Kaiserslautern, 11/26/2020

Buying used machines in times of Corona: 5-axis CNC machining center from United Kingdom to Liechtenstein

At the beginning of November 2020, the company Unipart AG from Liechtenstein was looking for a suitable 5-axis machining center for the short-term expansion of its production capacities. Important decision parameters for the machine selection were technical equipment, availability, price, and machine condition. In an online search, the Litz LU 620, year of construction 2013, offered by GINDUMAC GmbH, was found, and drawn into the closer selection. After personal exchange with the Gindumac sales team, it was confirmed that the machine would best suit the requirements. There was only one challenge: Corona. An on-site visit in the United Kingdom to determine the machine condition was not possible at short notice due to travel restrictions.

“In Corona times, flexibility is required even for the used machinery trading. Since travel restrictions currently do not allow on-site visits across borders, we offer our customers video inspections as an alternative. The on-site visit is transmitted to the digital room. Thus, we provide the necessary live impression of the machine,” says Benedikt Ruf, Managing Director of the GINDUMAC Group.

Digital machine inspection

In a video inspection the machining center was demonstrated to the managing director of Unipart AG, Mr. Dominik Bürgler. In exchange with the user on site the inspection parameters were defined and executed. 

“The WhatsApp video call gave me a good overall impression of the general machine condition. The spindle was tested in all speed ranges to check the sound regarding any bearing damage. In addition, all axes were moved in rapid traverse to further exclude possible bearing damages. As a final technical test, the table was moved over the maximum travel of the machining center with a dial gauge to check the geometry of the machine. In addition to the technical facts, gut feeling plays an important role for me. I was able to get an overview of the maintenance condition of the machine by taking a tour. After the WhatsApp video call, I decided to purchase the Litz LU 620 with a good feeling,” says Dominik Bürgler, CEO of Unipart AG.

In coordination with Unipart, Gindumac took care of the logistics processing. After successful customs clearance for export in the United Kingdom and import in Liechtenstein, the 5-axis machining center was successfully delivered, unloaded and put into operation.

For Unipart AG the video inspection was an important basis for the decision. “The virtual inspection of used machines is a good alternative to an on-site inspection, not only in times of Corona. With a good preparation it is possible to carry out all the tests one would do on site without having to leave the office”, adds Dominik Bürgler.

About Unipart AG:

The Liechtenstein company UNIPART AG is a specialist for CNC machining. It was founded in 2001 as a contract manufacturing company in CNC machining. Over the years it has specialized in the production of precision parts, from single parts to series. More information: www.unipart.li.

About GINDUMAC

The Litz LU 620 5-axis machining center, built in 2013, loaded onto truck shortly before departure from Great Britain to Liechtenstein.

Dominik Bürgler, Managing Director Unipart AG, in his machine hall in front of the Litz LU 620.