How to purchase a used Star Automatic lathe?
Step 1: Pre-Purchase Preparation and Self-Assessment
Before you begin researching used Star Automatic lathe, you need to have a clear plan.
1. Determine your needs:
Part Requirements: What parts will you be machining? What tolerances, materials, and complexity will they have? Make sure a Swiss-type lathe is the right choice for you (typically suitable for parts with diameters ranging from 0.5 mm to 32 mm).
Required Features: Determine the basic features you need:
Barstock Capacity: What is the maximum barstock diameter you will need? (e.g., 20 mm, 32 mm).
Number of Axes: The standard configuration is 7 axes (X, Y, Z, and C for the main spindle and subspindle, respectively). Do you need more axes for complex milling operations?
Live Tooling: How many live (rotating) tools will be required? Are they servo-driven?
Back Machining: Does the machine have a subspindle for part transfer and back machining?
Guide Bushing Type: Fixed or Sliding? Sliding is more common and has a wider range of uses.
Control system: Familiarity with the brand (usually Fanuc) is crucial for programmers and operators.
2. Set a budget:
This includes not only the purchase price, but also:
Rigging and installation: Moving heavy, precision machine tools is expensive.
Tooling: Used machine tools rarely come with a full set of toolholders, collets, and guideways. This can be a hidden cost of thousands of dollars.
Spare parts: Budget for common wear parts.
Potential repairs/refurbishments: Even a cosmetically attractive machine may require immediate repair.
3. Find an experienced technician:
If you don't have an in-house expert, hire one. An experienced Swiss lathe technician can be invaluable during the inspection phase.
Step 2: Search and Purchasing Phase
Finding a Source:
Used machinery dealers: Specialized dealers (e.g., Moore Tool, HGR Industrial Surplus) typically offer a wide selection. They may offer limited warranties and have already performed a certain level of inspection.
Online marketplaces: Platforms such as HUMADA are common.
Auction houses: (e.g., BidSpotter, Industrial Auctioneers Association). Offers may be made, but they are typically sold "as is, where is" and inspections are not possible.
Owner Direct Sale: Sometimes a company will sell the machine directly. This can be a good option, but requires a more detailed on-site inspection.
Step 3: Critical Inspection and Evaluation (The Most Important Step)
Never purchase a used Star lathe without a thorough inspection. If you can't visit in person, hire a local, third-party inspector.
A. Documentation and History:
Machine Serial Number: Obtain the complete serial number and contact Star CNC Machine Tool Corp. or its local distributor. They can usually provide the machine's manufacturing date, original specifications, and sometimes its repair history.
Maintenance Records: Request any available logbooks. A thorough history is a very positive sign.
B. Physical Inspection:
Overall Condition: Inspect for obvious signs of abuse, impact, or neglect. Check for damaged handles, panel damage, and any major repairs.
Wear:
Guide Bushing Area: This is crucial. Inspect the guide bushing for scratches or wear. Severe wear here is a red flag and can be costly to repair.
Guideways and Ball Screws: Manually move the axis to its limits to feel for smooth movement. Any sticking or binding indicates wear.
Tool Post and Turret: Check the turret's runout and repeatability. Inspect the toolholder for damage.
Coolant System and Lubrication: Inspect the coolant tank and lines for corrosion. Ensure the automatic lubrication system is functioning properly and has not been neglected.
C. Control System and Electronics:
Startup: Start the machine in a safe state. Listen for any unusual noises from the spindle or servo system.
Check for any persistent error codes or alarms.
Check the controller's startup time and cycle start time. This, like a car's odometer, can give you a true understanding of machine usage.
Controller Version: Note the specific Fanuc controller model (e.g., Fanuc 31i-B). Older controllers may be outdated and more difficult to maintain.
Spindle: Run the spindle at different speeds. Listen for bearing noise (grinding, whining) or vibration.
D. Test Cuts and Accuracy Verification
Insist on a test cut. This is non-negotiable. Provide a drawing of a sample part or a simple test part program.
Measurement Results: Use a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) or high-precision micrometer to check:
Dimensional accuracy
Surface finish
Roundness and concentricity
Ballbar testing or laser interferometry: For the most critical applications, a professional inspection service can perform a ballbar test to check for geometric errors in machine motion. This is the gold standard.
Step 4: Negotiation and Closing the Deal
Use the inspection results as leverage: Any issues discovered during the inspection (e.g., worn components, need for new bearings) should be used as leverage to lower the price or request that these issues be corrected before purchase.
Clear Terms: Understand what is included (e.g., tooling, manuals, chucks, collets). Document this in writing.
Understand Logistics: Get a quote for rigging and transportation to your facility.
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