Used machine tools – Part 2
USED MACHINE TOOLS
Falling into the category of capital goods as it does, new machine tools have been greatly affected by the new credit system. The sale of machine tools was negatively affected by the freezing of capital expenditure and because of its dependence upon the end-users in the manufacturing and automobile industries. Therefore consumers were forced to look at the used machine tool industry. As a result of this South Africa’s international competitiveness in manufacturing has started to materialise due to the utilisation of new technologies and there are now many companies that specialize in the selling of used, reconditioned and new fabrication and engineering machines. They supply a range of used machine tools, accessories, tooling, consumables and services to the metal working industry and the engineering industry at large.
Top companies usually employ full time technicians who are factory trained to repair, install and commission these used machine tools and provide expert advice for manufacturing processes, complete turnkey projects, installations and commissioning and training on the equipment sold. Some companies are even offering in-house training in the use of this machinery – particularly the programming of CNC machines.
