In the engineering sector, when a person proceeds with his dreams, the first difficulty he finds in his way is to obtain unbiased information about machines, machine tools and equipment. It is very obvious that people selling these engineering products are skilled at highlighting the advantages, features, and technical parameters of their products as well as downplaying the limitations inherent in their machines.
So, what should be the considerations while choosing a machine? Here are some general parameters that would be useful when evaluating any machine or similar product. Additionally, these can help the stakeholders in their right decision making process.
- Knowing about the material selected by the manufacturer to build the machine.
Knowing about the material & components by the buyers is as important as for developing a reliable machine by the manufacturers. The physical properties of the chosen material and components are critically important to the overall life of the whole machine. Therefore, below are some factors for material, which you must ask to the manufacturer before buying the machine:
Strength: You should ask the seller that the material used for manufacturing can withstand the impact, torque and friction forces placed on it. This is the most important factor for any engineering product’s usability.
Brittleness: The machine should not crack or shatter when the part is impacted on a repetitive scale.
Hardness: The material should be hard enough to allow negligible deformation on the applied pressure to the surface. You should verify the degree of hardness as per the govt. approved standards.
Corrosion Resistance: Most of the manufacturers use stainless steel for making the structure and components of the machine as it has corrosion resistance. But, like others do you also believe that stainless steel doesn’t corrode? You might get surprised to know that stainless steel also corrode though the corrosion rate is much low. Also, stainless steel is available in different grades like 303, 304, 440 etc which have varied rust rates. So, if you are satisfied that stainless steel is used in the machine you are going to buy then you should ask the grade of the material so that your machine can work for longer even under ambient conditions.
Wear Resistance: You should check the surface finish of the machine as well as the wear resistance so that the machine can handle the repeated forces over time.
- ABC of the machine standards
Standards are basically the agreement between manufacturers, buyers, notified bodies, safety authorities and governments. It tells about the advancements, safety regulations, safeguards chosen at the time the machine is developed.
The basic standards are classified in A, B and C groups, where A standards are the highest level and are concerned with essential health and safety needs for machines.
B standards are further grouped in B1 and B2 standards which tell the safety aspects and safeguards respectively.
(On the basis of safeguards only, you can be ensured for the maximum protection against the hazards that may occur during the operation)
Afterwards, the C standards, these explain the machine type or group.
When a manufacturer or supplier offers you a machine by saying that it is built under the compliance of industrial standards then do not be afraid to ask which and how. You can introduce yourself with the code and standards that apply to the machine you are looking for installation. The awareness of standards and Pre-Start Health and Safety Reviews will not only help you to buy from a right provider but also to select a reliable machine.
- Choose Quality over Price
Certainly, a seemingly cheap or negotiated deal on any machine is no deal in anyway if it often breaks down or doesn’t serve your purpose properly. It’s okay to see at price once before purchasing, but your greater focus should be on quality.
In the market, you will find Chinese machine at less rates comparatively to Indian machine. But, the actual truth is not hidden from everybody. We all know that though Chinese machines are cheaper but these not stand good on quality whereas Indian Machines are known for good quality and can be availed at genuine rates. (Read more in Why Indian Machines are best over Chinese Machines)
When it comes to buying equipment for your small, medium or large business, you should take time to research on it online, read reviews and feedbacks to protect yourself from the potential headaches.
- Say no to scrimp on your priorities
When you wish to save on your purchasing, you will surely go for the lowest model available at less cost, which no doubt works in some cases. However, there are some things for which spending a little extra is quite worth in order to keep prospective problems at bay. These things are productivity, serviceability, operating cost and durability.
- Productivity: You should know the rate of production of the particular machine that you are going to buy. Increased productivity will definitely enhance your business growth. Depending upon your production need, you should pick right model for you keeping all the above points in the mind.
- Serviceability: This is one of the prime factors while picking a machine, especially for the person starting a new business. You should ask the manufacturer or supplier whether the service of machine would be provided by them, if needed or is the machine needs less maintenance. If the answers are yes, then only you can buy that machine otherwise it’s better to go for better version.
- Durability: All of the above, high durability or longer working life will make you feel actually relaxed. Because, buying a heavy duty machine is not a game of kids, it involves a big investment which you can’t make again and again. So, you must verify the durability standards and technology that has been used while manufacturing.
- Operating Cost: This is somewhere connected with productivity. If you are choosing a lowest model by thinking of lower buying rates but you have to produce more, then definitely you would run the machine again to reach that production number. This will increase your electricity bills, time consumption and labour engagement. However, these can overcome by spending extra to pick higher version.
(This is completely depends on your wish and your desired production level. Because lower models are also good at their place)
Hence, to make the right purchases, it is necessary to have a awareness about all the aforementioned things so that your confidence will remains at up and your hard-earned money will get invested in right way.