Five misconceptions about reconditioned parts

1. Risky investments

There’s something about the word ‘reconditioned’ that ignites visions of cheap, rejected products that are somehow inferior to new ones. Of course, most buyers want to save money when procuring industrial equipment, but they are also wary of wasting cash on a faulty or inferior item.

The reality is that as long as you use a reputable supplier, the reconditioned industrial automation parts that arrive on your doorstep will be fully functional and sometimes almost new, while also saving you a significant amount of money.

2.Ready to retire

Equipment manufacturing is evolving quickly. New, upgraded versions of products are being designed, developed, launched and are replacing current models after just a few years. As some manufacturers rush to obtain the latest models of industrial equipment, this fast pace of change is rendering almost-new devices obsolete.

The good news for buyers of reconditioned parts is that despite their young age, the discarded but barely used machinery of these manufacturers is available to the market at a highly discounted rate.

3.Damaged goods

Reconditioned parts can be confused with other kinds of used equipment. The term “repaired parts” describes components which have broken down and were restored back to a functional state. Usually, when a product is repaired, the remanufacturing process is disregarded and only the defective parts are investigated and replaced.

Unlike this process of repairing equipment, reconditioning completely rejuvenates the product and brings the equipment back to its original factory specifications. As opposed to a repaired part, customers should expect to receive reconditioned products in the same, perfect condition as a brand new piece of equipment.

4. Fails to meet regulations

Operating in an environment in which energy efficiency legislation is extensive, manufacturers often assume that older, reconditioned parts won’t meet today’s energy standards and are therefore are impracticable for use. Let’s face it, industrial equipment doesn’t have the greatest reputation when it comes to energy efficiency. That being said, there are many reconditioned devices that meet current standards for energy efficiency.

Eco obsolete technology (EOT) is a term used for describing industrial equipment that, regardless of its age, continues to meet modern regulatory requirements. Seeking out EOT, manufacturers can ensure that energy related compliance won’t be compromised. Working with a knowledgeable industrial equipment supplier means companies can ensure they comply with regulations, while also saving on equipment maintenance and repair budgets and minimising downtime.

5. There's no guarantee

Nobody wants to make a purchase without a safety net and it’s a common belief that reconditioned parts come with no guarantee. On the contrary, many suppliers of industrial equipment provide exceptional warranty policies on their reconditioned products. At EU Automation, for example, we provide the same 12-month warranty on reconditioned parts that we offer for brand new equipment. So, if the reconditioned part does happen to break down within the first year, we can provide a repair or replacement at no additional cost.

Of course, we can’t speak for all providers of industrial automation. Policies will vary from supplier to supplier, so it is vital that customers closely examine the returns policy, before making a purchase.

There may be a glimmer of truth in some common myths, but this does not necessarily mean all popular beliefs are accurate. Despite the iconic portrayal, Viking warriors did not sport horned headgear when trudging into battle. Archaeological finds have discovered helmets festooned with horns, but these were actually reserved for priests to wear during religious ceremonies - certainly not for war.