Here is a detailed evaluation guide you can use when inspecting a pre-owned / used / surplus STANKO GORBREX K532 (or “Gorbex / Gorbexx”) CNC vertical double-column lathe. Because this is likely a less common or legacy machine, you will need to be extra careful in validating claims, parts availability, and structural integrity.

I’ll also outline what “should” be true (based on general double-column vertical lathe technology) to help you detect exaggerations.

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1. What You Should Know / Expect (Benchmarking)

Because I could not find reliable public specs for “Stanko Gorbex K532,” you must rely on generic benchmarks for vertical double-column lathes (sometimes called double-column vertical turning centers / vertical boring mills). Use these as reference ranges or expectations.

Reference / Expected Ranges for a Vertical Double-Column Lathe

Feature	Typical / Reasonable Range	Comments / Use as a Benchmark
Swing / Maximum work diameter	800 mm to 3,000 mm+ (depending on machine class)	The “K532” might imply ~ 500+ mm swing class, but double columns often enable much larger diameters
Max work height / Z travel (vertical axis)	400 mm to 1,200 mm or more	Must allow vertical machining head to move up/down to access work
B axis / tilt / swivel / milling head	± some degrees or full-rotation if a head is present	Many vertical double-column machines include milling / head capabilities
Spindle speed / power	100 – 2,500 rpm (or more for lighter versions), with 20–100+ kW motor	Expect lower speeds for heavy work; verify via test
Tool magazine / turret	8–24 tools or more	The tool system must be robust; wear is common
Structure / columns / cross slide	Very rigid cast iron, heavy mass, precision linear/hydrostatic guides	In double-column designs, symmetry and stiffness is critical
Control / CNC	Siemens, Heidenhain, Fanuc, or legacy Russian / Eastern European CNC systems	For a “Stanko” origin machine, control may be older or custom
Weight / footprint	Many tons	These machines are heavy; the foundation must suit them

Treat these as guidelines, not absolutes.

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2. Pre-Screening & Documentation Request (Before Arrival)

Before visiting the site, gather as much information as possible. For a rarer model, the more you know upfront, the fewer surprises you’ll face.

Ask the seller for:

1. Nameplate photos
    – Mechanical nameplate (model, variant, serial number, build year)
    – Electrical / CNC cabinet nameplate (voltage, phase, current)
2. Technical / specification drawings / brochures / manuals
    – Original manufacturer documentation (if available)
    – Spare parts / schematic / wiring diagrams
3. CNC / control system details
    – Which control is installed (brand, type, software version)
    – Backup of control parameters, offsets, tool tables
4. Operating / usage history
    – Total runtime hours, cutting hours vs idle hours
    – Type of parts run (size, material, duty load)
5. Maintenance / repair history
    – Spindle rebuilds, column repairs, guide rework, motor replacements
    – Any modifications or retrofits performed
6. Accessories / tooling / spares included
    – Attachments, chucks, fixtures, tool holders, spare CNC modules
7. Photos / video in operation
    – Axis motion, tool changes, spindle turning
    – Close-up images of critical surfaces, slides, columns
8. Reason for sale
    – Replacement, closure, malfunction, or idle
9. Shop / environmental conditions
    – Dust, coolant, chip load, cleanliness
10. Installation / foundation / rigging information
     – Machine weight, footprint, foundation design, crane access

If the seller cannot provide many of these, be cautious and demand rigorous on-site testing.

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3. On-Site Mechanical & Structural Inspection

When you arrive, carry precision tools (dial indicators, test bars, calipers). Bring or consult a machinist familiar with large vertical lathes. Follow this order:

3.1 External & Structural Check

• Inspect the machine frame, columns, base, cross beams for cracks, weld repairs, or deformation
• Check alignment of both columns — they must be parallel and square
• Examine guideways, rails, cross slides, saddle surfaces for pitting, scoring, corrosion, uneven wear
• Inspect covering systems: bellows, guards, way covers for damage or absent parts
• Look for signs of shimming, twisting, patchwork or misalignment repairs
• Inspect wiring, electrical conduits, sensors, cable carriers for damage or ad hoc modifications
• Examine the spindle housing, tool turret, headstock for damage, misalignment, or visible wear
• Check for leaks: hydraulic, coolant, lubricant — signs of seepage around seals or joints

Gently move slides (if safe) to feel for resistance, binding, or rough patches.

3.2 Motion / Backlash / Kinematic Tests

• Jog each axis (X, Y, Z if present) slowly through full travel; feel for smooth motion, sticking, or jerkiness
• Use dial indicators to measure backlash / lost motion in axes (push-pull) in multiple positions
• Reverse direction near ends to detect hysteresis or deadband
• Examine lead screws, ball screws, nuts, couplings for slack or play
• Run micro movements and check response consistency (should be smooth increments)
• If machine has a tool turret or head indexing, test several cycles for repeatability, slop, or hesitation

3.3 Spindle / Head / Tooling Inspection

• Run the spindle (if safe) at multiple speeds; listen for bearing noise, vibration, or abnormal sounds
• Use a test bar + dial indicator to check spindle runout at the nose (and along length)
• Inspect spindle taper, mounting surfaces, chucks, backplates for wear or damage
• If there’s a milling / rotary head, check its angular axes (B-axis etc.) for backlash or misalignment
• Cycle the tool changer / turret under command: tool pick / placement, clamping, indexing accuracy

3.4 Control / Electrical / CNC Inspection

• Open the CNC / electrical cabinets; inspect wiring, terminal blocks, drive modules, fuses
• Look for discoloration, overheated wires, melted insulation, or signs of electrical damage
• Inspect servo drives / amplifier modules for damage, corrosion, dust
• Check cable routing and shielding; look for loose or spliced wiring
• Power-up: test buttons, switches, e-stop, limit switches / interlocks
• Navigate CNC: inspect parameter memory, tool tables, offsets, alarm logs
• Test safety interlocks: opening guards must disable motion
• If feedback encoders or scales are installed, test whether they respond and seem consistent

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4. Operational Test & Load / Machining Checks

If the seller allows, performing real machining under load is one of the most telling tests.

• Run a dry / air-run program (no cutting) that exercises all axes, indexing, turret motion
• Execute a test cut (on mild / known material): measure surface finish, dimensional accuracy, chatter
• Run a sustained machining cycle (30–60 min) under moderate load; afterward remeasure critical axes, backlash, offsets to detect thermal drift
• After warm-up, repeat inspection of backlash, runout, alignment to see if behavior changed
• Cycle indexing, tool changes, angular head operations multiple times to test repeatability

Watch for vibration, drift, deviation or loss of accuracy midway.

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5. Metrology, Accuracy & Drift Verification

• Use calibrated gauge blocks, test bars, precision artifacts to check alignment, straightness, squareness
• Test repeatability / reversal: move to a point, retract, return, measure deviation
• Inspect machined test parts for geometric tolerance deviations (flatness, roundness, parallelism)
• After extended cut cycles, re-check offsets, backlash, alignment to detect drift
• Compare measured results with your required tolerances and with what general machines of this class can deliver

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6. Infrastructure / Installation & Practical Considerations

• Confirm that your shop floor can support the machine’s weight and dynamic loads
• Verify crane / rigging / removal paths, door clearances, overhead access
• Ensure power supply (voltage, phase, current) is compatible with the machine’s demand
• Confirm coolant systems, lubrication, chip removal, filtration, ventilation are adequate
• Plan leveling, anchoring, foundation work, and bed preparation
• Ensure maintenance access to all axes, control cabinets, spindle area
• Assess spare parts availability (bearings, drives, lead screws, turret parts) for “Stanko / Gorbex / Eastern European” machine lineage

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7. Decision Criteria & Red Flags

Once your tests and measurements are complete, evaluate according to:

Signs in Favor / Acceptable:

• Measured travel, speed, hole placement align well with claimed specs
• Motion is smooth, backlash minimal, repeatability is good
• Spindle runs quiet, vibration low, spindle runout within acceptable bounds
• Tool turret / head indexing reliable, consistent, no major mis-index
• Control system is stable, parameters accessible, no pending alarms
• Test cut yields acceptable surface finish and dimensional stability
• Performance is stable after warm-up (minimal drift)
• Spare parts, tooling, documentation come with the machine or are available locally

Red Flags / Deal Breakers:

• Major deviation between claimed and measured spec (e.g. larger travel, speed, power)
• Severe wear of guideways, binding zones, uneven axes motion
• Spindle noise, vibration, high runout, bearing sound
• Turret mis-index, tool seating errors, slop, hesitation
• Corroded, burned, or missing control / electronics modules
• Test cuts show drift, geometric errors, poor surface, chatter
• Behavior changes mid-cycle (drift / instability)
• Obsolete or unobtainable spare parts
• Seller refuses operational tests, documentation, or inspection

Use any shortcomings as negotiation leverage – ask for discounts, spare modules, warranty / performance assurances.

Because this is a rare model, insist on thorough documentation, proof of calibration / alignment post-purchase, and perhaps require a performance acceptance test (e.g. the machine must meet certain tolerances on a test job).