Below is a customized, in-depth evaluation guide you can use when reviewing a Kitamura Supercell HX300G (or equivalent “Supercell / HX / horizontal cell with 4th/5th axis options”) horizontal machining center (Japan origin). This is designed for you to go from “factory floor to your workshop” with maximum confidence.

I also include known spec references (based on “Supercell” models) to help you identify exaggerations or mismatches.

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Reference Specifications & Context (What to Expect)

Before you go onsite, it helps to have a “target spec envelope” to compare against what the seller claims. Here are relevant published specs for Kitamura “Supercell / HX / 5-axis horizontal cell / pallet style” machines. Some differences may exist based on model year or exact variant.

Parameter	Typical / Published Value	Notes / Source
Pallet / Table size	Ø 200 mm (≈ 7.9″) standard for “Supercell 300G”	Kitamura lists pallet size Ø200 mm on Supercell-300G cell.
X / Y / Z travels	~ 460 × 410 × 460 mm (≈ 18.1″ × 16.1″ × 18.1″) for smaller Supercell variant	Dugard spec for Supercell-300G: X = 460, Y = 410, Z = 460 mm.
Spindle speed / taper	200 – 20,000 rpm common; BT / NST / #40 spindle interface	Supercell spec shows 200–20,000 min⁻¹.
Spindle motor / torque	~ 22 kW (30 HP) or similar, dual contact spindle options	Dugard lists 22 kW (30 HP) for “Supercell-300G” in one configuration.
Rapid feed (X, Y, Z)	~ 60 m/min (≈ 2,362 ipm)	Common in spec sheets for Supercell series.
Tool magazine / capacity	Standard ~ 174 tools; optional up to 230, 258, 314 tools	Supercell literature lists 174, option for up to 314.
Pallet / indexing axes (4th / 5th)	Rotary tilting + full 360° indexing possible	Supercell cells include A / B axes, rotary table, trunnion style.
Accuracy / repeatability	Positioning accuracy ± 0.002 mm; repeat ± 0.001 mm (full stroke) in many Supercell spec sheets	The Supercell series brochure lists ±0.002 mm positioning / ±0.001 mm repeatability.
Weight / footprint / utilities	Very heavy, large footprint, high power / cooling / chip handling demands	The published machine dimensions and weight of Supercell machines are significant.

Note: The “HX300G” label is sometimes used interchangeably with “Supercell 300G / Cell type / horizontal cell” in some listings, so confirm the exact variant, pallet system, drive options, etc.

One listing for a 2021 HX300G shows:

• 20-station pallet system
• Full 5-axis capability
• Control: Kitamura Arumatik-Mi
• 20,000 rpm spindle, CAT 40
• Pallet indexing (4th axis)
• Heidenhain glass scales on X/Y/Z axes
• Spindle motor ~ 30 HP
• Double decker chip conveyor, tool presetter package
• Memory 5,120 M

So, those are good target reference points.

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Evaluation Checklist: From Pre-Screening to In-Person Tests

Use this structured checklist when evaluating a used / surplus Kitamura Supercell HX300G (or similar). Tailor based on which options (4th axis, tilting head, high-speed spindle, etc.) are present.

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1. Pre-Screening / Documentation Review (Before Visiting)

Ask the seller to provide:

Document / Info	Why It Matters	What to Inspect / Ask
Nameplate photos	To confirm exact model, serial number, year	Request photos of mechanical nameplate and control / electrical cabinet plates
Specification sheets / manuals / brochures	To know original design tolerances, wiring, layout	Ensure you get the “Supercell / HX / cell” version that matches the machine
Control / CNC system version	Control health and compatibility matter	Control model (Arumatik-Mi or variant), software version, parameter backup
Operating history / load hours	Helps gauge remaining life and wear	Distinguish between idle hours and actual cutting / spindle hours
Maintenance / repair history	Reveals what has been refurbished or replaced	Spindle rebuilds, axis rework, linear guide replacement, rotary table servicing
List of accessories / tooling / spares	Determines added value and reduces your cost risk	Rotary table, indexers, extra pallets, tool holders, backup electronics
Photos / videos in operation	Provides visual clues: vibration, wiring, axes motion, noise	Request videos of axis movement, tool changes, pallet indexing, spindle running
Reason for sale	May signal hidden problems	Is the machine being replaced because it fails? Or just idle?
Shop / environmental context	Harsh environments accelerate wear	Ask about coolant type, chip control, dust, corrosion exposure
Logistics / rigging / footprint / weight	To plan installation and removal	Ask for machine dimensions, weight, pallet system footprint, minimum clearances

If the seller is reluctant to provide this, treat that as a warning flag.

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2. Visual & Structural Inspection (On Site)

Before powering up, inspect the outer shell, mechanical assemblies, and general condition.

• Inspect the frame / base / column for cracks, welded repairs, deformation.
• Look at guideways / linear rails / roller ways on all axes (X, Y, Z): pitting, scoring, uneven wear.
• Check way covers / protective bellows / guards for tears, missing pieces, or poor repairs.
• Inspect the pallet / rotary table / indexing mechanism: play in bearings, visible damage, lubrication.
• Check spindle head / arbor / tool mounting area: look for nicks, runout marks, damage.
• Examine wiring, cable chains, conduits, junction boxes: patched wiring, exposed insulation, conduit misrouting.
• Look for coolant / oil leaks around sliding surfaces, seals, Pneumatic / hydraulic lines.
• Inspect the tool magazine / carousel / magazine mechanism (if present) for damage, wear, misalignment, missing tools.

Walk the machine’s axes (if safe) or use manual jog to sense binding or rough sections.

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3. Static / Motion Tests & Backlash Measurement

With power off (or in safe mode), carefully test geometry and motion consistency.

• Jog axes (X, Y, Z) slowly and feel for smoothness, binding, or “notchiness.”
• Use dial indicators to measure backlash / lost motion in each axis (push-pull) at multiple positions.
• Reverse direction near end-stops to detect hysteresis or deadband.
• Check ball screws, nuts, couplings, bearings for play, looseness, or side play.
• Jog slow feed and see if any axis moves unevenly, stutters, or “jerks.”
• Cycle pallet indexing, rotary table moves, or 4th-axis moves several times; note consistency and repeatability.

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4. Spindle / Tooling / Rotary / Indexing Tests

• Power up the spindle and run at various speeds (low to the maximum claimed rpm); listen/feel for bearing noise, vibration, hum.
• Use a test bar + dial indicator to measure spindle runout at the nose and ideally at a few points along length.
• Observe spindle behavior under load (even with light tool engagement) to detect creeping, vibration or instability.
• Check tool changer / magazine (if present) under command: tools should load/unload precisely, no jamming or mis-seating.
• If 4th axis or indexing table is installed, rotate under command (no load) and measure backlash, repeatability, smoothness.
• Test the clamp / lock of the rotary / trunnion axes: when locked, the table must be rigid with no movement.

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5. Control / Electrical / Cabinet & Electronics Inspection

• Open cabinets; inspect wiring, fuses, relays, power supplies, drive modules, PCB boards.
• Look for signs of overheating: discolored insulation, burnt connectors, melted parts.
• Inspect cable routing, shielding, strain reliefs, connectors for corrosion or damage.
• Power up the control: test all buttons, switches, knobs, E-stop, limit switches, interlocks.
• Navigate the CNC interface / control: check parameters, error logs, tool tables, memory backup state.
• Test safety interlocks: opening guards or doors must halt motion.
• If the machine has feedback scales, check their reading, clarity, and whether scale signals seem intact.

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6. Operational Testing / Test Cuts / Load Run

If the seller allows, real machining / motion testing is the acid test for machine viability:

• Run a dry / air-run program that exercises all axes, pallet moves, tool changes, indexing.
• Conduct a test cut (preferably in a moderate material) to verify surface finish, chatter, dimensional accuracy.
• Run a sustained machining cycle (30–60 min) under moderate load; after run, recheck axes, backlash, tool offsets to detect drift.
• After warm-up, re-measure key dimensions (backlash, runout) to detect thermal effects.
• Cycle pallet / rotary / index moves many times to test reliability under repeated operations.

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7. Precision & Metrology Checks

• Use gauge blocks, master artifacts, or precision test bars to check alignment, straightness, squareness.
• Test repeatability / reversal: move to a point, retract, return, and measure deviation.
• Inspect test-piece geometry (cylindricity, flatness, tolerance deviations).
• After long run, recheck critical offsets to see drift or changes.
• Compare your measurements to your part requirements and to the published spec tolerances for the cell.

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8. Infrastructure, Installation & Practical Constraints

• Confirm that your workshop floor can support machine weight and dynamic loads.
• Verify crane / rigging / removal paths, overhead clearance, door width.
• Ensure your power supply (voltage, current, phases) meets the machine’s requirements.
• Ensure coolant / filtration / chip handling / ventilation systems are sufficient.
• Plan proper leveling, foundation, anchoring, alignment.
• Confirm access to spare parts, service support for Kitamura / Supercell series machines in your region.

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9. Post-Inspection Evaluation & Decision Matrix

After all tests and measurement, synthesize your findings. Use a decision matrix:

Category	Good / Acceptable	Red Flags / Deal Breakers
Spec compliance	Actual travels, spindle rpm, pallet size close to spec	Big mismatch in claimed vs real values
Mechanical condition	Smooth movement, low backlash, consistent behavior	Binding, heavy wear, variable backlash
Spindle / tool system health	Quiet operation, low runout, stable under load	Bearing noise, vibration, high runout
Rotary / indexing / 4th axis	Accurate, repeatable, rigid when locked	Slop, inconsistent indexing, backlash, looseness
Control / electronics health	Clean wiring, proper control operation, healthy memory logs	Burned boards, corrupted parameters, failing drives
Test-cut performance	Good finish, dimensional consistency, low drift	Chatter, deviation, drift over runtime
Thermal / drift stability	Minimal change after warm-up	Large shift or drift after several cycles
Repair / refurbishment cost	Known parts can be replaced, manageable costs	Obsolete parts, major structural or spindle repair needed
Parts / support ecosystem	Kitamura spares, support in your region available	Parts unavailable, poor support, long lead times
Warranty / performance guarantee	Seller agrees to test-cut guarantee or limited warranty	“As is” sale, no recourse on hidden defects

Use any defects or deviations you find as leverage in negotiation. Demand spare parts, discount, or performance guarantees. Document every measure, photo, and test result as evidence.