Some machines may be completely torn down and totally rebuilt. Purchasing a machine from the OEM increases the likelihood that the machine has been remanufactured to the original specifications, since an OEM has the original drawings and documentation and can provide original spare parts. In most instances, purchasing from an OEM also ensures that new engineering developments or upgrades will be included during the rebuild process. When purchasing used equipment, the buyer should insist that all reconditioning procedures be agreed upon and documented prior to signing the purchase agreement. More importantly, the buyer should inspect the machine carefully before purchasing it.
Many electronics manufacturers consider used equipment in their budgetary process.
A major business driver for the increased use of remanufactured equipment is the declining growth of through hole technology and the rapid rise of contract manufacturing. But not all remanufactured equipment is alike, as customers quickly discover when quoted prices can cover a wide range of the cost of the original equipment for the same type of machine. If you expect the equipment to perform as well as it did when new, then this needs to drive your decision on what level of remanufactured machine to purchase. The initial cost of the equipment is only one part of the investment decision - more important is the total cost of the investment over the equipment life cycle and whether it can contribute to competitive advantage and increased customer satisfaction. Obviously, financial constraints will play a major role in the decision-making process, otherwise you would be buying new machinery.