Machine modernisation without time consumption

The latest example of a relocation with machine modernisation is an ENGEL duo 35050/1500 WP from Rehau. The machine was relocated from northern to southern Germany and underwent a rejuvenation at the same time, as Leopold Praher, Managing Director of ENGEL Used Machinery, reports in an interview.

We are dealing with a very large machine here, which always has to be planned particularly well logistically. What was also special here was that the machine was not only to be relocated, but modernised from the ground up - and without any additional downtime.

The duo machine was built in 2009. The aim was to bring the machine up to date in terms of technology and energy efficiency. We also had the order to install a new plasticising unit with a highly wear-resistant barrier screw to make the machine fit for new requirements.

Rehau made the most of the opportunity offered by the machine's relocation. We renewed all hydraulic hoses and seals. Such extensive maintenance measures can be carried out all the more efficiently if the machine has to be dismantled anyway. The machine modernisation and relocation run in parallel, so to speak. This saves the customer a lot of time and money.

We carried out all conversions and retrofits during commissioning. In the end, the entire machine modernisation required no additional downtime. At ENGEL Used Machinery, we have our own technicians for such jobs, who work hand in hand with our local service teams. This means that all technicians involved know the ENGEL products down to the last detail. This reduces the time required and is a guarantee for high-quality retrofitting.

As early as possible! This gives us the flexibility to plan optimally in terms of time. Especially when many spare parts and - as in the case of Rehau - a new plasticising unit are required, this has to be coordinated. So that all the units needed for machine modernisation and maintenance are available at the plant in good time.

As ENGEL Used Machinery, we are responsible for extending the machine's useful and service life. We thus make a significant contribution to sustainability. Since ENGEL Used Machinery was founded, we have purchased, refurbished and resold more than 130 machines. In addition, we have relocated numerous machines. We also arrange storage capacities. For example, in the event that a machine is not needed for a certain period of time, but is to be kept in the company in the long term.

Around 40 per cent of all orders are for system solutions. That means machines with integrated robots. Another field is plasticising units. We always have a number of almost new used plasticising units on offer at an attractive price. The advantage: these plasticising units can be delivered very quickly.

Every machine and every robot is tested and carefully prepared in-house. Once a machine is sold, we can - to a certain extent - adapt the machine to individual requirements. Various standard options are available for adapting and modernising the machines. These include iQ products to equip the machines for the requirements of digitalisation. Every customer receives a completely function-tested system from us.

Demand for second-hand machines is very strong and we are experiencing growth. The main market for us is still Europe, but we are also expanding internationally. For example, we recently opened a branch in Mexico and hired an agent in North America. Meanwhile, we have sold machines to India and are evaluating the market in South East Asia.

There is a project in Ukraine that is very close to my heart. We have arranged for a packaging machine from Bahrain and supplied two other used injection moulding machines. With these machines, we are helping the processor to continue production.