Three Things to Consider Before Buying a Used Induction Furnace

Steel is a huge part of manufacturing, and in 2017 production of crude steel reached 1.69 billion tonnes worldwide, an increase of 3.9% from the previous year. As the demand for steel increases, it’s important to ensure that you have the right steel melting induction furnaces to keep up. That said, are used induction furnaces worth investing in or should you opt for a new unit? Here are the top three things to consider before buying a refurbished furnace.

The Top Three Things to Consider Before Buying a Used Induction Furnace

While there are many good reasons to invest in a refurbished unit such as the benefit of being eco-friendly; however, it’s important to consider how often you use your furnace. Even brand new units will only last for so many cycles before replacement parts and repairs are needed. While refurbished systems can work as good as new, if you use your furnace frequently it’s possible that a used unit won’t last you as long. With that being said, used induction furnaces can be a worthwhile investment, especially when factoring in upfront costs. If you’re interested in a used unit, here are three things to consider.

1. Keeping the Same Make and Model
   If you like the way your current furnace works and you already have the appropriate replacement parts on hand, it might be worth looking for refurbished units of the same make and model. This allows you to stick with the type of furnace you know and, should something need repair, you’re likely to already have the replacement parts that you’ll need.
   
2. Consider the Value
   It’s also important to consider how much a new unit costs when shopping for a refurbished variety. This will allow you to see if investing in a used model will be more cost-effective, or if the difference is only marginal. While most refurbished options will save you money upfront, the type of furnace and where your buying it from will factor into the final total. You can also consider researching different sellers and comparing the prices of similar used models. This will ensure you get the best deal.
   
3. Look at the History
   While not always applicable, if you’re able, take the time to check the history of the unit your thinking of buying. This will allow you to see if there are any problems you might have to look out for, as well as any large repairs that have been done to ensure functionality. If you do note a minor repair problem, it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker provided you have the right replacement parts available.

If you are in the market for an induction furnace, used and refurbished models are something to consider. While it’s always in your best interest to research, compare, and learn as much as you can before settling on a furnace, overall you can end up with a quality unit that will serve you just as well as a new model. Reach out to a furnace refurbisher to discuss pricing and options if you’d like more information and purchasing a used induction unit today.