Basically the deal is... I consult insurance companies, generally assessing specialty residential contents. I have been thrown a commercial loss and need an expert to help me determine if it is more cost effective to repair or replace an industrial computer-controled metal shaping machine. The machine is located in RI so i am idealing looking for someone within a few hours drive of southern RI. The machine, I believe, is called an eckel or echo. It is an older German made forming machine. Used like an kinda like an english wheel to form thick gauge aluminum. Specific knowlege of this exact machine is not likely necessary, rather knowlege of the cost to repair machinery hardware and software is. Needle in a haystack?? Maybe, but if there is anyplace that can provide some direction, I know it is here. Thanks in advance. Best- J- p.s. And if that is not too much to ask for. Idealy I need this person for Tuesday.
Are you sure it isn't a Milling Machine ? Anything German made is decent. The manufacturer MIGHT still be in business. Cost of repair ?
try the metalmeet site or metal shapers sites you might find mor people who work and are knowledgeable about the tools.
eckold I think is the name of the machine you are referring to. But what would a power hammer use computer controls for? You sure it wasn't just a digital readout? Can't you talk to the owner that used the machine?
The first thing you need to do is find out the EXACT make and model of the machine. Without that info you are wasting your time.
Thanks for the input guys. The machine is an Eckold Model KF665. Much smaller than I imagined from the owners description. The machine was involved in a fire- not directly touched by flames, but possibly sprayed w/ salt water or at the minimum was in a room filled w/ heavy steam. The electronics were comprimised and it was thought that they would need to be replaced. I have limited information beyond that, but shold be finding out more soon. I will continue to update. Thanks. J-
Here's how it goes in a factory setting when dealing with any industrial equipment that's got control hardware/software older than about 7 years. Parts of that control system are obsolete. The repairer will have to spend hours combing ebay and assorted vendors to find general plc hardware. The software may or may not be supported. When the hourly cost of all that parts chasing is added up, and then you factor in that it may glitch up and need further troubleshooting hours........It's rarely cost effective to keep the machine. Even if the machine is REAL expensive. The best you can hope is somebody makes a newer plug and play control system that's cost effective to install. But again, my experience is the glitch curve eats all the savings when you're paying per hour to sort glitches. Custom control systems are like custom hot rod systems, there is no true "bolt on" even though they're heavily advertised as such. good luck
What would the electronics on a Kraftformer amount to? A VFD? Simple to replace and pretty much plug and play. Shifty, I work around 20 year old industrial control systems all the time, only now starting to have issues getting parts, and that's only ancient, oversized Allen Bradley drives that are fairly simple to replace. Only thing I've worked around where parts outweighed the cost of the machine was an old HPM injection molding machine that had been fitted with a Vickers control system. the cards for the Vickers system cost $3500 each, and the video card was apparently absolue unobtanium outside of Hong Kong. A Kraftformer isn't a CNC machine, more like a hammer with a motor. Tim D. Correction/added info: The KF665 is still being made, and it does not use a VFD. Check out http://www.eckold.com for more info.
They are still available new. Should be able to buy parts. http://www.eckold.com/Produktefurdi...ormer/KraftformerKF665/tabid/169/Default.aspx http://www.klassictoolcrib.com/Eckold.htm It's not like a regular CNC machine, with computers and lots of wiring.
Kraftformers are bullet-proof honest. And parts can be gotten directly thru Eckold. KF665 May not look big to you but stick a piece of 1/4 plate is it and watch out! Old machines are green newer ones blue. There is a panel on the side in a box nothing computer-like just magnetic switchs. I've seen Eckolds left in a couple winter's snow that still worked I'll take all his scrap tools!!!!!!!!
The Jalopy Journal
