From Factory Floor to Your Workshop: Evaluating a Pre-Owned, Used, Secondhand, Surplus CNC Machine Before Purchase Romi M27 CNC Big Bore Spindle Lathe made in Brazil
1. Technical Overview
The Romi M27 is a heavy-duty flat-bed CNC lathe manufactured in Brazil by Indústrias Romi S.A., a globally recognized brand for robust turning machines. It is designed for machining large-diameter and long-shaft components, typically used in oil, energy, and heavy-engineering industries.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Swing over bed | 685 mm (≈ 27 ″) |
| Swing over cross slide | 430 mm (≈ 17 ″) |
| Distance between centers | 3 048 mm (≈ 120 ″) |
| X-axis travel | 360 mm (≈ 14.17 ″) |
| Z-axis travel | 3 048 mm (≈ 120 ″) |
| Spindle bore (through hole) | 104 mm (≈ 4.09 ″) |
| Spindle nose | A2-8 |
| Spindle speed range | 2 – 1 800 rpm |
| Spindle motor power | 22 – 30 kW (varies by configuration) |
| Control system | FANUC 21i-TB / SIEMENS 840D (depending on version) |
| Machine weight | approx. 9 000 – 10 000 kg |
| Origin | Brazil |
This configuration confirms its classification as a Big Bore Spindle Lathe, suitable for heavy bar and pipe machining.
2. Physical Inspection Checklist
Before purchasing a used Romi M27, carry out a detailed technical inspection. A physical examination is crucial to detect mechanical fatigue, alignment errors, or hidden damage.
A. Machine Body & Structure
- Inspect the bed casting for cracks, welds, or deformations.
- Check for vibration marks or any visible signs of misalignment.
- Verify parallelism and straightness of the bed using precision levels or laser alignment tools.
B. Spindle & Headstock
- Measure run-out at spindle nose and chuck seat.
- Listen for bearing noise during rotation at low and high speeds.
- Confirm lubrication system is functional and not leaking.
C. Guideways & Ball Screws
- Check for uneven wear, scoring, or backlash.
- Manually move axes through full travel and listen for irregular friction.
- Confirm lubrication intervals and slideway oil delivery are consistent.
D. Turret & Tooling System
- Inspect tool-changer indexing repeatability and clamping pressure.
- Verify tool alignment and turret lock integrity.
E. Electrical & CNC Control
- Check control screen for dead pixels or alarm history.
- Confirm axis drives and servo motors operate without error codes.
- Test emergency stop and interlock functions.
3. Functional Test & Cutting Trial
If possible, request a cutting demonstration before purchase:
- Run the spindle through full speed range (0 – 1800 rpm).
- Engage both X and Z axes simultaneously to test drive load.
- Perform a turning operation on mild steel and measure surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
- Check for thermal drift after 1 hour of continuous operation.
4. Documentation & Service Records
A reliable used Romi M27 should include:
- Original operation and maintenance manuals (English or Portuguese).
- Electrical diagrams and PLC backup files.
- Service logs showing maintenance intervals, spindle rebuilds, and lubrication changes.
- CNC parameter backup and drive configuration files.
5. Market Evaluation & Price Range
As of late 2025, used Romi M27 CNC Lathes are typically listed at:
- USD 35 000 – 65 000, depending on year, control, and condition.
- Machines with Fanuc 21i-TB or Siemens 840D and under 10 000 hours of use often command premium pricing.
- For export from Brazil or the U.S., check spindle bore certification, electrical compatibility (380 V / 50 Hz), and shipping cost per kg.
6. Professional Buying Advice
Prefer units with full power-on test capability.
Avoid refurbished lathes lacking OEM parts — Romi spare parts are specific and pricey.
Inspect spindle bearings (NSK / SKF type 7014 or 7016 angular contacts) for wear.
Confirm tool post type (VDI or bolt-on) matches your existing tooling system.
Check turret alignment after heavy use — it can shift due to Z-axis impact.
7. Conclusion
The Romi M27 CNC Big Bore Spindle Lathe represents a durable, heavy-duty turning solution for large shafts and pipes. When properly inspected and verified, it offers excellent value in the secondhand market. Its Brazilian engineering, robust bed design, and Fanuc control reliability make it a strong choice for workshops upgrading from manual lathes or smaller CNCs.
