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Green machines: This choice of colour is not only a piece of industrial history, but also an example of well thought-out workplace design. (© Surplex).

Why were old lathes, milling machines and drills green?

The green lathes, milling and drilling machines seem like relics from times gone by. These robust machines, often lacking CNC technology, are now rarely seen. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the so-called Reseda Green was one of the standard colours. Since green causes the least eye strain and helps prevent accidents in the workshop, Germany even had a standard, DIN 1844, until 1974, which specified

Not only in pharmacy must laboratories be equipped with high-quality to ensure the quality of their work. This need not be expensive, as even used laboratory technology can achieve this. (© Kzenon /Shutterstock.com).

From manufacturer to condition: The most important factors when buying used laboratory equipment


From manufacturer to visual condition: How to avoid costly mistakes and risks when buying used laboratory equipment. While factors like maintenance history and brand are important, other factors such as location or, surprisingly, the visual condition play a lesser or no role in making a safe choice.
In the pharmaceutical industry, the cost of acquiring laboratory equipment is one of the big

Maintenance matters: Even older machines can lead a successful second life as used machines with the right care.  (© Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com).

How to find the right used machine: What to consider when buying

From manufacturer to runtime: Avoid expensive mistakes and risks with used machines.
The demand for used machines is growing. More and more businesses are turning to used machines for their own production. This is not only more sustainable than buying new, but also offers other benefits.
Used machines are cheaper, which can be an advantage especially for smaller or new companies with limited

ASMR sounds from metal and woodworking machines on Alexa. (© Surplex).

The soundscapes of industry: Even machine noises can trigger ASMR


Surplex, the industrial auction house, is known for auctioning used machinery. But now, it is launching a new ASMR project featuring the sounds of the industrial machines sold. The distinctive sounds from the world of industry are now available on two platforms: YouTube and Alexa.
Rumbling: In an empty hall, a large ABUS double girder overhead crane with a capacity of over 150 tonnes moves

Regardless of the size: quality is always at the forefront of pipe production.  (© Safakcakir/Shutterstock.com).

Used machines: New paths in pipe production

They are encountered more often than you might think and are essential in many branches of industry: tubes. How today's production has been optimised, which areas of application pipes are used in and how used machines can be a sensible investment for more sustainable production.
The history of pipe production is closely linked to the industrial revolution and the rise of steam engines. These ma

Global Recycling Day: used machinery in the circular economy

Global Recycling Day: used machinery in the circular economy


On 18 March, Global Recycling Day is celebrated, focusing on utilising waste as a secondary resource for as long as possible. This process is also known as the circular economy. But what does this have to do with machinery? A globally interconnected second-hand machinery market acts as a circular economy for production resources, thereby contributing to a sustainable future.
Initiated by t

Women in the technical sector are breaking traditional boundaries. They are no longer a rarity but remain underrepresented. (© WOSUNA / Shutterstock.com).

Not just a man’s world – the transformation in the machinery sector


Mechanical engineering, industry, construction, and workshops: These are environments typically associated with men – at least according to the prevailing view in society. This is because women are supposedly not interested in technology and machinery. However, this perspective is outdated, as confirmed by four women in key roles at the industrial auction house Surplex.
The industry and me

Whether aerospace, medicine or automotive engineering - in some industries it is essential that components are manufactured with the utmost precision. Precision mechanics makes this possible. (© Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com).

5 future trends in precision engineering

Precision engineering has been the key to high quality and safety in industries such as aerospace and medical technology for decades. As manufacturing technology advances, new trends are emerging that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible - from 3D printing to intelligent production networks. But it is not only newly manufactured machines that can contribute to progress in the industry.

The principle that “things are worth only what someone is willing to pay for them” is a fundamental concept in economics, playing a crucial role in the valuation of goods and assets. (© Chatchawal Phumkaew / Shutterstock.com).

Valuation of assets in the manufacturing industry: challenges and solutions according to EBA/GL/2020/06

The guidelines EBA/GL/2020/06 for lending and monitoring, published by the European Bank Authority (EBA) on 29 May 2020, represent a comprehensive framework for data management, lending standards, and customer relations within the European banking sector. These guidelines aim to address identified deficiencies in existing lending processes, thereby significantly contributing to the strengthening o

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

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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.