs purchased through public tenders in the Chinese market exceeded 200. This continued purchase of new machines will naturally lead to equipment upgrades, replenishing the used market. Regionally, China's major manufacturing provinces such as Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Sichuan have particularly strong demand for CMMs, indirectly reflecting the potential vitality of the used market in these regions.

Key Considerations When Purchasing

While used CMMs are attractive, the purchasing decision should be made with extreme caution. The key lies in assessing the equipment's actual condition.

Accuracy Verification: Be sure to inspect the latest accuracy calibration report issued by an authoritative third-party organization and complying with ISO 10360 standards. This serves as a "physical check" to ensure the equipment's measurement capabilities.

Mechanical Structure and Software: Carefully inspect key mechanical components such as guide rails and air flotation systems for wear, and verify that the measurement software is fully licensed and the correct version is available.

Brand and Model: Classic models from internationally renowned brands (such as Hexagon, Zeiss, and Mitutoyo) are generally more popular in the used market due to their stability and excellent after-sales service support, and tend to retain their value better.

Source and After-Sales Service: Understand the equipment's previous usage environment (e.g., whether it's used on a busy production line or sporadically in a laboratory). Also, clarify whether the seller offers after-sales services such as installation, commissioning, and even a short-term warranty.

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