When buying a used or surplus Seiger SLZ 570 (Germany) lathe, you’ll want to perform a thorough check to ensure that the machine will serve your needs reliably. Below is a detailed checklist

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What to check

1. Provenance & machine history

• Ask for the exact model version: e.g., SLZ 570E, SLZ 570/2 etc.
• Ask for the serial number, year of manufacture, hours/cycles run, and previous usage environment (e.g., heavy production vs. occasional use).
• Verify that it was made in Germany by Seiger in Lippstadt (Seiger advertises beds, spindles, castings “made in Germany”).
• Ask about maintenance history: Has it been abused? Were major parts replaced (spindle, guides, bed, CNC control)?
• Ask why the machine is being sold. If the reason is vague, proceed cautiously.

2. Technical specification & suitability for your work

• Confirm the turning diameter (≈ 570 mm swing over bed) and other specs like bed width, spindle bore:
  • Swing over bed: 570 mm (SLZ 570E spec)
  • Spindle bore Ø 93 mm standard, option up to Ø 130 mm for some variants.
• Check the distance between centers (1,000 / 1,500 / 2,000 mm spec in one listing)
• Ensure the machine capacity matches your parts: size, weight, length, material.
• CNC control version (Heidenhain ManualPlus 620 or Siemens SINUMERIK) may affect ease of programming/support.
• Check for any optional attachments or modifications (e.g., large bore spindle, automatic gearbox) from manufacturer spec sheet.

3. Physical condition & wear

• Inspect the bed: cast-iron, hardened slideways (that Seiger uses) should be in good condition. If bed is significantly worn, accuracy suffers.
• Check spindle: run-out, bearing health, vibrations, check the bore if used for heavy work.
• Check gibs, ways, cross slide, tailstock for wear.
• Check coolant/chip management system, guards, safety interlocks.
• Check electrical cabinet condition: dust, overheating signs, original wiring.
• If the machine has been relocated, verify proper re-alignment was done.

4. Accuracy, performance & testing

• Request a test run: measure actual turning accuracy, check repeatability.
• Ask about rapid traverse rates (if relevant) and compare with spec.
• Check the machine for squareness, alignment of axes, any chatter or unusual noise.
• The spec sheet mentions direct position measurement (linear scales) on X-axis for SLZ 570E.
• Evaluate remaining useful life: if major components like spindle or drives are near end-of-life, cost of rebuild can be significant.

5. Supportability & spare parts

• Verify availability of spare parts for Seiger SLZ series in your region. Older CNC controls might be harder to support.
• Ask if documentation, wiring diagrams, manuals, maintenance logs are included.
• Confirm that standard components (bearings, ballscrews, guides) are still available.
• If the control is Heidenhain or Siemens, check if software licensing or updates are required.

6. Transport/installation & setup cost

• Because it is a large machine (spec say width ~2,200 mm for some variants) ensure your floor has adequate capacity and footprint.
• Check power requirements and service conditions (voltage, phase, required foundation).
• Factor in rigging, alignment, foundation or pad preparation, and commissioning costs.
• Downtime while installing must be considered in cost/ROI.

7. Economic & risk assessment

• Compare the asking price with similar used SLZ 570 machines in the market.
• Factor in the cost of shipping, installation, spare parts, possible refurbishment.
• Check how quickly the machine will pay for itself through usage in your workload.
• Make sure you understand warranty or “as-is” terms: many used machine purchases are “as is” and you carry the risk.

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Specific questions to ask the seller

• What exact variant is this (SLZ 570E, SLZ 570/2, center distance, etc.)?
• What is the condition of the spindle — bore size, bearing runs, any rebuild history?
• How many hours or parts did the machine run?
• Does the machine still maintain design accuracy (bed wear, slideway clearance)?
• What CNC control is installed (type, version, any updates)?
• Are all original manuals and wiring diagrams included?
• What attachments are included (tailstock, steady rest, workholding, automation)?
• Is the machine fully operational? Can I witness a live demo/test run?
• What is included for transport & installation?
• Are there any major known issues or upcoming needs (e.g., spindle replacement)?

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Red flags / caution signs

• Machine has no maintenance records or the hours appear extremely high.
• Key components like spindle or slides show obvious damage or wear.
• Control system is outdated, unsupported or missing.
• Bed/ways are worn such that the accuracy cannot be restored economically.
• Spare parts for this model are rare or expensive in your region.
• The seller refuses a test demonstration or hides key information.
• Hidden costs of installation, alignment, or shipping make the deal less favourable.