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 Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Spindle run-out and bearing condition | Highest repair cost |
| Axis backlash and servo errors | Precision and machine life |
| Controller software and backups | Fast commissioning |
| Tool changer and pallet systems | Productivity and uptime |
| Maintenance history | Predict reliability |
| Test cut results | Verify real cutting performance |
| Spare parts availability | Minimize downtime risk |
Recommended Machines
← Previous GUEST Post
What Industry Experts Recommend Before Purchasing a Pre-Owned, Second-Hand, Surplus, Used QUASER MV-184P/12B CNC Vertical Machining Center made in Taiwan?
Next GUEST Post →
What Should I Pay Attention To When Buying a Second-Hand, Pre-Owned, Surplus, Used Huron VX12 CNC Vertical Machining Center made in France?






