When purchasing new or used capital equipment, there are some questions that need answering before you will be able to get a quote that you can count on. Over the years, we have found that there are several basic questions that we ask all potential clients whether they have been looking already or just starting their search for equipment. These questions are as follows:
Questions for purchasing an autoclave:
What size autoclave do you need? (Please provide inside diameter and length.)
What operating temperature and pressure do you require?
What is the maximum allowable pressure that you need?
What is the maximum allowable temperature that you need?
Do you need vacuum lines? If so, how many do you want?
Do you require controllable vacuum?
How many thermocouples will you need?
Do you need a cooling system?
What heating / cooling rate do you require?
Do you want to heat with gas or electricity?
Are you looking for strictly a used autoclave? Note: In some cases a new unit is less expensive!
Questions for purchasing an oven:
What Type of oven?
Walkin?
Benchtop?
Stand mounted?
Vacuum, (Note: If yes, ASME Code will be followed.)
What inside clearance dimensions will you need?
Natural gas or electric heat?
If electric what voltage?
What is the maximum operating temperature?
+ Or - Uniformity tolerance?
Direct fired or indirect fired?
What types of solvents are being inserted into the oven and how
many lbs. per cycle? (An MSDS report is recommended on all solvents used)
What is the auto ignition temperature of the solvent?
How many CFM of make up air?
Will this oven need to be explosion proof?
What type of controls would you require?
Chart or digital?
What is the cure cycle requirements?
Do you have a degrees/minute air-heating rate?
Will this oven be used continuously through out the day?
If not, what percent of the day?
Questions for purchasing a press:
What type of press?
Hydraulic
Platen
How many platens will you need?
How much day light between each platen
Heated
What temperature will you need?
How do you want to heat the press?
Vacuum
Do you need vacuum lines?
How much pressure will you need?
How many hours a day will this press be running?
Will it be ran in shifts? If yes, are all shifts the same?
What is your ramp cycle?
General questions that pertain to all types of equipment:
How soon do you intend on purchasing this equipment?
How soon do you expect this equipment to be up and running at your facility?
Can you tell us what your cure or process cycle is in detail. Note* This is very useful in
determining what equipment is right for you. Confidentiality agreement can be written
and signed upon request.