where to find specs for old piece of equipment 1

[RacingAZ]

I was wondering if someone here can point me to the right direction.

I'm trying to get the specs for an old piece of equipment (CNC) that is discontinued and no longer in production. The manufacturer has closed down so there is really no new company that took over the technology and IP rights for the equipment.

Is there a US government agency that keeps tab and acts as some sort of depository for this kind of info? I'm particularly looking for vibration data so maybe OSHA would be 1 agency to try?

I already tried google and only saw a bunch of used ones for sale with very limited or basic specs. The equipment is about 20 years old. Thanks!

 

[ornerynorsk]

Are you looking for actual machine vibration signature data? If so, this is likely non-existent. You could try Ebay for operator and tech manuals.

It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to be always right by having no ideas at all.

 

[looslib]

Association for Manufacturing Technology in Mclean, VA, may be able to help you track down some information, if you are in the USA.



"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."

Ben Loosli

 

[MikeHalloran]

There's a fair chance you'd find someone who knows a lot about your machine right here on Eng-Tips.

The chance would be greater if you had bothered to reveal the exact model and serial number, etc. in the text of your message.

... and greater still if you had revealed a little, like the machine's manufacturer, in the title.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[btrueblood]

..but where would the fun in that be, Mike? After all, we are all here to play 20 questions, right?

<chirp, chirp>

 

[jmw]

There is always an enthusiast who worked for the company and who has copies of everything..... hence, as Mike says, more details. And maybe a more specialised forum.

JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[RacingAZ]

ornery - yes, vibration signature data. Why would that be non-existent? I've seen some listed on other equipments. Another guy told me that if they are available, it might be proprietary though. But if the business is no longer around, who enforces it?

Mike - I know it would be a lot easier if I can post some specific info but I can't. I agreed to an NDA and also due to the nature of the client's business. So I can't really post anything specific to the job. I have to do all the leg work. I appreciate any help though.

looslib - I'll try AMT and yes, I'm in the US.

 

[cloa]

The question is about the machine not the work that you doing with it. It would be a pretty harsh NDA to restrict you disclosing the equipment that you might use.

 

[unclesyd]

If you equipment is on the list here is the place to go or they might be able to point you in the right direction.

http://www.bourn-koch.com/pages/content/index.html

 

[GregLocock]

Explain to your stupid client that their stupid NDA is preventing you from finding data that other people already have access to.

You might wish to word it in a more diplomatic fashion.

Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[Ron]

Greg..or not!

RacingAZ....if the machine is old, then any vibration profile or spectrum provided by the manufacturer probably wouldn't be valid anyway. Most of the time they don't give you that information, just perhaps some tolerance limits.

It is much easier to measure vibrations than to guess or rely on outdated documentation. As for a vibratory spectrum limit on the specific equipment, you might be completely out of luck. In that case, I would bring in someone who could test and balance the machine then work from there.

 

[telecomguy]

He's using a CNC so he must be making top secret widgets for Acme Inc to propel large bolders at that pesky road runner. That's why he can't mention the Mfr/Model etc. If we knew this for a fact, we'd probably tip off the road runner.

<tg>