08/10/2025 By CNCBUL UK EDITOR Off

Technical Evaluation Guide: How to Identify a Quality Used, Secondhand, Pre-Owned, Surplus Matsuura H405-MAX CNC Horizontal Machining Center made in Japan

1) Machine Context & Baseline Specifications

Before arriving on site, get the factory spec sheet or original manual for that exact unit. Matsuura’s H.Plus-405 is a well-documented horizontal machining center in their H.Plus series. Some published specs to use as benchmarks:

Travels: X / Y / Z = 600 × 600 × 600 mm (some sources)
B-axis rotary: 360° indexing with high precision (0.001° indexing)
Pallet / Table: 500 × 500 mm pallet size; load capacity per pallet ~ 400 kg
Max workpiece size: Ø 650 mm × H 750 mm (some published “max work size”)
Spindle: BT40, 12,000 rpm standard; optional 20,000 rpm on some models
Spindle motor power: 15 / 22 kW rated
Rapid traverse (X / Y / Z): ~ 50 m/min (some sources)
Tool changer: e.g. 51 tools, arm-type ATC
Pallet changer: 2 pallets (standard), with optional multi-pallet systems available
Distance from pallet center to spindle nose: 120 – 720 mm (min/max)
Machine size & weight: Floor footprint ~ 4,430 × 4,014 mm; weight ~ 7,500 kg (for one example unit)

Use these published values to set your expectations and check how far off the used unit is.

2) Documentation & Pre-Inspection Requests

Ask the seller to supply, ahead of the visit:

The machine’s build / configuration sheet (options, pallet system, spindle type)
Serial number, manufacture year, and revision history
Geometry / calibration / laser / ballbar / test reports
Maintenance / service logs (spindle overhauls, axis repairs, pal et changer service)
CNC control version, parameter backups, axis compensation tables
Electrical / hydraulic / pneumatic schematic drawings
Tooling list (cutters, holders, pallet fixtures)
Records of crashes, collisions or major repairs
Documentation of any retrofits or upgrades

These will inform your acceptance criteria and help you distinguish wear vs design deviation.

3) Static & Visual Inspection (Machine Powered Off)

Before powering up, conduct a methodical visual inspection:

Frame, base & casting: inspect for cracks, weld repairs, distortion, signs of impact or fatigue.
Way covers / guide shields / bellows: check for tears, chip damage, missing portions, hardened deposits.
Pallet / Table surfaces: examine for scoring, uneven wear, damage, warping.
Rotary B-axis housing & table: inspect for signs of play, loose covers, misalignment.
Spindle nose / taper: look for corrosion, wear, surface defects, damage to seating surfaces.
ATC & tool magazine: open magazine, inspect tool pockets, grippers, indexing faces, wear or misalignment.
Cable carriers / hoses / coolant lines: look for brittle insulation, cracks, repairs, dents.
Electrical cabinet / wiring: open and inspect for signs of overheating, discoloration, modifications, boards in poor condition.
Coolant tanks, pumps, filters: check for rust, leaks, sediment, visible corrosion in the tank interior.
Safety doors, guard interlocks: verify door hinges, switches, covers, interlock circuits.

Take extensive photos of all areas—these help when negotiating or later validating wear.

4) Installation, Alignment & Mounting Checks

If the machine is mounted or ready to be positioned:

Leveling & base anchor: ensure machine is level, the base mounting is solid and not shimmed excessively.
Mount surface flatness: check the mounting pad or foundation interface for warp or unevenness.
Spindle radial runout (neutral B-axis position): mount a test bar and rotate spindle to check for runout in the neutral orientation.
Jog small axis moves (X, Y, Z): observe for binding or rough spots in motion.
Pallet / B-axis indexing alignment: attach a dial indicator on the pallet or B-axis table referencing spindle centerline; index several angular positions and inspect deviation.
Distance / center offsets: check that the center-to-spindle distances move smoothly and consistently over the pallet travel range.

5) Power-Up & Functional Motion Tests

With power applied and safety in place:

Warm-up jogging: systematically move axes for 20–30 minutes to stabilize lubrication and temperature.
Homing / zero return cycles: verify repeatability and absence of limit faults or reference errors.
Axis traverse test: move X, Y, Z at various speeds (25 %, 50 %, 100 %) and listen for rough transitions, binding, or vibration.
B-axis / rotation test: index the B-axis repeatedly; check torque consistency, no binding, clean indexing motion.
Spindle ramp test: ramp spindle through RPM range (e.g., from low to 12,000 rpm) and monitor vibration, noise, current, RPM stability.
Tool change cycles: run ATC through tool changes repeatedly (e.g. 20+) to verify reliability and repeat accuracy.
Coolant & lubrication systems: turn on coolant, check flow, pressure, leaks; activate lubricant systems, check delivery to axes.
Alarm / error monitoring: watch for servo faults, axis overloads, diagnostic messages; review historical alarm logs.
Sensor / encoder feedback check: while moving axes, confirm no encoder dropout errors or anomalies.
Chip handling & conveyor test: if equipped, run chip conveyor or removal systems, verify they work smoothly.

6) Accuracy, Repeatability & Metrology Tests

These tests distinguish a high-quality used machine vs one with worn geometry:

Linear positioning / straightness verification: use a laser interferometer or calibrated gauge on X, Y, Z axes. Compare commanded vs actual motion.
Backlash / reversal error: command ±0.01 mm moves and measure discrepancy on direction change.
Repeatability test: return to a given point multiple times (e.g. 10×) and measure spread of results.
B-axis indexing repeatability: index multiple angular positions repeatedly and measure angular deviation.
Combined interpolation tests: program a contour combining motion in X, Y, Z, and rotation (B) and compare physical path vs programmed path.
Thermal drift test: run the machine under load for 1–2 hours, then recheck reference dimensions to measure drift.
Hysteresis / drift test: move to a position, dwell, return, and see how far off the position is.
Pallet-to-pallet repeatability: load the same fixture on both pallets (if dual pallet setup) and compare measured positions of features.

7) Spindle, Tooling & Wear Checks

Spindle runout & vibration: mount a precision test bar, measure radial runout, and optionally use a vibration analyzer to look for bearing defects.
Spindle noise / bearing hum: at moderate rpm, listen for abnormal bearing noises.
Spindle temperature rise: run at mid rpm for ~30 min, then measure temperature drift.
Tool retention / drawbar force (if applicable): test tool pulling force for tool integrity.
Taper seating: use dye / blue test to check uniform contact.
Tool change repeatability: ensure tool offsets return consistently after tool changes.
Wear of spindle bearings or coupling: examine for play, noise or runout that worsens with speed.

8) Lubrication, Cooling & Auxiliary System Tests

Coolant system: test pump flow, pressure, cleanliness of coolant, look for leaks or contamination in lines, filters, tank.
Lubrication / hydraulics / grease system: confirm oil or grease feed to axes, check for blocked or dried lines, leaks.
Chip removal / conveyor: operate chip conveyor and verify smooth movement, no jam, correct alignment.
Hydraulic / pneumatic circuits (if any): test pressure response, valve operation, stability, and leaks.
Filtration & coolant return: examine filters, screens, tramp oil separators, coolant return paths.
Cabinet cooling: check fans, vents, and internal temperature behavior during operation.

9) Possible Wear Patterns & Common Failure Modes

Geometry drift or wear on linear guides (especially mid-travel zones)
B-axis angular wear or backlash creeping
Tool magazine or gripper wear causing mis-index or slop
Spindle bearing fatigue leading to vibration/noise
Loss of lubrication or clogged lube lines
Coolant leaks leading to internal corrosion
Encoder / feedback failures or dropouts
Electronic issues: aging servo amplifiers, capacitor failure, overheating
Cable harness fatigue or damage in cable carriers

10) Acceptance Criteria & Benchmarks (Sample Targets)

Use these sample tolerances as a guideline; always compare to the original spec sheet:

Parameter	Target / Acceptable Tolerance
Linear positioning accuracy (X, Y, Z)	± 0.005 mm over moderate stroke
Backlash / reversal error	≤ 0.01 mm
Repeatability	± 0.005 mm or better
B-axis angular indexing repeatability	≤ 0.005° (or as per spec)
Spindle radial runout	≤ 0.005 mm
Thermal drift over 1 hr	≤ 10 µm
Tool change / offset repeatability	≤ 0.01 mm
Coolant / lubrication stability	No major pressure drop or flow loss
Servo load / current stability	Smooth, no sudden spikes