Here’s a detailed guide for evaluating a pre-owned / used / surplus DMG MORI CLX 350 CNC Turning Center — from factory floor to your shop floor. I include the baseline specs (so you know what “as-designed” is), what to inspect, red flags, and how to gauge remaining life & value.

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1. Baseline / Nominal Specs of the CLX 350

Before inspection, know what the “ideal” or factory-spec version should be. This gives you a reference to spot deviations or wear. Here are typical specifications for the DMG MORI CLX 350:

Parameter	Typical / Published Value
Max turning diameter	320 mm
Max workpiece length / Z-axis travel	~ 530 mm
Bar capacity	65 mm (optionally)
X-axis travel	~ 185 mm
Y-axis travel	± 40 mm (for milling/Y-axis capability)
Spindle power / motor	~16.2–16.5 kW, torque ~168 Nm
Max spindle speed	5,000 rpm
Tool turret / tool stations	VDI-type turret, 12 stations (some versions)
Control / electronics	Options include Siemens, FANUC; “Slimline / multi-touch” interface in newer versions

These are baseline numbers — actual machines may differ depending on options, upgrades, or earlier/legacy variants.

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2. Inspection / Evaluation Checklist

Use this detailed checklist when you visit a candidate CLX 350 (or evaluate via video + documentation). The goal is to find whether the machine can still perform reliably within tolerance for your needs, and to anticipate hidden costs.

2.1 Visual & Structural Inspection

• Frame / bed condition: Check for cracks, welds, distortions, signs of impact. The bed should remain straight, not visibly sagged or repaired poorly.
• Covers, guards, panels, doors: Are they present, intact, and closing cleanly? Missing covers can indicate neglect.
• Chip / coolant residue: Heavy buildup or corrosion may indicate poor maintenance.
• Signs of coolant or oil leaks: Especially around spindle housing, saddle junctions, axis covers, hydraulic lines.
• Wiring / cabling condition: Look for brittle insulation, taped fixes, exposed wires, loose connectors.
• Labeling & documentation: Serial plates, model designation, control type, parts list or wiring diagrams nearby.

2.2 Power-Up & Control System Verification

• Turn on control / CNC system; check for alarm logs, boot behavior, error messages.
• Verify axes respond to jog commands in manual mode (X, Y, Z / C as applicable).
• Check servo behavior: whether motion is smooth, no unusual vibration or binding.
• Inspect the control console, display, inputs/buttons, pendant (if present).
• Check backup battery / memory — some older CNC systems lose parameter settings if battery is dead.
• Examine the software / firmware version: Is it outdated? Are upgrades still available?
• Check I/O systems, limit switches, safety interlocks, E-stop circuits.

2.3 Spindle & Chuck / Workholding

• Spindle run-out test: Mount a reference test bar or chuck and measure radial run-out at different speeds.
• Bearing noise / heating: Listen for hum, resonate noise, or heating during spindle run.
• Spindle taper & interfaces: Inspect the taper or interface (e.g. D-cone, hollow spindle) for wear, damage, nicks.
• Spindle replacement history: Ask whether spindle has been rebuilt or replaced; examine service records.
• Chuck or collet systems: Inspect for taper wear, jaw condition, grip force, run-out.
• Bar feed / hollow spindle (if applicable): If the machine has a bar feed or hollow clamping cylinder, verify that these features still function and are clean.

2.4 Axis Slides, Lead Screws, Guides

• Backlash / play: Use dial indicators on X and Z axes (and Y, if present) to check backlash.
• Smooth traverse across full stroke: Operate axes slowly over full travel; watch for binding, stiction, or sudden jumps.
• Surface finish / wear marks: Check guide surfaces for scoring, wear ridges, corrosion, pitting.
• Lubrication system: Verify automatic lubrication is working, check condition of oil lines, reservoirs, filters.
• Scrapers / way covers: Ensure way covers / scrapers exist and are functional (protect from chips/dirt).
• Lead screw or ball screw integrity: Check for straightness, uniform pitch, absence of wobble or wear.

2.5 Tool Turret, Tooling, and Milling / Y-Axis (if available)

• Turret indexing: Check if turret rotates smoothly and accurately to each station.
• Tool change mechanism: Inspect the mechanism for wear, play, or binding.
• Tool change times / slide motion: Jog tool slides, check speed, smoothness.
• Y-axis movement & milling functions (if present): Check Y-axis stroke, movement repeatability, drive stability.
• Driven tools / milling motor: Test spindle or motor in milling mode, check torque, speed control, vibrations.
• C-axis (if applicable): Test for rotary axis motion, indexing accuracy, backlash.

2.6 Coolant / Chip Removal / Auxiliary Systems

• Coolant system: Pump, filters, pipelines, nozzles, coolant cleanliness. Check for clogs, corrosion, leakage.
• Chip conveyor / auger: Functionality, alignment, power, cleanliness.
• Hydraulics / clamps: If chuck, tailstock, or other elements are hydraulically actuated, test pressures, movement, leaks.
• Pneumatic systems / air supply: Check any pneumatic circuits, valves, hoses.
• Electrical panel / components: Inspect contactors, drives, cooling fans, dust buildup, condition of wiring and relays.

2.7 Metrology & Test Parts

• Run a test turning / combined operation: produce a reference part (e.g. a simple cylinder) and measure diameter, roundness, surface finish.
• Check positional repeatability: move axes to same coordinate repeatedly and measure return precision.
• Use gauge blocks, indicators, micrometers, CMM if available to confirm geometric tolerances.
• If possible, check contour or profile operations involving Y-axis or milling to see how the machine handles more complex toolpaths.

2.8 Maintenance History, Documentation & Spare Parts

• Ask for the machine’s service / maintenance records: logs of repairs, rebuilds, part replacements, alignments.
• Ask about software licensing / updates / backups.
• Ensure operation manuals, electrical/wiring diagrams, parts lists are available (or can be obtained).
• Ask which components are original vs replaced, and whether parts (especially for the control, spindle, turret) are still available.
• Inquire about downtime history or known weak points / recurring issues.
• Ask if any modifications or non-standard retrofit work have been done (which might complicate maintenance or spare parts).

2.9 Environment, Transport & Setup Considerations

• How was the machine installed previously? Was it leveled and aligned professionally?
• What foundation does it require? Is a reinforced floor or vibration-absorbing base needed?
• What is the footprint, weight, and logistic requirements (e.g. crane, rigging) to move it into your workshop?
• Are there special utilities (power, cooling, air, lubrication) needed that may not be available at your shop?
• Environmental conditions: was the machine in a clean, temperature-controlled shop, or in a dusty, corrosive environment?

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3. Red Flags & Warning Signs (Specific to CLX 350 & Turning Centers)

• Spindle noise, vibration, excessive run-out or heating under load
• Excessive backlash or wear in axes, leading to poor repeatability
• Missing or heavily repaired structural parts (bed, saddles, mounts)
• Control system obsolete, unsupported, or heavily modified
• Turret indexing failures, damaged tool holders or slides
• Poor coolant / filtration system, contamination, corrosion
• Previous collisions, physical damage, or evidence of misuse
• Missing or improperly maintained documentation or spare parts
• Excessive downtime history or expensive repair history
• Electrical / wiring modifications that appear amateur or unsafe
• Inability or refusal to demonstrate the machine producing a test part

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4. Estimating Remaining Life & Fair Purchase Value

Once you collect the inspection data, you can make reasoned judgments about remaining life, necessary refurbishment cost, and whether the asking price is justifiable.

• Age & hours of use: Lathes don’t always log hours like spindle machines, but operating hours, number of cycles, and usage intensity matter.
• Overhauls / rebuilds already done: A spindle rebuild, axis regrinding, bed realignment are positive signs.
• Spare parts availability: The easier to get parts (especially for the control, spindle, drives, turret) the lower the risk.
• Refurbishment cost estimation: Budget for alignment, calibration, drive or bearing replacement, control updates, cleaning, wiring fixes.
• Market comparables: Compare recent sold listings of CLX 350 machines in similar condition (age, options, hours) to gauge market value.
• Total acquisition cost: Account for transport, rigging, installation, alignment, training, and any downtime before production.
• Risk buffer: Always include margin for hidden problems discovered after delivery.

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5. Sample Scenario & Decision Approach

Imagine you inspect a used CLX 350. You find:

• Spindle shows normal run-out, but when you mount a test bar and spin, there is slight vibration at higher speeds.
• X-axis backlash is 0.015 mm (a bit high).
• Turret indexing is slow and hesitant, sometimes misses a station.
• Control is Siemens 840D, ~10 years old, but software looks outdated.
• Coolant system is heavily contaminated.
• The machine has overhaul records from 5 years ago (drive replacements, spindle rebuild).

Then you would:

1. Obtain a test part dimension report to see how much precision is lost.
2. Estimate cost to refurbish turret, re-lap or regrind axes, clean/replace coolant system, update control software or modules.
3. Compare that to the difference between the asking price and a newer, refurbished equivalent.
4. Negotiate a lower price to offset your expected refurbishment cost + risk margin.
5. Include a warranty clause if possible (e.g. if run-out, backlash or alignment is worse after transport, some repair or credit).

If post-refurbishment the machine can reliably hit tolerances you need (say ± 0.01 mm or better), it may be a good buy.