When buyers consider investing in a pre-owned CNC or injection molding machine like an Arburg A 370 S 500-100 MULTILIFT H (50 T clamping force), they evaluate a broad range of technical, economic, and risk-based factors to ensure the machine will meet their needs, have long-term reliability, and provide a good return on investment.

Here’s a practical checklist that experienced buyers use before purchase:

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✅ 1. Machine Specifications & Suitability

Buyers want to confirm the machine fits their production requirements:

• Clamping Force: 50 tons—appropriate for the part size and thickness.
• Shot Size & Injection Capacity: Must match the part volume/material volume.
• Mold Compatibility: platen size, tie bar spacing, mold height range.
• Cycle Time Capability: Impact on productivity and throughput.
• Hydraulic / Electric System: Does it match buyer’s process preferences?
• Control System (CNC/PLC): model, version, programming ease.

For Arburg buyers, familiarity with Arburg CNC/controls is a plus.

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✅ 2. Machine Condition & Working History

Used machine condition is a key investment driver:

✔ Running condition: Fully operational? Any errors?
✔ Last service date & maintenance records:
• Hydraulic oil changes
• Filter replacements
• Electrical system check
✔ Hours (cycles) on the machine: Often compared to expected life.
✔ Accidents/downtime history: Any major repairs or part replacements.
✔ Spare parts availability: Arburg machines generally have good parts support, but older models may vary.

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✅ 3. Inspection & Verification

Savvy buyers almost always do:

Physical inspection:

• Cleanliness & wear signs
• Hydraulic leaks
• Electrical wiring condition
• Rust, chips, contamination

Operational test:

• Dry cycle and mold cycle
• Ejector system function
• Heaters and temperature control
• Pressure and injection performance

Some buyers bring a trusted technician or inspector.

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✅ 4. Documentation & Traceability

Proper paperwork increases confidence:

Manuals & schematics
Service logs & past parts replaced
Machine calibration certificates
PLC/CNC program backups

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✅ 5. Availability of Spare Parts & Support

Even used machines require spare parts:

• Arburg OEM parts prices & lead times
• Third-party consumables (seals, heaters, etc.)
• Local service options

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✅ 6. Economic Evaluation

Buyers run a rough ROI estimate:

Total cost of purchase + repairs + installation
Expected production output & yield
Energy consumption
Projected revenue per part produced

They also compare price with similar machines on the market.

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✅ 7. Warranty & After-Sale

Although less common for used machines, buyers will ask:

• Short warranty on key components?
• Return/inspection period?
• Service support options

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✅ 8. Machine Age & Technology Obsolescence

Older machines may lack:

• Modern CNC interfaces
• Energy efficiency
• Advanced safety features

Buyers consider longevity vs. cost savings.

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✅ 9. Safety Compliance

Important especially in industrial settings:

✔ Guarding systems
✔ E-stop functionality
✔ CE / OSHA compliance (depending on region)

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✅ 10. Logistics, Installation & Downtime

Practical considerations:

Delivery cost and method
Disassembly / reassembly need
Power compatibility
Floor space / foundation requirements

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Specific Questions Buyers Ask for an Arburg A 370 S

Before purchase, buyers often request:

What year was the machine manufactured?
What is the exact shot size & screw diameter?
How many production cycles have been completed?
Any history of major repairs or block replacements?
Are all safety systems functional?
Can we test-run it before purchase?
Are temperature controllers included & working?
Does it have the original MULTILIFT H? Condition?

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Red Flags Buyers Watch For

History of frequent breakdowns
Poor documentation
Hydraulic leaks
Inconsistent production quality during test runs
Very high cycle count without refurb history

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Quick Buyer Checklist

Category	Key Check
Specs	Clamping force, shot size, platen size
Condition	Leak check, running test
Documentation	Manuals, service logs
ROI	Cost vs output, energy costs
Safety & Compliance	Guards, E-stop
Support	Parts & service availability