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The components of a turbine are large, round, and heavy and must be precisely manufactured. This is best done on a vertical turret lathe. (© Nordroden / Shutterstock.com).

Precision work in XXL: 7 facts about vertical turret lathes


How are gears for heavy industry – 16 m in diameter and 500 t in weight – manufactured? On a vertical turret lathe. These special lathes are used whenever large and heavy workpieces need to be produced with the utmost precision. The following overview explains the technical fundamentals of vertical turret lathes in seven facts.
Fact 1: Vertical turret lathes process particularly large work

Rising energy prices, shortage of skilled labour, scarcity of resources - the year 2024 will bring many challenges. Do AI and technical innovations offer the solution? (©IM Imagery/Shutterstock.com)

Economy in transition: Challenges and opportunities for European industry in 2024


Looking ahead to 2024: a year full of challenges for the European economy, but also lucrative opportunities. How companies can master the wave of change and discover new opportunities for growth and efficiency with clever digitalisation and automation as well as the smart use of used machinery.
In 2023, the European economy was heavily impacted by external challenges such as high energy pr

The used machinery market defies economic uncertainties in 2023: Prices for used machines remained stable. (Image AI-generated with DALL-E and Adobe Photoshop).

The used machinery market in 2023: Stable in uncertain economic times

In 2023, the European economy was impacted by high energy prices and inflation. Interest rate hikes by the ECB and general economic uncertainty further dampened investment readiness. Nevertheless, the trade in used machinery remained stable. The reasons for this are manifold.
2023 was the year after the turning point. The war in Ukraine entered its second year and has become a constant factor i

The world of online auctions: Opportunities and challenges in the digital age. (© Mr. M. Nobody /Shutterstock.com).

10 challenges for auction houses in the digital age

Auction houses have a tradition spanning several centuries. In recent decades, they have undergone a digital transformation, expanding their reach globally. However, this has also brought numerous challenges, particularly in meeting the ever-growing demands and needs of customers.
What do customers expect from an auction house? Surplex asked itself the same question and conducted a survey among

Many different tasks arise during factory closures. From personnel issues to warehouse clearance, they have to be sorted out. (© Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com).

Factory Closures and Used Machinery: How Businesses Can Free Up Budget

Closing a factory is more than just an economic decision - it has far-reaching social and financial implications. How selling used machinery can not only free up budget, but should also be part of a comprehensive strategy to address this complex challenge.
Factory closures are a serious challenge for companies and employees alike and can be necessary for a variety of reasons. Often it is econom

In the automotive sector, almost 140,000 new robot units were installed worldwide in 2022 – an 14% increase.  (© Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com).

From Europe to Asia: global trends, supply chains and the role of used industrial robots

The robotics industry is experiencing sustained growth worldwide, with China in the lead. Germany ranks fourth. Pandemic-induced supply chain bottlenecks for established manufacturers are leading to a slow clearing of full order books – one of the reasons why Chinese robot manufacturers are in higher demand than ever before. Another option is purchasing used units.
The World Robotics Report rec

With proper maintenance, used machines can also have a long life in a new operation.  (© Pressmaster/Shutterstock.com).

Breathing New Life into Used Machines: A Guide to Smart Ownership and Maintenance

Affordable, immediately operational, and eco-friendly. Used machines provide an ideal addition for industrial operations. How can they be optimally utilized, maintained, and traded? And why it's important to rely on professionals from the get-go.
The used machinery market is booming. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value in buying and selling pre-owned equipment. Instead of sending m

HUD technology in the car: an advance in driver information that provides greater safety and keeps your eyes on the road. (© MONOPOLY919/Shutterstock.com).

From the cockpit into the car: the technology behind head-up displays

The technology of head-up displays (HUDs) originated in aviation and is now mainly used in cars. Through the interaction of imaging unit, optics module and projection surface, important information is projected directly into the driver’s field of vision. How does this work exactly? And how are the individual components manufactured?
A head-up display (HUD) is a display projected into the user’s

Whether orange or yellow: Used excavators and construction machinery can be found at the industrial auction house Surplex. (© Surplex).

Myth or reality: Why are all excavators yellow?

Most manufacturers colour their construction equipment yellow. Over three-quarters of all excavators worldwide wear this colour. But why? The reasons range from safety concerns to historical developments, all the way to deeply ingrained cultural and psychological associations.
Imagine you have a pack of crayons, and someone asks you to draw an excavator. What colour would it wear? Most likely,

Value stream mapping in action: A tool in lean management with which the inventory and processes of a production are described. This is the basis for more efficiency and optimisation. (© Amorn Suriyan / Shutterstock.com).

The role of used machinery in Lean Management

Lean Management is especially important in turbulent economic times as it boosts a company’s efficiency and competitiveness through process optimisation. Used machinery can also play a role in this strategy, offering a cost-effective way to promptly address production bottlenecks and optimise the machinery pool.
In economically turbulent times, one corporate strategy comes into particular focus

Personal advice and a quick conclusion of the sale - used machinery in direct purchase  (©Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.com).

Fixed prices and comprehensive advice: direct sales in the used machinery market

Used machinery offers a viable alternative to new purchases, especially in an economy troubled by inflation and supply chain disruptions. But the market is large. When buying a high-quality machine directly, it is best to work with professionals.
Purchasing used machinery is an affordable and practical solution to remain competitive in today's fiercely contested market. Prices for used machines

From the initial idea to the finished race car: In Formula 1, vehicles are continuously developed and optimized. (© jamesteohart / Shutterstock.com).

From concept to racetrack: Which machines assist in upgrading a Formula 1 car?

Technology, skill, and speed - that's the fascinating world of Formula 1. How is a Formula 1 car developed from the initial concept to the racetrack? And which high-tech machines enable this process? Four of these high-end machining centers are currently up for sale on Surplex.com.
Formula 1 captivates millions of viewers worldwide. But behind this spectacle of speed and precision lies a profou

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Used machines for your success

Surplex has been one of Europe’s leading industrial auction houses for 25 years and trades worldwide in used machines and factory equipment. The 18-language auction platform Surplex.com has over 125,000 registered customers. The company is based in Düsseldorf and has offices in many European countries, including Spain, Italy, and CEE. More than 200 provide a full service in 20 languages.
Surplex became part of TBAuctions in August 2024, Europe’s leading multi-brand (Troostwijk Auctions, Klaravik, Auksjonen, PS Auction, British Medical Auctions, Vavato, and Auktionshuset dab), digital auction platform for B2B used goods. The TBAuctions group reach nearly 200 million annual site visits, sell over 1.6 million assets, receiving bids from 750k bidders in 175 countries, generating hammersales of more than €1.6 billion, and employing nearly 1,200 team members.