Second-Hand Industrial Robots
Second-hand industrial robots are those that have been previously owned and used. With the expansion of the industrial robot industry, it is not just the new robot market that has experienced growth but also the second-hand market. Second-hand industrial robots make robotic automation accessible to more types of manufacturers including small and mid-sized companies.
There are many high quality industrial robots available on the second-hand market. The most common ones are those manufactured by top robotic brands FANUC, Yaskawa Motoman, ABB, and KUKA. Robots have incredibly long lifespans and can remain operable for several decades especially when well maintained. Former popular robots like the FANUC R-2000ia and Motoman EA1400N can still be purchased second-hand.
Second-Hand Robot Condition
Second-hand industrial robots are typically sold in either reconditioned or as-is condition. Reconditioned robots are used robots that have been refurbished to return them to a like new state. Depending upon the robot the reconditioning process may involve a few repairs or an entire rebuild if the robot has several missing or damaged components. Once repairs have been completed, robots will then undergo a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, grease, or grim from the exterior and may even be repainted. The reconditioning process can return a used FANUC Arcmate 120ic to a practically new condition. Reconditioning can significantly extend the lifespan of industrial robots by fifteen years or more.Second-hand robots may also be sold in as-is condition. This means the robot is sold in its current form and any repairs or reconditioning will have to be arranged by and at the expense of the buyer. It is important to take into consideration the cost of any repairs if needed when purchasing a second-hand robot in as-is condition.
Differences Between Buying a Second-hand and New Robot
When shopping for an industrial robot, buyers will have to determine whether buying second-hand or new is best for them. Both second-hand and new robots will provide similar automation benefits. Whether you buy a new FANUC LR Mate 200id or a used FANUC LR Mate 200ic productivity will increase, product quality will improve, cycle times will decrease, production costs will be lowered, operations will be safer, and overall manufacturing will become more efficient. The deciding factors between buying new or second-hand will come down to their key differences which are cost, lead time, and compatibility with pre-existing equipment.The first difference between buying a second-hand robot and a new robot is the cost. Buying second-hand will be less expensive than buying brand new. What does a used robot cost anyways? Second-hand robots can save buyers up to 50%. Cost is often the biggest factor in the buying used versus new debate.
The second difference is lead time and it is only until recently this difference has become more apparent. With supply chain shortages and manufacturing disruptions, new robots have much longer lead times with some taking several months to a year to be delivered. Many companies cannot afford to wait that long for an articulated robot. Second-hand robots are often ready to be shipped immediately for quick turnaround times.
Lastly, second-hand robots are likely to be compatible with pre-existing robotic systems. Those looking to replace a robot and not an entire workcell will likely need a second-hand robot as a new robot may not be compatible with older equipment.