used equipment shopping

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We're in the process of trying to select a rebuilt, refurbis... - Jan 17, 2007 by Steve Thomas

You might want to try going to the manufacturer about g... - Jan 17, 2007 by JAX

At this point I'm comfortable with my suppliers, although we... - Jan 18, 2007 by Steve Thomas

Hi Steve, Depends where you are in the world too - if in ... - Jan 19, 2007 by Rob

Steve, You've been here long enough to know about our Equipm... - Jan 19, 2007 by

Trust me Peter, I've put my time in with the EM! I'll be a h... - Jan 22, 2007 by Steve Thomas

Steve Thomas

#46751

used equipment shopping | 17 January, 2007

We're in the process of trying to select a rebuilt, refurbished, or well serviced flexible placer, something that's capable of placing in the neighborhood of 10k and up. We're a high mix low volume shop so easy setups is key. I'd be looking at a MY-9 if I could find one for sale but they seem to be pretty much non-existant on the used market.

Right now we're looking closely at a GSMII, dual beam w/flexjet heads, a Philips Topaz, and a Quad QSP-2. They are all in the same ballpark price-wise and have been quoted with similar feeder numbers. The GSM quote didn't include docking carts, the others did.

What I don't know for sure (although I have some impressions) are the specifics of each re: methods and ease of programming, production use, and overall complexity.

Any comments, rants, raves, etc., would be appreciated.

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JAX

#46752

used equipment shopping | 17 January, 2007

You might want to try going to the manufacturer about getting a refurb unit with a warranty. All of the manufacturers listed provide refurbished equipment deals that can be packaged with feeders. If you go with a broker or 3rd party rebuild house be careful. Many are very good, very honest, and staffed with ex-Field Service guys that know what they are doing... but not all. Get the serial numbers for the machines you are looking at and call the Manufacturer. They should be able to supply you with the repair history and give you a heads up if you are dealing with a reputable company.

Ease of programming will depend on the Machine Vintage, Software Revision, and industry experience.

What machine is right will depend on the boards you run. Feeder Space, Component Size (X, Y, Z), Component Packaging (Tape & Reel, Tube, Tray), Required Accuracy.....

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Steve Thomas

#46799

used equipment shopping | 18 January, 2007

At this point I'm comfortable with my suppliers, although we will definitely look at the machines running and verify they'll build our products to our satisfaction.

All three machines meet or exceed our requirements for component range, speed, accuracy, and footprint. My concerns are mostly focused on ease of operation, setups, and programming relative to each other. Software revision is a good point and it's something I need to get more information on, particularly with upgrade options. Thanks.

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Rob

#46822

used equipment shopping | 19 January, 2007

Hi Steve,

Depends where you are in the world too - if in the UK I would go for the Topaz - easier to program & use than the GSM2, if not as good a machine.

However there's a lot of 3rd party Quad support if you're in the states.

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Peter

#46823

used equipment shopping | 19 January, 2007

Steve, You've been here long enough to know about our Equipment Mart. Place a wanted ad, it's free, and dealers will contact you. There was a Philips llisted in December...

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Steve Thomas

#46870

used equipment shopping | 22 January, 2007

Trust me Peter, I've put my time in with the EM! I'll be a happy camper when they'll set up the search to include/exclude by location.

It's less a matter of knowing what's out there and more about knowing what will suit all of our needs best.

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