The 27-point inspection
Use this list when you inspect a machine yourself, and use it to check what a seller has actually done. A seller who cannot answer all 27 has not checked all 27.
Electrical system — 9 points
Hydraulic system — 9 points
Mechanical system — 9 points
Six risks that catch buyers out
1. Screw and barrel wear that was never measured
The wear figure is the single most informative number on a used machine, and the most commonly missing. Without it you cannot tell whether the machine is at 10% wear or 80% wear — and you will find out at production, not before.
2. Undisclosed hydraulic repairs
Seals replaced without record, oil topped up instead of changed, a pump quietly failing and compensated for by raising the pressure setting. Ask for the inspection report, then ask specifically when the oil was last changed and what the oil level looks like now.
3. Spares and parts that no longer exist
Older controllers and discontinued components can make a machine effectively unmaintainable within a few years. Find out the controller model before you commit, then check whether spare parts are still available and at what price. This is the risk that turns a cheap machine into an expensive one.
4. Tonnage mismatch
Too large and the cycle stretches — you pay for capacity you cannot use and the machine takes longer to recover. Too small and the part never quite fills, or the machine runs continuously trying to keep up. Make sure the size matches the job, not the price list.
5. Sold as-is with no documentation
No serial number, no inspection report, no video. Walk away. Without documentation, if there is ever a dispute about what you were promised, you have nothing to point at. This one is not a judgement call.
6. The cost of recommissioning
The machine may arrive needing electrical work, a new thermocouple set, or a serviced hydraulic system. Ask explicitly what was serviced and what was not. A machine that has stood idle for a year needs more than a machine that has been running.
What to demand before paying the balance
Three things, and they are not negotiable in a fair transaction:
- A written condition inspection report covering electrical, hydraulic and mechanical, with the screw wear measurement stated.
- A running video of the machine operating under load — not powered up, running. Cycle time, injection weight and stability visible.
- Third-party inspection if you want it — and a supplier who does not object to you sending your own inspector. We have no objection either.
What it should actually cost
Broadly, a used machine lands at 30 to 55 percent of the equivalent new price. But the spread within that band is wide, and the way to think about it is total cost of ownership rather than purchase price alone.
| Factor | Effect on the decision |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | 30–55% of new, wider spread for larger tonnage |
| Remaining service life | Uncertain — depends on measured condition, not running hours |
| Energy per part | Higher on older machines; matters most where power is expensive |
| Spare parts availability | Real risk on older control platforms — check before committing |
| Lead time to production | Weeks rather than months |
| Recommissioning cost | Could be zero, or could be significant if the machine has stood idle |
One counter-intuitive point
A well-maintained smaller machine often holds its value better than a neglected larger one. Buyers of used equipment check condition far more carefully than buyers of new equipment. So a 250-ton machine with a documented history can be a better long-term purchase than a 500-ton machine with none — even though the smaller one is cheaper.
New or used — how to decide
| Situation | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Established product, settled tooling, adding capacity | Used | The process is proven; you are buying tonnage, not learning |
| Replacing an existing machine, same tonnage | Usually used | Mould and process already proven; low technical risk |
| New product launch | New | You cannot afford commissioning surprises on an unknown part |
| Tight tolerance, medical or optical | New | All-electric precision and repeatability pay for themselves here |
| Energy cost is a major share of your cost base | New | An old machine drawing more power for the same part erodes any purchase saving over years |
| Downtime is unacceptable to you | New | You will not tolerate the unknown failure modes of an older machine |
How we handle it
Screw and barrel wear is measured, not estimated — and the figure goes in the report with the serial number. Oil condition and service history are documented and dated. The controller model is confirmed before you commit, so you know whether parts will still be available in five years. Every machine goes out with the inspection report and running video before you pay the balance. And third-party inspection is welcome on request — including your own inspector. If the measurement says a machine is not worth buying, we will tell you and not sell it to you.
Common questions
How do I know a used machine is in good condition?
By what was actually checked, not by age or hours. Three systems must be verified: electrical, hydraulic and mechanical — 27 points in total above. Then run it under load and record a video. A powered-up machine that has not been run proves nothing at all.
How much should I expect to pay?
Broadly 30 to 55 percent of the equivalent new price, spread depending on age, condition and tonnage. Compare on total cost of ownership: purchase price plus expected remaining life plus the higher running cost of an older machine drawing more power for the same cycle.
Should I buy used or new?
Used suits established products with settled tooling and budget-driven capacity additions. New suits new product launches, tight-tolerance work, high energy costs, and any situation where you cannot afford downtime. Replacing an existing machine at the same tonnage often works well used, because the mould and process are already proven.
What should I demand before paying the balance?
Three things: a written condition inspection report, a running video of the machine under load, and third-party inspection if you want it. A seller reluctant on any of the three is telling you something.
Is buying used from China risky?
The distance and the language are real obstacles, not inherent risks. The way to manage both is documentation: a written report you can verify, a video you can watch, and inspection rights you actually exercise. Any supplier who documents properly and welcomes inspection has removed most of the risk that distance creates.