Few people understand the logic of Japanese CNC machines but essentially this is it:
The Japanese build their machines under the assumption that new technology will be available when the machine needs major service. Hence, the customer surely will trade up for the newest latest technology rather than repair old, obsolete technology.
What happens to the used machine is not so important to the machine tool maker as they make their money selling NEW machines, NOT servicing old/used machines. Some Japanese suppliers never adapted to the North American service requirements and still sell them here like they do back in Japan.
This is why they don't stock parts - at least for the older stuff. They don't tie up the money in inventory, hence, if someone needs it, they farm out the service part business to some small job shop who effectively custom makes the parts on a onesy/twosy basis. Result, high cost and long lead times for "simple service parts". Perhaps "simple" in our culture but not so in their culture
Moreover and more importantly, there is NOT an aftermarket in Japan - if you want/need service, you call the OEM. Why? They are the only people with the "know how" to fix the OEM built machine as they designed them, hence only they can/should fix them. Like it or not, that's how they do business.
There are ways around this but they all pretty much involve the machine tool owner buying and stocking their own stock of replacment parts. This is pretty much the ONLY way to avoid the "down for a month" issue that so many folks have experienced.
Regarding Haas, the neighbor has 5 machines - they consist of both machining centers and lathes. They pretty much run day in and day out. He and his father are pretty adept at fixing stuff and keep them up and running but, every time I go there, they're making chips instead of being repaired.
Read and study post #5 above - that member knows of what he speaks - and now you know the background as to why.  |