26/09/2025 By CNCBUL UK EDITOR Off

Technical Buyer’s Handbook: Assessing Pre-Owned , Used , Secondhand, Surplus CNC Machines Before Purchase TOS FSQ100 OR/EI CNC Horizontal Machining Center made in Czechia

Here is a Technical Buyer’s Handbook / Due-Diligence Checklist for evaluating a pre-owned / used / surplus TOS FSQ100 OR/EI CNC Horizontal Machining Center (made in Czechia). You can adapt this to your tolerance requirements, part sizes, and budget.


1. Preparation & Reference Data

Before inspection, collect as much information as possible:

  • Original technical documentation: mechanical, electrical, control, hydraulic/pneumatic manuals
  • Spare parts list / BOM
  • Maintenance & service logs: replaced parts, failures, downtime history
  • Calibration / alignment certificates
  • Modification / retrofit history
  • Control system backups: parameters, PLC programs, ladder logic, offsets
  • Catalog / datasheet for FSQ100 OR/EI (travel ranges, spindle specs, table load)
  • Photos & videos: full body, work area, spindle nose, table surface, guideways, electrical cabinet

2. Visual & Structural Inspection (Power-Off)

2.1 Machine Base & Frame

  • Inspect castings, column, bed for cracks, weld repairs, distortion
  • Check leveling pads, anchor points, evidence of rework
  • Inspect way covers, bellows, guards for damage or missing parts

2.2 Axis Systems

  • Linear axes (X, Y, Z): inspect guideways, ball screws, lubrication lines
  • Check for scoring, rust, grease leaks, wear patterns
  • Manually test backlash or play if possible

2.3 Spindle Unit

  • Inspect spindle taper, nose, tool clamping interface for wear or damage
  • Look for discoloration, oil leaks (signs of overheating or bearing failure)
  • Static run-out check with a test bar if allowed

2.4 Table & Rotary System

  • Inspect table surface, T-slots, clamping points
  • For the “OR/EI” rotary design: check indexing drive, locking, gearboxes, encoders
  • Inspect bearings, seals, lubrication condition

2.5 Tool Changer

  • Inspect arm, grippers, tool magazine pockets for wear
  • Check pneumatic/hydraulic actuators, sensors, alignment

2.6 Electrical Cabinets

  • Inspect wiring, terminals, connectors for overheating, corrosion, loose contacts
  • Check drives, amplifiers, power supplies, DC bus capacitors
  • Inspect cooling fans, filters, cabinet cleanliness

2.7 Safety Systems

  • Verify E-stop buttons, door interlocks, limit switches
  • Confirm guards and covers are intact and not bypassed

3. Power-Up & Functional Testing

3.1 Control & Diagnostics

  • Power up CNC control, check boot, alarms, diagnostics
  • Verify parameters and backups are intact

3.2 Axis Movements

  • Jog X, Y, Z axes across full travel: listen for abnormal noises, check smoothness
  • Measure backlash and commanded vs actual positioning
  • Run homing cycles multiple times to check repeatability

3.3 Spindle Testing

  • Start spindle at low RPM, ramp to max rating (e.g. 4,000–6,000 rpm depending on spec)
  • Monitor vibration, noise, temperature rise
  • Measure spindle run-out dynamically

3.4 Rotary / Table Testing

  • Index table in small and large increments; measure angular accuracy
  • Check clamping and holding stability under load

3.5 Tool Changer

  • Execute multiple tool change cycles; check timing, accuracy, reliability
  • Monitor sensors, grippers, pocket alignment

3.6 Test Cut (if allowed)

  • Perform light cutting test; measure part accuracy, surface finish, chatter
  • Run for 30–60 minutes to assess stability and thermal drift

4. Precision & Accuracy Validation

  • Perform repeatability test: return to same point repeatedly, measure deviation
  • Conduct grid motion test for linear and angular axes
  • Use ball-bar / laser interferometer if available to assess volumetric accuracy
  • Test 4th-axis rotary repeatability and drift
  • Compare results to TOS FSQ100 factory tolerances (typically ±0.005 mm positioning, ±0.003 mm repeatability for this class)

5. Documentation & History Review

  • Maintenance logs, spindle rebuild records, ball screw replacements
  • Calibration reports
  • Software / control upgrades, retrofits
  • Spare parts included with sale
  • Tooling and fixtures included

6. Risk & Cost Forecasting

  • Critical wear elements: spindle bearings, ball screws, rotary bearings, tool changer
  • Parts availability: check TOS Kuřim service network in Czechia, Europe
  • Calibration cost: expect realignment after relocation
  • Transport risk: 12–15 ton weight, disassembly complexity
  • Downtime & commissioning: 2–4 weeks depending on site
  • Residual value: what remains if the machine is not viable

7. Negotiation & Safeguards

  • Acceptance test clause at your facility
  • Price adjustment for detected deviations
  • Warranty on spindle / control (3–6 months if possible)
  • Spare parts package included
  • Full documentation and backups must be delivered
  • Clear definition of transport insurance and risk

8. Post-Purchase Checklist

  1. Foundation and leveling check
  2. Flush and replace coolant & lubrication systems
  3. Power-up and repeat all acceptance tests
  4. Calibrate geometry and kinematics
  5. Run trial production parts and compare to tolerance
  6. Establish baseline data (backlash, drift, accuracy)
  7. Train operators and maintenance staff
  8. Implement preventive maintenance schedule