30/12/2025 By CNCBUL UK EDITOR Off

What Should I Pay Attention To When Buying a Second-Hand, Pre-Owned, Surplus, Used REIDEN RX12 CNC MultiTasking Turning Milling Center made in Switzerland?

This guide is written for precision manufacturers, aerospace, medical, automotive, mold & die, and high-value subcontractors evaluating a used REIDEN RX12, a Swiss-built multi-tasking machining center combining milling and turning operations in a single platform.


REIDEN RX12 – Technical Overview

The REIDEN RX12 is a heavy-duty, high-precision 5-axis machining center designed to complete complex parts in one setup, minimizing re-clamping, improving accuracy, and reducing cycle time.

Axis Configuration and Travels

  • X-axis travel: approx. 1,300 mm
  • Y-axis travel: approx. 1,450 mm
  • Z-axis travel: approx. 1,000 mm
  • A-axis: 0–90°
  • C-axis: 360°, turning capability up to approx. 400 rpm

Spindle Systems

Main Milling Spindle

  • Power: approx. 84 kW
  • Speed: up to 12,000 rpm
  • Torque: approx. 300 / 452 Nm
  • Motor spindle design for heavy milling and precision finishing

Optional Auxiliary Spindle (DDT – Double Drive Technology)

  • Speed: up to 16,000 rpm or 18,000 rpm
  • Torque: up to approx. 291 Nm
  • Designed to combine high torque for roughing with high speed for finishing in one spindle

Rotary Table and Turning Capability

  • Table diameter: up to approx. 1,200 mm (optional configurations up to approx. 1,600 mm)
  • Turning torque: approx. 4,570 Nm
  • Integrated turning function enables true mill-turn operations

Tooling and Magazine

  • Tool magazine capacity: typically 85 to 360+ tools, depending on configuration
  • Tool interfaces: HSK63, HSK100, SK, depending on spindle option
  • Maximum tool length: approx. 600 mm
  • Maximum tool diameter: approx. 565 mm

CNC Control

  • Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens 840D sl, depending on machine configuration
  • Full 5-axis simultaneous machining support
  • Advanced kinematics and probing cycles available

Pallet System and Automation

  • Pallet changer configurations: 2 to 5 pallets, expandable
  • Maximum pallet load: approx. 2,000 kg
  • Linear or circular pallet storage systems available

Machine Size and Weight

  • Approximate dimensions: 5,600 × 5,100 × 4,050 mm
  • Machine weight: approx. 25,000 – 28,000 kg

Structural Design

  • Hydropol® composite base
  • High damping characteristics
  • Excellent thermal stability for long production runs

What to Pay Attention to When Buying Used

1. Machine Condition and Wear

  • Spindle condition: Check run-out, noise at low and high RPM, vibration, and bearing temperature. Spindle repair is one of the highest cost risks.
  • Axis mechanics: Inspect ball screws and linear guides for backlash, uneven motion, or abnormal noise during rapid movements.
  • Guideways and slides: Look for scoring, corrosion, or uneven wear, especially on heavily loaded axes.

Practical advice: Run the machine at full rapid speed and listen carefully. Abnormal vibration or rattling often indicates deeper mechanical issues.


2. Control System and Software

  • Confirm the installed control version (Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens 840D sl).
  • Ensure all machine parameters, PLC data, and programs are fully backed up.
  • Verify availability of post-processors for your CAM system.
  • Ask whether any custom macros or cycles were used by the previous owner.

3. Maintenance and Usage History

  • Request maintenance logs showing lubrication schedules, inspections, and spindle service history.
  • Machines used for heavy materials (titanium, Inconel, hardened steels) require closer inspection.
  • Confirm whether thermal compensation systems and monitoring features are active and functioning.

4. Tooling and Accessories Included

  • Inspect tool holders, tool magazines, grippers, and tool change mechanisms.
  • Verify probing systems, calibration equipment, and kinematic measurement options.
  • Missing tooling, probes, or fixtures can significantly increase total investment cost.

5. Automation and Special Features

  • Test pallet changer operation for alignment, repeatability, and reliability.
  • Check collision monitoring and machine protection systems.
  • Verify chip management, coolant filtration, and high-pressure coolant systems.

6. Spare Parts and Service Support

  • Confirm availability of REIDEN spare parts and local service support.
  • Ensure long-term availability of Heidenhain or Siemens components.
  • Understand lead times and costs for critical replacement parts.

7. Practical Tests Before Purchase

  • Perform test cuts to evaluate surface finish, accuracy, and repeatability.
  • Conduct backlash and geometry checks where possible (ballbar or laser measurement preferred).
  • Test automatic tool changer cycles at operating speed.

Real-World Cost Considerations

  • Transport, installation, foundation work, leveling, tooling, training, and calibration can add 10–20% to the purchase price.
  • Skilled technicians are essential for Swiss multi-tasking machines.
  • Ensure CAM software fully supports 5-axis mill-turn strategies.

Summary Checklist Before You Buy

Check ItemWhy It Matters
Spindle run-out and bearing conditionHighest repair cost
Axis backlash and servo errorsPrecision and machine life
Controller software and backupsFast commissioning
Tool changer and pallet systemsProductivity and uptime
Maintenance historyPredict reliability
Test cut resultsVerify real cutting performance
Spare parts availabilityMinimize downtime risk