One of the most important issues in the production world is the one concerning the cost of Machining Centers, and Machine Tools in general, and how to succeed in amortizing this “cost” over a period of time.

If you have come across this article most likely it is because you are starting to evaluate the purchase of a machine tool and you are surfing the internet to understand in detail how much a CNC Machining Center costs in order to orient yourself correctly for the purchase.

First of all, there is a premise to be made, namely that the cost of the Machine Tool itself is relative and not very important, compared to what may affect the whole purchase process.

What do I mean exactly?

I mean that the REAL cost of the Machine Tool you are going to buy is determined by several factors, among which the main ones are:

1. The cost of the machine tool (obvious to all, but is not the only one),
2. The cost of the implementation “Process”, which is behind the purchase of the Machine Tool,
3. The cost of the machine tool in production.

The basic concept is that the production is NOT free and when you buy, for example, a Machining Center you have to consider that there will certainly be significant costs of implementation of that Machining Center (the process) and the related future costs in the use of the machine in production.

The Machine Tools are NOT free (and we know), but their cost does not stop at the level of “depreciation”, because in reality the cost in production lasts forever, as long as you use the machine.

How?

Let’s see it together.

The Machining Center may cost less when purchased,

but in Production costs more.

If we start from the cost itself of the Machining Center we could say with absolute certainty that it has a lower cost compared to many other Machine Tools on the market.

And this feature could attract a lot.

However, it must be said that those who sell the machining center almost always stop only this first (and almost useless) phase of the process, then delegating to “external collaborators” the arduous work of implementation of the machine in your company.

In essence:

– they DO NOT sell you a PROCESS

– YOU DO NOT HAVE CONTROL

So, you find yourself with a relatively “good” cost of the Machining Center, to which you will then have to add all the costs of “Process” that you will have to support, including:

1. The cost of tooling
2. The cost of the study on the piece and / or family of pieces
3. The cost of machine programming
4. The cost of automation

And all these additional costs cause the cost of the Machining Center to rise, up to even more than double the initial figure.

The solution?

My advice is to turn to companies that do not sell only machine tools, but that first of all sell a PROCESS.

This is because it will allow you to:

– have total control of the budget you are investing,

– have a centralized control of the whole process of buying your machine.

Only one main contact person, who will also assume all the responsibilities on the implementation process of the same, starting from the correct selection of the tools to be used, up to the final testing of the machine in your company.

Why the Machining Center in Production costs you more

Another aspect that should not be underestimated is the Cost of the Machining Center in Production, which can considerably affect your profit and go to attack and eat all the margins of your company.

Maybe the cost of the Machining Center itself has been relatively low, but if we are going to think about aspects such as:

1. Space occupied by the Machining Centers;
2. Number of Robots;
3. Energy cost;
4. Cost of specialized personnel.

You will soon realize that financially the companies FIXED COSTS are rising and in a few years you could find yourself with a “Zombie” Production Department that moves slowly and costs a lot of money to produce the parts you need.

Also, in this case, the best solution is to evaluate the purchase of a machine tool that allows you to get the best “flexibility-productivity” ratio, which lowers the FIXED COSTS in production and finally helps the Production Department and the company earn more.

How?

Choosing Machine Tools that are a middle ground between the Machining Centers, very flexible and not very productive, and Transfer Machines, very productive but rigid.

In this case a new category of machine tools was born, just to satisfy this strong market demand.

“Flexible Machines”

Perfect for applying the Flexible Production Method and for obtaining the correct ratio between automation and productivity in Production.

Using this link you can find an example of the first flexible machine built in series, the MULTICENTER:

===> CLICK HERE <===

To better face the new challenges that the production market will put you in front of you, you absolutely need a method tested and with years of experience that will allow you to bring your Production Department to become more competitive than ever.

Time is running out; the world of production is becoming increasingly aggressive year after year and competition is increasingly ruthless.

To ensure the survival of your company do not rely on the number of orders taken and Machining Centers in Production.

To be able to become truly competitive and to EARN in your company and your Production Department as it once was, it is crucial that you make a choice and understand these important steps.

If you want to really make the leap in quality you must have:

1. A competitive and proven METHOD of Production;
2. A PROCESS that accompanies you to implement the machine tool in the company;
3. A TOOL MACHINE that allows you to get the correct Flexibility-Productivity ratio to make you earn more.

Precisely for this reason, the Flexible Production method was born, to help Machine Tool users to study new production strategies that help the company to face new market challenges.

Strategies and techniques that you can make yours.  Studying and applying with care the key concepts that are at the base of Productive Flexibility.

The journey is long and the road winding, but what you will find once you enter this world will be the perfect therapy, for those like you who are ambitious and want to see their production go to the next level.

If you want to go deeper on the topic of “Flexible Production”,

CLICK HERE

>>> www.flexibleproductionbook.com <<<

My book, dedicated to users of machine tools that want to make the leap in quality & productivity, is waiting for you!!!

Maurizio Porta

MASTER TRAINER Method FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION