Six Common Traps in Purchasing Laser Equipment

When they go to exhibitions to buy laser equipment, many buyers fall into hidden traps.The following six categories of risks are the most common in laser equipment purchases. From price traps and misleading specifications to poor after-sales service, this article will help you avoid the pitfalls of purchasing laser equipment.By mastering the techniques, ensuring the quality of their equipment, and providing a good price-to-quality ratio, the companies can make the work of the purchasing agents that much easier.

Don't be dazzled by low prices.

There are always some exhibitors who try to attract attention with "bone-crushing" prices, but don't be too quick to place an order.Such equipment may be surplus stock or a scaled-down version of the core components.One of our customers bought a laser cutting machine for NT $ 80,000, but after using it for two months the guide rails bent out of shape. When they opened it up, they discovered that it had second-hand motors in it.It is suggested that you ask to see the production date of the equipment and that it be tested on the spot to see if it can run continuously for an hour or more.

Games with words

2000W of power sounds impressive, but that may be peak power, not continuous power.One manufacturer prints "20mm thickness" in large type, but in the corner writes "only for carbon steel, 80 % speed reduction.Remember to have the salesperson write down the testing conditions for all of the parameters in the contract. It is best to record the demonstration effect on your mobile phone.

Be wary of the trap of custom-made equipment.

When an exhibitor enthusiastically recommends a "tailor-made" package, it's best to coolly calculate the cost.One factory once ordered a machine with an automatic feed function, which was 400,000 yuan more expensive than the standard model, only to find out later that there were already mature accessories on the market for retrofitting.Unless there is a special need for a particular process, it is better to consider general-purpose equipment first, as this can save a third of the cost of maintenance in later years.

The trick of the sample.

There may be a lot of trickery behind those slick demonstrations.The most exaggerated exhibits use specially made materials, and the effect cannot be achieved with ordinary steel.Ask them to test with your own material, and don't be afraid of the trouble. A reputable manufacturer will be glad to have you check their work on the spot.

The hidden bomb in the after-sales clauses.

When it comes time for repairs, you discover that you have to pay a high service call fee.One company bought a laser marking machine, and the next year when it changed the lens they charged it NT $ 8000.Before signing a contract, be sure to confirm the scope of the warranty coverage, and whether the response time is 24 hours or 72 hours. It's a good idea to highlight the key clauses in red.

The accessories and consumables trap.

Just as printer manufacturers make their money from ink cartridges, some laser equipment manufacturers charge up to three times the cost of replacement parts.A special gas for a certain brand of laser cleaner, which sells for NT $ 200 per bottle on the market, costs NT $ 680 from the manufacturer.When signing a contract, be sure to ask about the type of consumable supplies required, and request six months 'worth of consumables for free.

The secret of the time factor.

When looking at the various certificates on the display stand, be sure to check the date of the inspection.Safety standards for laser equipment are updated every year. Although a particular customer had a CE certificate for his machine, it was based on a standard from five years ago, and the machine was held up at customs when it was exported.The manufacturer should be asked to provide a copy of the test report for that year, and it should be stamped with the company seal.