It’s a fact of life: As machine tools age, they drift out of spec from their original performance, and new technologies emerge that offer improved options for shops to implement. At the same time, machine tool builders also offer rebuild and retrofit services that can return a machine to its like-new condition – and even improve it with some of the latest advantages now available. So when is it time to replace a machine tool, and when does it make better sense to give it some TLC instead?
Let’s start with the basics. If your budget allows for the purchase of a brand-new machine tool, you’re almost always going to be better off with the latest and greatest technology. That clean, fresh start enables you to set up optimized daily and routine periodic maintenance and optimize how you use the equipment to lengthen its working life span. You’ll also benefit from any upgrades and improvements the machine tool builder has introduced since your current machine was new, from enhanced CNC performance to built-in automation options.
But let’s suppose that your budget really can’t cope with a new machine, or you’ve allocated your funds to other priorities, so you’re not in a position to make a capital expenditure of that size. In this situation, you may be able to obtain the capabilities you need with a rebuild or retrofit of your existing machine tool. Of course, that’s assuming you’ve followed the manufacturer’s directions and maintained that equipment in good enough condition for a rebuild.
One additional set of circumstances may help you decide to restore your current machine tool instead of replacing it. If a new machine would carry a bigger footprint than the one you already own, shop-floor space allocation may point you toward hanging on to what you already have.
It’s important to distinguish between the terms rebuilding and retrofitting. A rebuild is just that: A thorough, system-by-system teardown and repair or replacement of critical systems that wear down in use, including the spindle and ways. The end result of a rebuild is an older machine tool model restored to its original working condition. A retrofit, however, swaps out one or more of the machine’s original subsystems for newer and typically more-advanced technology, adding a new CNC, increasing automation capabilities or replacing the current spindle with one that uses a different interface.
And that spindle-interface swap in a retrofit can enable your shop to take advantage of one crucial piece of technology that offers your applications greater performance and precision. New interfaces such as HSK 64A and BIG-PLUS from BIG DAISHOWA add to the rigidity and security of your tool connection to the spindle, reducing vibration and quelling runout. If your machine shipped with a CAT interface, these new developments may offer you a competitive advantage in terms of job quality and scrap reduction.
Of course, if you decide to retrofit your machine tool with a new spindle interface, you’ll need new toolholding to go along with it. Keep two further considerations in mind when you think through this particular decision. First, are your current toolholders aging to the point at which they’re ready for replacement? In that case, the switch to a different standard isn’t an extra expense. Second, if your existing toolholders still have plenty of life left in them, can you move them over to a different machine and keep them in service? Under that scenario, you’ll still need new toolholders after your retrofit, but your current equipment can remain in service.
Only you can determine whether your machine tools need replacement, or if you’re best served with a refurbishment that adds to their working capabilities. When you do face this decision, keep toolholding in mind as a critical part of the considerations. If you’re concerned about the condition of your current toolholding or have questions about the switch to a new system, get in touch with our Tech Team for a critical analysis.