The choice between a new line and certified pre-owned equipment should not start with age or purchase price. It should start with technical fit: can the machine produce the required boxes, with the expected quality, availability and support, throughout the planned investment horizon?
A well-selected pre-owned machine can accelerate capacity expansion or support a defined product family with lower initial capital. A poorly documented machine can transfer hidden obsolescence, process limitations and recovery costs to the buyer. The difference lies in the evidence.
1. Confirm the real format and process envelope
Begin with the same product matrix used for a new investment: minimum and maximum dimensions, board thickness, covering materials, geometries, batch sizes and quality criteria. Compare these requirements with the exact machine configuration—not only with the general model brochure.
Options, tooling, software versions and previous modifications can change the usable capability of two machines bearing the same model name.
2. Define what “refurbished” actually includes
The term refurbished has little value without a written scope. A credible programme should identify what is inspected, replaced, recalibrated, updated and tested. Mechanical condition, bearings, guides, pneumatic components, electrical cabinets, safety devices, motors, sensors and operator interfaces should be addressed according to documented criteria.
Cosmetic cleaning is not equivalent to functional restoration. Ask for evidence of the work performed and the components retained.
3. Review controls and software obsolescence
A mechanically sound machine can still create long-term risk if controls, drives, PLCs or HMIs are obsolete. Verify component availability, backup procedures, software ownership, communication interfaces and the possibility of future support.
An upgrade may be economically justified when it improves maintainability, diagnostics or compatibility with the current factory environment. It should be included in the initial comparison rather than discovered after installation.
4. Examine operating history and present condition
Calendar age alone does not describe machine condition. Duty cycle, maintenance discipline, processed materials, environment and previous incidents matter. Useful evidence includes service history, operating hours or cycles where available, maintenance records and known modifications.
When records are incomplete, the technical inspection and test plan must compensate with a more rigorous condition assessment.
5. Require a product-based acceptance test
A no-load demonstration cannot prove production capability. The FAT should use representative materials and boxes, including at least one demanding format. Acceptance criteria should cover:
- stable speed for an agreed duration;
- dimensional and visual quality;
- scrap during start-up and steady production;
- changeover and recipe repeatability;
- alarm handling and recovery;
- safety-system operation.
6. Compare the complete delivery scope
Clarify transport, installation, commissioning, training, documentation, tooling, spare parts and warranty. A low machine price can be offset by missing equipment, unsupported software or extensive site work.
For a fair comparison, place new and pre-owned options on the same scope boundary and calculate the cash required to reach accepted production.
7. Model total cost and time to productive capacity
The financial comparison should include acquisition, refurbishment, upgrades, logistics, installation, ramp-up, maintenance and expected downtime. Also assign value to lead time: a machine delivered earlier can generate contribution margin sooner, but only if the production fit is already validated.
When new equipment is usually the stronger option
- the product envelope requires a new or unusual configuration;
- future expansion and integration are central to the project;
- the process requires the latest controls or data architecture;
- the expected utilisation justifies maximum lifecycle and warranty coverage.
When certified pre-owned can be compelling
- the required product family is a proven match;
- capacity is needed within a shorter project window;
- the refurbishment scope is factory-controlled and documented;
- acceptance testing, software support and warranty are clearly defined.
Investment comparison
Review the machine against your actual products
Send SATE your format range, materials, volumes and target timing. We can help compare available certified machines with a new-line configuration on the same technical basis.
Request a technical comparison View certified pre-owned