13/10/2025 By CNCBUL UK EDITOR Off

What Should I Pay Attention To When Buying a Second-Hand, Pre-Owned, Surplus, Used CoastOne Oy Cone 1600 CNC Press Brake 44 Ton made in Finland?

When buying a used (second-hand, surplus) CoastOne Oy Cone 1600 CNC press brake (≈ 44 ton / 44 t capacity), you face many of the same issues as with any press brake or CNC bending machine, but also several model-/technology-specific checks (because the Cone series is an electric / servo / ball screw style press brake, with no hydraulics). Below is a detailed checklist and set of cautions so you can identify risks, negotiate confidently, and avoid surprises.

1. Understand the model, technology & what “44 ton / Cone 1600” likely means

Before inspection, you want to know what the “44 ton / Cone 1600” designation likely refers to, and what the nominal specs should be (so you can test against them).

CoastOne is a Finnish firm; their website states that “All of our machines are built in Finland.”
The “Cone” series of press brakes are electric / servo driven, using ball screws instead of hydraulic systems, delivering bending force via direct drive from servo motors to screw(s).
Because there are no hydraulics, there is no hydraulic oil, no pump, fewer leaks, and less maintenance in terms of hydraulic components. But it also shifts reliance onto the servo motors, ball screws, encoders, control electronics, and mechanical rigidity.
The “1600” likely refers to bending width (mm) or working length (i.e. maximum sheet width). Many CoastOne / Cone presses are available in the “C-Series” with bending lengths up to ~ 1,550 mm or more.
The stated “44 ton” (≈ 44 t) is relatively modest for a 1,600 mm wide press brake; the machine must have a certain stiffness and structure to deliver that force over that width. Expect significant frame rigidity, stiff columns, and precise synchronization of servo drives.

Thus your inspection should confirm whether the machine still meets or closely approaches the original performance (force, accuracy, repeatability) in its current condition.

2. Structural, frame & geometric condition

Because a press brake is fundamentally about applying large forces over a frame, the structural integrity is critical.

Frame, side columns, cross beam condition
– Inspect for cracks, weld repairs, distortions, bending, or misalignment in the C-frame or side frames.
– Look especially near corners, joints, gussets, weld seams, and base plates.
Bed, front and back supports, tables, back gauges
– The tooling support surfaces (top & bottom tool tables) should be flat, straight, and free of wear marks or pitting.
– Check that any work supports, side supports, or back gauge rails are straight and rigid.
Guideways / linear guides / rails for axes (X, R, Z, etc.)
– Manually (or via control) move the axes; check for smoothness, binding, or steps.
– Inspect guide surfaces for wear, scoring, galling, rust, or signs of misalignment.
Screw drive systems / ball screws
– Because the Cone system uses ball screws, each drive screw must still be relatively “fresh” — no severe wear, pitting, backlash, or binding.
– Test for backlash or play (axial or radial) in the screw nut assemblies.
– Check for signs of lubrication failure (dry spots, metal spatter, chipping around screw threads).
Frame deflection / parallelism
– Under load (or simulated load), check that the upper beam / ram stays parallel to the lower beam and does not tilt or twist excessively.
– Use gauge bars, feeler gauges, or dial indicators across the width to verify bending uniformity.

3. Servo motors, drives, encoders & control electronics

With an electric press brake, the reliability, calibration, and condition of servo drives and electronics are absolutely central.

Power-up / boot / diagnostics
– Turn on the control; watch startup diagnostics, error messages, module health screens.
– Check for errors in the servo drives, I/O modules, encoder feedback errors, or axis faults.
Axis movement / synchronization
– Move each controlled axis (e.g. Y1, Y2, X, R, Z) through full strokes at various speeds. Note whether movement is smooth, whether axes remain in sync (Y1 vs Y2) and whether any axis lags or overshoots.
– Check that the system can maintain synchronized motion under load.
Encoder / feedback integrity
– Inspect encoder cables, connectors, shielding, and routing.
– Check whether the encoders report errors, drift, or loss of signal during motion.
Servo drives / motor condition
– Inspect drive cabinets or enclosures: look for dust accumulation, burned smells, damaged fans, overheating signs.
– During operation, observe drive/motor temperature, ventilation, whether fans are functioning.
– Listen for abnormal noise or hum from motors or drives.
Control interface / programming system
– The Cone machines often use the TC15 (2D) control for programming, bend step management, simulation, etc.
– Test programming capability: input a bend program, adjust steps, simulate bends, load/save programs.
– Check communications ports (Ethernet, USB, etc.) and ability to back up or restore machine parameters.
Parameter integrity & firmware
– Ask for software/firmware version, and whether parameter backups are available.
– Check whether any “calibration offsets” or “angle correction / springback compensation” tables are present and functional. The manual discusses these features.
– Beware of corrupted or deleted parameters — that can degrade bend accuracy severely.
Safety / interlocks / limit switches / sensors
– Test emergency stop, safety guards, limit switches, door interlocks.
– Test whether the machine stops safely if protection is disabled or a guard is opened.

4. Bending performance, accuracy & test runs

You must see the machine perform realistic bending tasks to verify it meets your required tolerances.

Test bending with representative sheets
– Bring a sheet metal part (thickness, material, bend length) similar to what you intend to use; have the seller perform the bending cycle.
– Observe the motion, times, pauses, synchronization, vibration, motor strain, or jerkiness.
Measure the output part
– Check bend angle accuracy, flap straightness, parallelism, leg lengths, springback error, consistency across repeated bends.
– Over the full working width, check for uniformity (i.e. whether bends near edges vs center differ).
Long-run / high-cycle test
– Let it run for an extended period (e.g. 30–60 minutes or more) under moderate-to-heavy bends. Monitor for drift, thermal expansion, error creep, overheating issues.
– After the run, re-check one or two earlier bend positions to see if they drifted.
Axis limits & extremes
– Try maximum strokes in X, Z, R axes (if equipped), and see if the system responds correctly or struggles at the extremes.
Repeated bend consistency
– Program a multi-step bend, repeat multiple times, and measure consistency of each repeated step.

5. Mechanical subsystems: backgauge, tooling, tool clamping & interfaces

Many failures and errors stem from the mechanical parts that interface with the sheet.

Back gauge / back gauge axes (X, R, Z, etc.)
– Move the back gauge plates / fingers, test repeatability, check for play, binding, misalignment, sensors.
– Inspect rails, lead screws, guideways in gauge motion.
Tool holders & clamping systems
– Examine the upper and lower tooling interface (top punch / bottom die). Check for wear, damage, alignment, flatness.
– If quick-change tool systems (e.g. Wila, Promecam, etc.) are used, inspect locking mechanisms, alignment, and repeatability of mounting.
– Check for looseness, wear or slipping in clamps.
Side supports / sheet supports / fingers
– Inspect side tables, supports, sheet follower arms, fingers for rigidity, wear, straightness, adjustability.
Crowns / deflection compensation systems
– Many electric presses use automatic crowning or dynamic compensation to maintain parallelism during bending. Check if that system is working properly (i.e. that the upper beam is deflected/adjusted as needed).
– Because the Cone system has no hydraulics, the crowning is typically integrated into servo / ball screw control. Verify that the “crowning / deflection correction” logic is intact in the control.
Tooling & dies
– Ask whether the seller includes tooling, punches, dies, and whether they are in usable condition.
– Check tooling wear, deformation, misalignment, sharpness, etc.

6. Service history, usage, maintenance & hours

Understanding how the machine has been used is critical to assessing its remaining life and the risk.

Machine age / serial number / build date
– Confirm the year of manufacture or commissioning.
Actual operating cycles / bend count
– Many press brakes track bending cycles or part count — request these records.
Maintenance logs
– Ask for preventive maintenance records, part replacements (servo motors, ball screws, guides, encoders, control modules).
– Verify whether any crash, overload, or misoperation events occurred, and how they were repaired.
Environment of use
– Was the machine used in a clean, climate-controlled shop, or a dusty, corrosive, humid environment?
– How well was the machine maintained: lubrication schedules, cleaning, stray debris removal, protective cover usage.
Retrofitting / upgrades
– Any modifications, add-ons, control upgrades, or non-OEM changes should be documented, as they may affect support or reliability.

7. Spare parts, consumables & support

One of the biggest downstream risks in buying used equipment is the availability of parts and support.

Availability of spare parts
– For CoastOne / Cone parts: servo motors, drive cards, encoders, ball screws, tool clamps, guides, sensors.
– Research whether there are distributors or service centers in your region that can import or service these parts.
Tooling, dies, accessory kits
– Determine whether the machine comes with standard tooling (punches, dies, adapters) or whether you’ll need to purchase them.
Service & technical support
– Are there support or service agents in your country (Turkey, Europe) familiar with CoastOne / Cone machines?
– Check whether CoastOne (Finland) still supports parts or has spare parts catalogs.
Documentation & manuals
– Make sure you get user manuals, maintenance manuals, parts lists, wiring diagrams, servo drive documentation, parameter lists, calibration procedures.
– Also, parameter backups and control program backups should be included.

8. Facility, infrastructure & compatibility

Even a perfect machine is useless if your shop can’t accommodate it.

Power / electrical compatibility
– Verify the required voltage, phases, current (amps), frequency. Electric servo systems tend to require good power quality and stable supply.
Grounding, electrical stability
– The drives and control are sensitive to grounding and electrical noise; ensure your facility can provide clean grounding, stable supply, possibly isolation, filters, or UPS if needed.
Floor / foundation / vibration / leveling
– The press brake frame needs a stable, flat floor, good anchoring or leveling. High forces can amplify any flex in the base.
Space & clearance
– Ensure there is enough clearance front, back, sides for tooling changes, maintenance access, and part handling.
Safety / guarding / compliance
– Ensure that any guards, light curtains, interlocks, emergency stops, safety fences satisfy your local code.
Cooling / ventilation
– Servo drives generate heat; adequate ventilation or climate control in the drive cabinet area is important.

9. Pricing, risk assessment & negotiation tactics

Use your inspection findings to negotiate and protect your buy.

Estimate cost of repairs / refurbishment
– If ball screws are worn, or servos need replacement, or guideways need reconditioning, get rough cost estimates and subtract from asking price.
Request a test / acceptance clause
– Insist on a period in which the machine can be tested, and the sale is contingent on performance.
Demand inclusion of spare parts / tooling
– Negotiate for included dies, punches, backup controllers, drives, cables, or at least a parts kit.
Bring an expert
– If possible, bring a press brake technician or servo motion control specialist to inspect with you.
Consider transport, installation, calibration costs
– The cost to move, rig, align, calibrate, and commission the machine is often significant; include these in your total cost.
Warranty / return terms
– If the seller is willing, get a limited warranty (e.g. for a few months) or guarantee that allows rejection if a major fault is found.