From Inspection to Installation: What to Verify Before Buying a Pre-Owned, Used, Secondhand, Surplus Miyano ABX-51SY CNC Two turret Two Spindle + Y Axis Turning Center made in Japan
When evaluating a pre-owned / used / surplus Miyano ABX-51SY (or similar twin-turret, twin-spindle + Y-axis turning centre made in Japan) for purchase, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough inspection before buying and then verify installation readiness before commissioning. Below is a detailed checklist you can use — tailored for this type of machine — broken into two phases: Inspection and Installation / Commissioning.
1. Inspection Phase (Before Buying)
A. Documentation and Machine History
- Confirm the model and serial number, making sure it is indeed the ABX-51SY (or the exact variant) and matches the seller’s description.
- Check manufacture country and original documentation – since you specified “made in Japan”.
- Review service and maintenance history: how many hours the machine has been operated, when major overhauls were done, whether previous owners were single-shift or multi-shift.
- Ask for history of spindle replacements, turret rebuilds, Y-axis slide repairs, or major component replacement (especially turrets/spindles).
- Confirm if any major modifications were done (e.g., control upgrade, retrofit Y-axis, additional tooling) and whether official parts were used.
- Verify tooling inventory: what live tooling, turrets, revolver tools, magazine size, etc remain. For example, ABX-51SYY2 has 24 tool stations and 40 Nm live tooling motor.
- Check if the machine has been relocated or moved – note any damage from transport or re-installation which may affect alignment or base condition.
B. Mechanical & Structural Condition
- Inspect the bed, slideways, turrets, spindles, Y-axis slides, and Z-axis for wear or damage. Given this machine has multiple axes (X, Z, Y) and twin spindles, check both sides.
- Check turret indexing: For the ABX-51SY/64SYY, twin turrets both with Y-axis allow simultaneous machining on both spindles.
- Verify spindle health: listen for unusual noise, check bearings for play, check oil levels, check collet chuck condition or power chuck (if equipped) – e.g., ABX series shows bar capacity Ø51mm / Ø64mm for SP1/SP2.
- Check tool turret stations: indexing speed, wobble, tool holding accuracy, condition of live tooling (if fitted).
- Inspect the Y-axis slides and motors: given the machine has Y1/Y2 axes, make sure the ± travel (for example ±40 mm) is still accurate and slides are not excessively worn.
- Examine the condition of the guides, ball screws or linear rails (if used), lubrication system, oil levels, coolant system, chip conveyor, guards.
- Inspect the foundation / base: check for signs of twisting, cracks, warping – heavy duty turning centers need proper foundation.
- Check electrical cabinet: clean, dry, no signs of overheating, dust accumulation, rodent damage.
- Check for coolant leakage, oil leaks, hydraulic system leaks – any fluid contamination can degrade machine precision.
- Check spindle noses, chuck faces, sub-spindles (if any), and mirror surfaces for damage.
- Measure run-out / spindle radial-axial play if possible (e.g., test with dial gauge).
- If possible, run a sample part or test cycle to verify performance (cooling, feed, tool changes, axis travel speed, turret indexing time).
C. Control System & Software
- Confirm which CNC control is fitted (e.g., Fanuc or Mitsubishi or other), and whether software is current/upgraded – this affects spare parts availability.
- Check backup of parameter memory, program storage, whether operator panel is in good condition.
- Verify drives and servo motors are functioning smoothly: test each axis movement, feed override, manual increment, etc.
- Ask about spare parts stock: turrets, spindle bearings, Y axis components – for a machine of this nature the cost of downtime is high.
- Check whether any custom programming or automation interface is installed; if so, check compatibility with your shop and operator skills.
D. Utilities & Consumables
- Confirm power requirements: voltage, phases, current, whether machine is already wired for your locale or needs conversion/transformer.
- Check coolant system status: whether pumps, filtration, sump, chip conveyor are working.
- Air supply (if required) must be verified (pressure, dryness, filtration).
- Check if tooling (collets, power chuck, live tooling) is included or extra; high-cost items may significantly affect total cost.
- Consider consumables: turret indexing ring wear, live tool motors, spindles – ask for cost estimate of upcoming maintenance.
E. Red Flags to Watch For
- Very high hours of operation without documented major rebuilds.
- Turret issues: indexing problems, wobble, poor tool holding.
- Spindle bearing play or excessive noise – costly to replace.
- Y‐axis slide wear: axis free play or insufficient compensation.
- Missing service records or unknown history (especially for twin spindle/ turret machines).
- Obsolete control system with poor spare parts support.
- Transport damage: misalignment, base cracks.
- Missing tooling, poor condition of tooling.
- Inadequate foundation or previous installation issues.
2. Installation & Commissioning (Pre-Start / Before Production)
A. Transport & Location Setup
- Check machine weight and footprint: ABX-51/64 SYY series weight approx. 10,750 to 10,900 kg.
- Ensure your shop floor has sufficient depth, width, height clearance and a suitable foundation (flat, level, vibration-isolated).
- Confirm machine anchoring points and leveling procedure.
- Verify electrical supply is compatible: voltage, phase, frequency, fuse rating.
- Ensure compressed air, cooling (if high pressure coolant or live tooling), chip conveyor extraction, and guard/venting are arranged.
- Plan tool inventory and workholding setup: twin spindles may need dual fixtures or bar feeders as applicable.
B. Alignment & Calibration
- After installation, perform axis calibration: X, Z, Y axes for both spindles; check trunnion (if any) alignment; check collet chuck/ power chuck alignment.
- Check turret indexing accuracy, tool offsets, live tool calibration.
- Check spindle run-out and bearing vibration after installation.
- Perform static accuracy tests: tool change repeatability, turret change repeatability, Y axis repeatability.
- Run warm-up and thermal compensation checks: ABX series features “thermal displacement compensation” for 100% precision around the clock.
- Test coolant system: through-tool coolant (if fitted), chip removal, coolant return, mist extraction.
- Run sample parts that reflect your production needs: multi-face machining, Y-axis features, twin spindle balance.
- Verify cycle time, tool change time, turret indexing time, twin spindle simultaneous operation if required.
- Check safety systems: guards, interlocks, emergency stop, chip conveyor interlock.
- Train operators on both turrets/spindles: twin turret/dual spindle machines have greater complexity.
- Setup maintenance schedule: lubrication intervals, live tooling inspection, spindle bearing checks, turret indexing ring inspection.
- Ensure you have operator manuals, maintenance manuals, parts list, software backup, and ‘as-found’ measurements for future reference.
C. Production Readiness
- Make sure part program transfer works, axes are zeroed.
- Load test job with typical clamps, fixtures, cycle.
- Monitor for temperature drift, chatter, excessive vibration, axis drift when machine is run under load for several hours.
- Record baseline metrics: cycle time per part, tool change time, spindle end play, turret indexing time.
- Set up routine checks: hourly coolant temperature, weekly axis backlash, monthly spindle bearing vibration check.
- Plan spare parts strategy: twin spindles = double cost if one fails; turrets & live tooling are critical; ensure you can minimise downtime.
- Confirm service contract option or local support for this model – twin spindle/turret machines may require specialised service.
- Establish total cost of ownership: tooling, maintenance, spare parts, operator training, utilities.
Summary: Why These Checks Matter
A twin-turret, twin-spindle + Y-axis turning centre like the ABX-51SY offers high flexibility and productivity, but also higher complexity. This means the risk of downtime is greater if the machine hasn’t been well maintained or is improperly installed. By verifying documentation, mechanical/electrical condition, control system health, and performing alignment and test runs, you reduce risk and ensure you get a machine that will reliably perform in your production environment.






