Can I buy second-hand molds? Judgment of Three Situations

Can I buy second-hand molds? Judgment of Three Situations
Second hand molds can be considered in three situations: same wheel type expansion, short-term orders, and stable spare parts sources; In other cases, the risk outweighs the return.
Scenario 1: Same wheel type expansion production
The same mold is already in production, buying another set of second-hand molds to expand production has the lowest risk. The cavity state can be directly compared.
We need to verify the remaining lifespan. Based on the estimated usage and design lifespan, it is not recommended to take over if the remaining 50% is less than 50%.
It is also necessary to confirm that the mold matches the existing production line machines, and the cost of interface modification should be included in the total cost.
Scenario 2: Short term orders
When the order cycle is between 6-12 months and the total quantity is not large, the investment and recovery of second-hand molds are faster.
But we have to accept quality fluctuations. The cooling and exhaust status of the second-hand mold has changed, and the parameters need to be readjusted.
After the short-term order is completed, the residual value of the mold should also be considered in advance.
Scenario 3: Stable source of spare parts
The availability of spare parts for second-hand molds determines the subsequent maintenance costs. Spare parts for non-standard molds are often only available from the original factory.
If the original factory has stopped production or cannot be contacted, a missing set of spare parts may cause the mold to shut down.
In the evaluation of second-hand molds, Xinfeng Mold will focus on whether the drawings and spare parts list are complete. It is not recommended to take over molds without drawings.
Four items that must be verified
The first is the cavity state. Whether there are cracks, strains, or traces of welding repair. The lifespan of the repaired cavity will significantly decrease.
The second is size. Whether the key dimensions are still within the tolerance and the cost of repairing them beyond the tolerance should be calculated clearly.
The third is the waterway. Whether there is scaling, blockage, or leakage. The mold with poor waterway condition has weakened cooling capacity.
The fourth is the document. Are the drawings, parameter tables, and maintenance records complete.
How to determine the price
The price of second-hand molds is often 20% -50% of that of new molds, depending on the remaining lifespan and completeness of the documents.
Converting the unit price based on the remaining modules is more reasonable than discounting based on new modules.
The cost of renovation and debugging should be included. Interface modification, parameter tuning, and spare parts supplementation often account for 15% -30% of the price of second-hand molds.
Risk statement
Second hand molds do not come with a warranty, and any problems can only be borne by oneself.
Molds with unknown sources may have property disputes, and ownership needs to be confirmed before trading.
transaction process
Second hand mold transactions should be inspected on-site, not just based on photos. The status of the cavity and the traces of welding repair need to be observed up close.
After the transaction, property rights and drawings need to be transferred. Second hand molds without drawings will significantly increase maintenance costs in the future.
Renovation budget
The interface modification, parameter adjustment, and spare parts replenishment of second-hand molds often account for 15% -30% of the price. When the budget is insufficient, the renovation will be abandoned halfway.
The cavity of the second-hand mold can be scanned in three dimensions, and compared with the original data, the wear amount is clear at a glance.
The hydraulic and pneumatic components of second-hand molds need to be inspected separately, and this part of aging is often overlooked.
The taxes and transportation costs of second-hand molds should be included in the total price, and the transaction price is only a part of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I buy second-hand molds?
Answer: When expanding production with the same wheel type, short-term orders, and stable spare parts, it can be considered.
Question: What is the remaining lifespan?
Answer: Based on the estimated usage and design lifespan, it is not recommended to use less than 50%.
Q: What is the general price?
Answer: It is usually 20% -50% of the new mold, and it is more reasonable to convert it based on the remaining mold times.
Question: What do you want to verify?
Answer: There are four items: cavity, size, waterway, and document.
Q: Is there a warranty?
Answer: Usually not, the risk is borne by oneself.
Question: Are drawings important?
Answer: Important, maintenance of molds without drawings is difficult.
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