Hello, my boss just asked my about advantages and disadvantages of used robots. Of course I said price and higher risk of failures. But can you tell me your opinion if its worth in projects where accuracy is not needed? And what is price difference in comparison with new one? I'd look for M710 series.
Thanks, Tomas
used robots
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Kabi -
March 25, 2013 at 10:53 PM -
Thread is marked as Resolved.
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I was a project manager for a new and used robotic integration company for about 3 years. The name of the company is Robotworx. RobotWorx' used robots are fully reconditioned with a 168-part inspection process. Worn parts are replaced and the systems are re-greased. Every robot passes through complete performance testing. Each one is repainted and cleaned. This process results in a fully reliable, fine-tuned robot. When you purchase a used robot from Robotworx the complete reconditioning process returns the robots to factory condition. Choosing a used robot can cut the price of the robotic system by more than 50%. Robotworx also keeps a big supply robot parts for robotic systems.
Robots have changed very little in the past 10 years. For the majority of industrial applications, the speed and accuracy of a used robot is very similar to a new model. When it comes to lifespan, there is little difference between new and old robots. A fully reconditioned robot has a life of 8-12 years, while a new robot typically lasts 10-15 years.
RobotWorx offers a complete warranty for both new and used robots. This full warranty extends to all parts and service. This way you have the same security whether you buy a new or used robot system.
RobotWorx is an Authorized System Integrator for FANUC Robotics America, Inc. Used FANUC robots are just as reliable as new robots & even come with the same warranty as a new robot (1 Year). Every used FANUC robot RobotWorx sells comes with licensed software that provides you with 24 hour FANUC Robotics' support. -
Thank you for your reply. Now I have idea what to look for. Unfortunately I'm from central Europe and based on internet, situation in Europe is totally different in possibility of buying used robots. Anyway I really appreciate your answer.
Tomas -
Hi,
One thing to note is that Fanuc manuals ect are really hard/ expensive / imposible to get (see the sticky thread in this forum).
We purchased used Fanucs and did not know this and found it hard to get official support.
The forum members here are really helpful! -
Its not hard to get fanuc support, you just have to purchase a license for your robot, which fanuc says you must do for them to even talk to you.
Problem is, most used robots are not relicensed and your on your own. Used robots are always a risk, but you can save alot of money sometimes...sometimes not. Do your homework and buy from a reputable reseller. Just because someone has the same robot at a cheaper price can also mean they didnt really referb it and may have only put lipstick on a pig (paint job). The air lines that run up the internal spine rot over time. The cable harness can get destroyed in the base because the snake trough can come apart and rip through the multicore wire. This is a $10k cable replacment and I would be concerned that it may have the original set. Lack of grease maintenance can destroy reducers.All this said, I like used robots. They offer a solution for many people that are new to automation. We often integrate older robots with modern vision systems to achive very usable systems for our customers.
Good Luck- again, do your homework.
-Eric