Buying an aluminum bending machine is a long-term investment. What happens after delivery, especially when it comes to warranty terms, service availability, and access to spare parts, plays a major role in how reliable, safe, and cost-effective the machine will be over time. This article outlines what to check and ask before signing a purchase agreement.
Understanding Machine Warranty Coverage
Let’s start with the warranty. It’s the first layer of protection once the machine is in your facility.
What’s typically covered?
Most warranties include faulty parts and labor. Some higher-end brands may also cover electrical systems and software updates, although this varies by supplier.
How long does the warranty last?
While 12 to 24 months is typical, some entry-level machines may come with just 6 months of coverage. Not all suppliers offer paid extensions beyond 24 months, so always ask early if this is important for your operation.
What’s not covered?
Wear parts such as rollers, seals, and hoses are usually excluded. Shipping charges and technician travel may also fall outside the warranty. Any issues caused by incorrect installation or improper use typically won’t be covered either.
Important point:
Warranties may be voided if the machine is serviced by someone who isn’t certified by the manufacturer. Always confirm this in advance.
Watch for unclear terms:
Vague language around how the machine is meant to be used or a lack of support for critical systems like software and hydraulics can make warranty claims more difficult than expected.
Evaluating the Service Plan Options
After the warranty period, a strong service plan becomes the main tool for keeping your machine in good shape.
Preventive maintenance
Suppliers like Davi and Thoman recommend quarterly or half-yearly service visits. These regular check-ups focus on wear points, alignment, and calibration.
Remote vs. on-site help
While remote support tools are becoming standard, having local access to trained technicians is just as important, especially in cases where remote help isn’t enough to fix the issue. However, some suppliers only include remote support on select models or as a paid feature, so be sure to confirm whether this is included with the base machine.
Breakdown response times
Some companies commit to helping you within 24 to 72 hours. Others handle issues primarily over email or remote login. Be sure to ask how long support typically takes and how it’s delivered.
Annual service agreements
These plans come with added benefits like priority scheduling and lower rates on parts and labor. They’re a good fit for machines in daily use. However, if the machine only runs occasionally, it might not be necessary to sign up for a contract.
Trained technicians
Servicing advanced machines requires knowledge and precision. That’s why it’s important to work with technicians who are trained by the machine’s manufacturer.
Spare Parts: Availability, Lead Times, and Cost
Access to spare parts can directly affect how long your machine is offline after a breakdown.
Parts location and delivery
Some manufacturers keep parts stocked locally, while others may ship internationally. Machines built in Europe often benefit from shorter delivery times compared to those sourced from further away.
Clear pricing
Request a price list for replacement parts before placing your order. If a supplier avoids sharing this information, it could signal hidden costs later.
Standard and specialized components
It’s easier to find replacement belts or bearings than it is to get hold of custom-made rollers or specialized controllers. Machines with more off-the-shelf parts tend to be simpler and quicker to maintain.
Starter kits
A few manufacturers include basic repair kits with their machines. In many cases, these kits must be purchased separately, and not all suppliers offer them for every model, especially entry-level units. These contain items like seals and relays and can help you avoid delays when small faults occur.
Supplier Reliability and Support Infrastructure
How quickly and effectively a supplier responds after the sale can make a big difference in day-to-day operations.
Service structure
Find out if the supplier uses its own support team or relies on outside contractors. Ask how quickly technicians typically respond to different kinds of service requests.
Access to documentation
Top suppliers usually provide online portals with diagrams, manuals, and repair guides. Others still rely on email and PDF files. If you need answers quickly, this can affect your turnaround time.
Software and control updates
Some suppliers offer ongoing access to machine updates as part of the purchase. Typically, only core system patches are included during the warranty. Functional upgrades or new features often require a separate support agreement or license. Others charge annual fees. It’s worth knowing what your access will look like in year two and beyond.
Check the company’s track record
Ask for recent references or look up customer feedback. When support delays or spare part issues come up repeatedly, it’s usually a sign to look elsewhere.
Tips for Buyers: What to Ask Before You Sign
Make sure to get clear answers to the following before placing your order:
- Does the first year include maintenance visits?
- How long are replacement parts available after the machine is discontinued?
- Many premium European brands support discontinued machines for 10 years or more, but others may only stock parts for a few years, so verify this with each supplier.
- Will using independent technicians affect my warranty?
- How long does it typically take to fix breakdowns?
- Do software updates and remote help come with the base package?
Reliable Machines Need Reliable Support
Technical specs matter, but they don’t cover the whole picture. The service and parts support you receive after delivery often determines how productive your machine will be in the long run. A clear, dependable support structure helps reduce downtime and prevent long repair cycles.
When you choose a bending machine, you’re choosing a supplier’s commitment to helping you operate it smoothly over many years. A company that provides reliable access to trained staff, available parts, and clear service options is more likely to keep your operation running on schedule.
Inductaflex delivers more than machines. We deliver confidence long after installation. Talk to us about how we keep your bending equipment productive for years to come
