Metalworking and machine tools constitute the core group of machinery used for the machining and forming of metal in industry and the skilled trades. The main categories are lathes (universal, CNC and vertical lathes), milling machines (universal, vertical and horizontal milling machines), machining centres and CNC machines.
Sheet metal working includes guillotine shears, press brakes, laser cutting systems and waterjet cutters. Grinding machines cover external cylindrical, internal cylindrical, surface and tool grinding. Other areas include presses, punching machines, metal saws, EDM machines (sink and wire EDM), as well as welding and cutting with MIG/MAG, TIG, plasma and laser welding systems.
Leading manufacturers include TRUMPF, DMG Mori, Mazak, Okuma, Hermle, Schuler, Amada, Heller, Doosan, Bystronic, Haas Automation and EMCO.
These machines are used in the metal industry, in mechanical and tool engineering, in the automotive and supplier industries, in contract manufacturing facilities, and in research and prototyping workshops.
Frequently asked questions about buying second-hand metalworking and machine tools
Which machines are classified as metalworking and machine tools?
These include lathes and turn-mill centres, machining centres and milling machines, grinding, drilling, sawing and EDM machines, as well as sheet metal working equipment such as press brakes, guillotine shears, laser, plasma and punching technology. The key distinction is between conventional and CNC machines, as well as their control system generation.
How do I assess the condition of a second-hand CNC machine?
Check the guides, ball screws and bearings for play and wear; check the spindle for concentricity, noise and bearing play; and check the axes for smooth, jerk-free movement. A test cut or a circularity measurement, as well as reading the error log and operating hours, will provide insight into the machine’s actual accuracy.
Why is the control system generation so important for CNC machines?
The control system (such as common CNC systems from different years of manufacture) determines programmability, the operating system, interfaces and the availability of spare parts such as power supplies, displays and drives. With very old control systems, spare parts and technical expertise may be in short supply; clarify data transfer, available options and whether a retrofit is feasible and advisable.
Which wear and accuracy indicators should I check?
Check for backlash on the axes, wear and scoring on guideways, the condition of the wiper blades, and the concentricity of the spindle and tool holder. A detailed test report, a test part or a measurement carried out in accordance with recognised procedures will show whether the machine still reliably meets the required tolerances.
Which standards and tests are relevant for machine tools?
Machines require CE marking with a declaration of conformity in accordance with the Machinery Directive; during operation, the electrical safety test in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3 and the UVV inspection by a qualified person are essential. For presses and sheet metal working, safety devices such as light curtains, two-hand controls and their functional testing are particularly important for safety.
What should I look out for with regard to accessories, tool holders and software?
Check that clamping devices, tool holders (such as SK, HSK or VDI), centres, tailstocks and tool magazines are complete and compatible with the system. Missing options, software licences or activations, as well as incompatible tool holders, can result in significant retrofitting costs and limit the machine’s utility.
What power requirements and environmental conditions do I need to take into account?
Clarify the connected load, fuse protection and compressed air requirements, and determine whether cooling lubricant, hydraulic and extraction systems are required. Large machines often require a load-bearing foundation or a level, low-vibration installation surface; hall height and floor load-bearing capacity must also be taken into account for heavy machining centres.
What needs to be taken into account during dismantling, transport and installation?
Precision machines are sensitive to transport; it is important to secure the axes correctly, use suitable attachment points, and ensure the correct weight and exact dimensions for the crane and low-loader. After transport, levelling, alignment and, in many cases, a further geometric check are necessary to restore the original accuracy.
What are the typical pitfalls when buying second-hand machinery?
Worn spindles and guides, outdated control systems with no spare parts, missing accessories and accuracy deviations that are not apparent when the machine is stationary are often underestimated. Ask for a demonstration of the machine whilst it is powered up, ideally using a test workpiece, and check the error log, maintenance records and that all equipment is present.
How do I contact the seller of a machine tool?
Using the contact function in the advert, you can get in touch directly with the dealer or seller on the Europe-wide, multilingual marketplace, without any middlemen. You can discuss live demonstrations, technical queries, price and transport directly with the seller; enquiries are made via email.
How do I find specific machines with the right specifications?
Each listing specifies the year of manufacture, condition, location and technical data such as the control system, travel ranges, power output and, in some cases, operating hours. Using the filters for manufacturer, condition, year of manufacture, price and technical specifications, you can narrow down the selection to suit your production requirements and the required tolerances.
Is leasing or hire purchase available for machine tools?
For many listings, you can submit a non-binding enquiry about leasing or hire purchase, which makes the investment more manageable for high-quality machining centres; you can discuss the terms with the supplier or financing partner. The actual purchase transaction takes place outside the platform, as this is purely a marketplace.