Page 51 - MetalForming April 2014

large press in order to acquire the need- ed tonnage.
When considering application requirements, ask the following questions:
• Will we be getting all of the need- ed functions, and do we need to make concessions?
• Will we be using more floorspace than necessary, and how will that affect operations?
• Will the press require a pit, platform or other environmental adjustment?
• Will we have to change our processes to suit the press, or vice versa?
• How will the press affect product quality—for better or worse?
• Will operating costs for the press remain the same, increase or decrease? • Will operators run safely and effi-
ciently on this press?
2) What is the budget?
Capital-expense budgets should account for up-front and long-term costs. In most cases, used hydraulic- press equipment will feature up-front pricing that’s significantly lower when compared to a custom press. Metal- formers with limited capital-expense budgets, despite their preferences for made-to-order machinery, might be limited to what can be found on the used market. And, in some cases find- ing a quality used hydraulic press that matches the application requirements can offer the best overall solution.
However, metalformers must under- stand that while offering up-front cost advantages, used equipment can be associated with certain long-term costs that result in higher overall project costs. These hidden costs include increased maintenance and repair requirements, and a loss of efficiency due to the adop- tion of equipment initially designed for a different application.
When comparing a new custom hydraulic press to a used alternative, consider these line-item costs:
• Machine purchase price—Actual up-front cost of each solution
• Retrofit requirements—Controls, safety systems and other press modifi-
cations required to adapt to the appli- cation or company standards
• Facility change—Any changes needed to accommodate the incoming press (pits, other foundation work, etc.)
• Delivery and installation
• Setup—What, if anything, will need to be done to the press before it is operable?
• Annual maintenance costs, includ- ing spare parts
3) What is the timeline?
In most cases, by the time a metal- former’s acquisition team recognizes the need for capital equipment, con- ducts pertinent research and has a capital request approved, the avail- able timeline for purchasing, installa- tion and start-up has dwindled. On the surface, an expedited project time- line naturally lends itself to existing used equipment. However, in many

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