How to Ensure Your CNC Machine Tool Purchase Meets Expectations

g3 cnc
Mar 3, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Sep 5

Ensure Your CNC Machine Tool Purchase Meets Expectations

Purchasing a CNC machine tool is one of the most exciting and impactful investments a shop can make. A new machine represents not only an income-producing asset but also the potential to increase capabilities, improve efficiency, and expand into new markets.

But how do you make sure the machine you receive matches what you ordered, is installed correctly, and performs as promised? That’s where structured qualification steps—Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Process Qualification (PQ)—come in.

This guide will walk you through these steps to help you protect your investment and ensure your machine tool purchase meets expectations.

Step 1: Prepare for Proper CNC Machine Installation

Before the machine arrives, confirm that your shop is ready:

Floor Space: Ensure adequate space for the machine and any ancillary equipment (robots, bar feeders, high-pressure coolant systems, etc.).
Power Supply: Verify that the correct power requirements are met at the panel. Some auxiliary equipment may draw nearly as much power as the CNC itself.
Air Supply: Install an airline drop ready for connection.
Electrical Checks: Have your electrician confirm incoming power falls within the machine builder’s specifications—documenting this step avoids future troubleshooting headaches.

Proper preparation reduces delays and ensures your CNC machine can be installed smoothly.

Step 2: Installation Qualification (IQ)

Installation Qualification verifies that what was ordered is what you received, and that the installation meets requirements. Think of this step as a structured incoming inspection.

Reconcile the Order: Compare the machine quote, purchase order, and physical delivery line by line. This includes tooling, accessories, and software options.
Check Machine Options: For controls and electronics, verify that all purchased options (such as spare M codes, constant surface speed control, or spindle speed fluctuation detection) are active.
Document Everything: Use an IQ form that lists every purchased item, checking them off as you go.

Completing this step with the service technician still on-site ensures accuracy and makes option verification easier..

Step 3: Operational Qualification (OQ)

Operational Qualification confirms that all major machine systems work as intended. This includes:

CNC control operation
Mechanical systems (axes, spindles, tool changers, etc.)
Safety features like interlocks
Running a CNC program to test machine performance

While rare, functional issues do occur, and catching them early prevents costly downtime later. Preparing a program in advance helps make this step efficient.

Step 4: Process Qualification (PQ)

Process Qualification goes beyond machine function to verify that the CNC machine can produce parts at the required quality, cost, and efficiency.

This step typically involves producing at least two part types under controlled conditions. Common PQ guidelines include:

Meeting cycle-time projections
Achieving required quality levels (e.g., 1.33 Cp / 4-sigma capability)
Compliance with internal workmanship standards
Demonstrating steady-state operation with <5% downtime and <1% scrap

For best results, provide sample parts to the machine tool builder during the quoting stage for time studies. Use those same parts during PQ to confirm the machine performs as promised.

Why IQ, OQ, and PQ Matter

By following this three-step process, you:

Verify you received exactly what you purchased
Confirm that the machine operates as expected
Ensure it can produce parts at the projected quality and cost

This structured approach reduces risk, eliminates surprises, and builds confidence in your investment.

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Final Thoughts

Buying a CNC machine tool is about more than just the purchase—it’s about ensuring the machine is properly installed, fully functional, and capable of meeting your shop’s demands.

If you need help performing the IQ, OQ, PQ process, or prefer expert assistance, contact us at contact@g3cnc.net.

Happy machining!

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About G3CNC

G3CNC is uniquely impacting the training space for CNC machining to attract more talent into the industry and drive rapid results with educational resources focused on improving employee work ethic and productivity. Unlike traditional training G3 focuses on the "whole person" with job specific skill sets in addition to qualities like work ethic, communication, professionalism & leadership. Using advanced learning methods including online modules & artificial intelligence, we specializes in "capturing" employees into the CNC machining industry, and dramatically boosting employee performance, productivity & employee retention.