With supply chain constraints, a factory recertified or used robot may be the route you take for your business. Here are the differences and considerations between the two.
Recertified FANUC Robot:
Like a certified pre-owned car, a recertified FANUC robot comes with a 1-year factory warranty. FANUC guarantees that this recertified FANUC robot will act like a new robot. The robots go through an extensive check-through process before being sold. This robot will be like new; the only difference is some wear and hours of use.
Used Robot:
Buying a used robot may be cheaper, but here are considerations to make before buying:
- Does the robot require any service or part replacement?
- Does the previous owner have documented maintenance history?
- Is the seller mixing and matching robots, controllers, and auxiliary equipment?
- How many hours are on the robot? Like a car’s mileage, a robot’s hours make a difference.
- Is the seller truthful about the condition of the robot, controller, teach pendant, and other auxiliary components?
A thorough diagnostic of the robot ensures it will perform the tasks you require, be long-term, and give you the best return on your investment.
Factory Recertified Robot and Used Robot Benefits:
Used/re-certified robots can often save 20-30% or more over new robot pricing. With today’s supply chain constraints, used robots are likely more readily available, although as the market shifts to mitigate the supply chain impacts, the used robot market can be as scarce as new and more costly than in years past.
Before Buying a Robot:
Before you buy a factory recertified robot or a used robot, there are questions you need to confirm.
- If the robot is required to reach above or below itself, the reach capability will be reduced.
- Will the robot’s reach and payload work with your process? - A robot’s listed reach and payload are always under ideal conditions.
- Likewise, if the load the robot handles extends away from the robot’s face plate (where the tool mounts), the payload of the robot will be reduced.
In addition, you have to account for the options your robot will need to function in your process.
- Based on the robot's age, is it compatible with modern safety standards and equipment, i.e., is it dual channel safety compatible?
- Does the robot have the correct software/hardware options to do what you need it to do? If not, then you’ll need to factor in the cost of adding these options.
- Does the robot’s current configuration support the communication protocol that your process/equipment uses? - Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, EtherCAT, DeviceNet, CC-Link
In conclusion, buying a factory-recertified or used robot can be your business’s route to reduce costs and improve production. If your business needs service or repair of the robot, Exact is a Fanuc Authorized System Integrator. Exact can deploy any field-level service or repair your robot may need.