Is It Worth Buying a Second-Hand Laser Marker?

Is it worth buying a secondhand laser marker? By analyzing the advantages of price and the risks involved, we can create a checklist of key testing indicators, including laser life, processing accuracy, and system stability, to help you select a high-quality, cost-effective machine.

Is it worth buying a used laser marker?

Many friends have asked me, "Can't we buy a used laser marking machine?Last week a colleague of mine bought a second-hand machine at a low price, but after using it for a week the laser head packed up, and the repair bill was more expensive than the machine itself.Therefore, the key to whether or not it's worth buying is learning how to choose.

Five key indicators to consider before buying.

Laser remaining life.

Just as the mileage of a car determines how long it can be used, the life of a laser directly determines how long the machine can be used.The main point is to keep track of the total operating time (which is usually recorded in the system log), and ordinary fiber lasers have a design life of around 100,000 hours.If the seller does not have the records, you can have a technician use a power meter to measure the actual output. Do not consider any that have more than 15 % reduction in output.

Actual machining accuracy.

Don't just take the salesperson's word for it that the accuracy is to 0.01 millimeter. Bring along a stainless steel plate to test it on.Check two things: whether the thin lines are continuous (not dotted) and whether the edges of the small characters are clear.A clever way to do this is to let machines print the QR codes, and if they can be scanned within a second, they pass muster.

Cooling system status.

A lot of people tend to overlook this "rear echelon minister.He opens the chassis and feels the temperature of the heat sink, and listens to see if there are any unusual sounds coming from the pumps.A more specialized method of testing is to see the stability of water temperature: Let the machine work continuously for two hours, and if the cooling fluid temperature fluctuates more than ± 3 degrees Celsius, it will probably cost a lot of money to repair.

Software system compatibility.

The worst situation I have encountered is buying a computer with a system lock, which can only use a specific version of software.Remember to ask the seller to demonstrate the whole process of importing files and adjusting parameters on the spot, and if possible, bring your own USB flash drive and test it with files in different formats (DXF, AI, and PLT).

Mechanical wear and tear.

The three main areas to check are the tracks, the sprockets and the reflectors.There is a simple test method--to let the machine make a continuous figure-eight movement, listen for any unusual noises, and see if the repeat positioning precision meets the standard.

Three practical suggestions for selecting a camera.

1. Prioritize those who offer a six-month warranty, even if it means paying 10 % more.

2. Ask for a repair record for the past three months. If the company doesn't keep records, it's best to find another shop.

3. Bring along an experienced technician to test the machine. Testing fees are much less than tuition.

In the end, the advice is to buy second-hand machinery only after careful inspection.By carefully checking all of these factors, it is possible to find a gem for half the price of a new machine.But if you think it's too much trouble or you're a heavy user, it's probably better to just buy a new machine.