Why Recertified CMMs Are a Smart Investment, Not Just an Expense
For many manufacturers, the choice of a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) often comes down to cost. Do you invest in a brand-new machine, gamble on a used one, or take the middle ground with a recertified CMM? While new machines can be appealing, and used machines might seem like a bargain, the reality is that a recertified CMM investment delivers the best balance of cost savings, reliability, and long-term peace of mind.
As Damon Henrikson, Director of Marketing & New Business Development at Made to Measure, explains:
“If we can’t clearly show the difference, buyers just see the price tag. But the reality is, a recertified CMM from us is fully inspected, assessed, and retrofitted. Anything that isn’t performing optimally is replaced. And then we swap out the electronics with all new components from Renishaw. We’re so confident in our recertifications that the CMMs come with a warranty of up to two years. That’s a very different experience than buying used.”
The True Cost of a “Used” CMM
Many companies are drawn to the lower price of used CMMs. Unfortunately, what looks like a deal can quickly become a money pit. Outdated controllers, failing motors, or worn air bearings are common issues. Retrofitting alone can cost $20,000–$40,000, turning that “cheap” CMM into a major expense.
Henrikson highlights this hidden danger:
“Some companies hope the CMM is going to be good. They’re risking that it won’t fail. With recertification, we eliminate that risk and back it up with a warranty.”
Why Quality Managers Push for Recertified
Executives may focus on upfront costs, but quality managers know what’s at stake. They are responsible for keeping production accurate and reliable. And their jobs depend on it.
“The quality person becomes our advocate,” Henrikson says. “To them, it’s worth $10,000 or even $20,000 more to know the CMM is reliable. They want a partner for equipment, service, and long-term support.”
This creates a dynamic where quality personnel often must convince CFOs and presidents that spending a little more upfront protects the company from far greater risks down the road. This gives them a machine that will perform consistently allowing them to get their job done day in and day out.
Making the Case to the C-Suite
To finance leaders, CMMs can feel like a line-item expense rather than a strategic investment. It’s not always easy to justify the price of a recertified CMM from a used machine. Henrikson addresses this head-on:
“To a CFO, a recertified CMM can look like an unjustified increase in price compared to a used CMM. But when you show them the increase in longevity and productivity from recertified equipment, it becomes clear it’s an investment that saves money over time.”
A recertified CMM isn’t just about inspection, it’s about reducing downtime, extending equipment life, and ensuring confidence in every measurement.
Recertified CMM Investment: Savings That Add Up
The numbers speak for themselves. A recertified CMM typically costs 30–40% less than a new machine, yet it includes updated electronics, modern probe systems, and warranties that provide security. With new CMMs averaging around $100,000, that’s a $30,000+ savings per purchase without sacrificing performance.
And unlike bargain-bin used machines, recertified CMMs are supported by a warranty covering the entire system. And you can count on Made to Measure’s support throughout the CMM’s lifecycle with calibration, maintenance, software support, and ongoing training.
More Than a Purchase: A Partnership
One of the biggest differences with a recertified CMM investment is the relationship that comes with it. Made to Measure doesn’t simply sell a machine and walk away.
“It’s not like a used car salesman approach,” Henrikson stresses. “We partner with you for the entire lifecycle of the CMM.”
From installation to calibration to long-term service, the goal is to keep customers confident that their CMM will perform for decades.
Recertified CMM Investment: The Bottom Line
A CMM is not just a machine, it’s the backbone of your quality assurance process. Choosing a recertified CMM investment means saving money upfront, avoiding costly maintenance and retrofits, and gaining peace of mind with warranties and long-term support.
For quality personnel, it’s the assurance they need to keep production running smoothly. For CFOs, it’s a smarter financial decision that turns an expense into a true investment. And for manufacturers as a whole, it’s a path to better performance without breaking the budget.
Ready to transform your CMM decision into a lasting investment? Contact Made to Measure today to explore our recertified CMM options.