Flying in to inspect a machine can cost thousands. A rigorous video inspection captures ninety percent of the information remotely. This is the process we have refined in practice.

Phase 1: Scheduling & Preparation (3–5 days before)

Buyer provides:

  • Inspection checklist (trim our 27-point list as needed)
  • Priority concerns (e.g., "runout at 300mm from the spindle nose")

Seller/inspector prepares:

  • Machine powered on and warmed up ≥30 minutes (cold-machine data misleads)
  • Gauges ready: lever indicator + magnetic base, test bar, precision level
  • Network & cameras: at least 2 angles (main + handheld close-up), quiet and well-lit

Phase 2: Live Inspection (60–90 minute script)

Fixed order, nothing skipped:

  1. Exterior walk-around (5 min): all six faces, nameplate close-ups, accessory inventory
  2. Power-on & alarms (10 min): page through CNC alarm history
  3. Static accuracy (20 min): spindle runout (nose/300mm), per-axis backlash, guideway steps across full travel — dial faces pushed close to the camera, readings called out while measuring
  4. Dry run (15 min): rapid traverse on all axes while watching servo load meters; 20 tool changes
  5. Test cut (15 min): facing + turning on aluminum, showing surface finish up close
  6. Q&A (10 min): buyer requests supplementary measurements live

Key technique: log every reading into a shared spreadsheet (Google Sheet / Tencent Docs) visible to both sides in real time — no after-the-fact disputes.

Phase 3: Confirmation & Records (within 24 hours)

  • Edit key clips (30–60 seconds each) with chapter markers
  • Both parties sign off the data sheet (scanned copy suffices)
  • Attach the sheet to the contract and tie it to payment milestones

Common Disputes and How to Prevent Them

| Dispute | Prevention |
|---|---|
| "It looked fine on video" | Let the data sheet speak; no purely visual conclusions |
| Camera angles hiding defects | Checklist specifies angles and dial-close-up requirements |
| Time-zone miscommunication | Full recording + written minutes afterwards |
| Later claimed "transit damage" | Re-verify key items on video before container loading |

When You Should Still Fly

  • Single machine value > $150k
  • 5-axis / high-precision machines (video can't fully capture dynamic accuracy)
  • First deal with a new supplier

Otherwise, a standardized video inspection plus a third-party report is enough to decide. Want us to arrange a standard video inspection on a machine in stock? Book a slot.