Buy a Used Pfiffner Hydromat—When Cycle Time Determines the Process
A Pfiffner Hydromat is best viewed not as a single machine tool, but as a complete manufacturing process. While a conventional CNC machine processes a workpiece through various operations one after another, the rotary indexing machine distributes these operations across multiple stations. The rotary indexing table continues to cycle; a defined machining operation runs at each position—and multiple workpieces are in the process simultaneously.
This is precisely the economic rationale behind the Hydromat principle.
Anyone looking to buy a used Pfiffner Hydromat should therefore approach the selection process differently than they would for a lathe or milling machine. The focus should not initially be on travel distance, the number of tool stations, or the performance of a single spindle. What matters most is how well your own manufacturing process can be adapted to the available stations.
A Hydromat may be in excellent mechanical condition yet still be poorly suited to a new workpiece. Conversely, an older machine can be exceptionally attractive if its clamping system, machining units, and workpiece feeding system are already well-suited to the new task.
The Value Lies in the Process Architecture
On a rotary transfer machine, a single spindle does not produce the component. Multiple machining units share the work.
For example, one station can drill while the next is turning and another is cutting a thread. After the cycle change, the units take on the next workpiece. As a result, the slowest required station becomes the decisive factor for cycle time.
Pfiffner describes the current Hydromat HC EPICplus models as modular rotary transfer machines on which up to 24 machining units can be operated fully automatically and simultaneously. The current system is designed as a CNC platform with a Bosch MTX control system.
For a used machine, this means that the number of stations alone is not very telling. What matters is what is installed at these stations and what operations can be performed with them.
12 or 16 stations? The better question is: What happens there?
Buyers encounter Hydromat machines with varying numbers of stations on the market.
A specific example from the VIB environment is a Pfiffner Hydromat HB 32-16 with 16 stations, a 3-meter bar magazine, a Knoll high-pressure system, and a Mayfran chip conveyor.
At first glance, the number 16 sounds like high performance. For the new manufacturing task, however, what matters is how many of these stations can actually be used productively.
If a component requires only eight machining operations, additional stations can be used, for example, for supplementary processes, measurement tasks, or as reserves. For more complex parts, on the other hand, every station may be needed.
Therefore, it makes sense to begin the evaluation with a workflow plan for the workpiece:
Which operations must be performed? Which ones can be carried out simultaneously? How long does each operation take? Where do bottlenecks occur?
Only then can one assess whether the existing Hydromat configuration is truly viable.
From bar stock to complex raw parts
Hydromat is often associated with bar stock machining—rightly so, but not exclusively.
Pfiffner now describes its rotary transfer solutions for various types of automated part feeding. With the HC-U systems, in addition to bar stock, cubic workpieces, cast blanks, and profile material can also be processed.
The current HC 12-U and HC 16-U models enable indexable 5-side machining without the need for re-clamping. Pfiffner specifies bar stock up to 52 mm and cubic workpieces with an edge length of up to 120 mm.
This demonstrates just how far the rotary transfer principle has come.
When purchasing a used Hydromat, however, it is essential to distinguish carefully between the technology that is theoretically possible and the capabilities of the actual machine. An older HB or HC machine does not automatically possess the capabilities of a modern HC-U.
For buyers, only the actual configuration matters.
Why High Production Volumes Are a Good Fit for the Hydromat
A rotary transfer machine really shines when the process is repeated frequently.
The reason is simple: setup, clamping devices, feed systems, and machining units are tailored to a specific workpiece or family of parts. Once the process is properly set up, many machining steps can run in parallel, resulting in very short cycle times.
For a single part or constantly changing small batches, this investment would often be harder to justify.
The more stable the production volumes and the more repeatable the process, the more attractive the concept becomes. Pfiffner positions the Hydromat and other rotary transfer machines accordingly for the cost-effective series and high-volume production of complex metal parts.
Anyone looking to buy a used Hydromat should therefore first calculate the parts program:
How many parts need to be produced per year?
How long can the cycle time be?
Which processes can be integrated?
Which post-processing steps could be eliminated?
How much effort would the changeover require?
These questions often reveal more about the machine’s cost-effectiveness than the year of manufacture on the nameplate.
The most important question when buying used machinery: What can be kept?
With a used Pfiffner Hydromat, the key question isn’t just what’s worn out.
Often even more important is:
What can be reused for the new workpiece?
Does the rotary indexing table fit? Are the existing machining units suitable? Can the spindles still be used? Do the collets or clamping devices at least fit in principle? Is the feeding system usable? Can the coolant system, high-pressure system, chip removal system, and control system remain in the new process?
Every component that can be sensibly reused potentially reduces the cost of retrofitting.
Conversely, a used rotary transfer machine that seems affordable at first glance can become economically unattractive if practically the entire process has to be rebuilt from scratch.
This is precisely where purchasing a Hydromat differs significantly from purchasing a universal CNC lathe.
Machining units are the heart of the system
Hydromat machines operate with specialized machining units. Depending on the task, these can be used for drilling, turning, threading, milling, or other operations, among others.
It is therefore worthwhile for the buyer to take stock of each station.
Which unit is installed?
What is its apparent condition?
What machining operations were performed there?
What tools or tool holders are included?
Are there any spare units available?
Is there documentation regarding previous overhauls?
Pfiffner continues to offer factory-overhauled Hydromat units and valves. This is of interest to the used equipment market because even older systems have not necessarily reached the end of their technical service life.
The fact that the manufacturer offers its own ReVest program for older Hydromat rotary transfer machines underscores this point. Among other components, the rotary indexing table, unit carriers, machining units, valves, hydraulics, electrical systems, and controls can be comprehensively overhauled or replaced.
Hydraulic, CNC, or already modernized?
When comparing used Hydromat rotary transfer machines, you’ll encounter different technical generations.
Older systems may be heavily hydraulically based. Later machines and modernized systems combine proven mechanical components with modern control and drive technology. Today’s HC EPICplus, on the other hand, is designed as a complete CNC platform.
The original year of manufacture therefore does not provide a complete picture of the current technical condition of a used Hydromat.
An older machine may have undergone extensive overhauls or upgrades in the meantime. Conversely, a newer machine may still largely correspond to its original design.
It is therefore important to review documentation regarding modifications, the control system, electrical components, hydraulics, and any assemblies that have already been overhauled.
Especially with a Hydromat, it’s worth taking a close look at the machine’s history.
A rotary transfer machine or several individual CNC machines?
This decision is less a matter of personal preference than a matter of economic calculation.
Several individual CNC machines offer high flexibility. Processes can be modified separately, and different products can often be distributed more easily.
A well-designed rotary transfer machine, on the other hand, pursues a different goal: to combine as many operations as possible within a highly productive, interlinked process.
This allows it to reduce handling steps, intermediate storage, and repeated clamping.
Whether this makes more sense for a company depends on product lifespan, production volumes, variety of variants, staffing requirements, quality requirements, and desired cycle time.
The Hydromat is therefore not a “better CNC lathe.”
It is a different manufacturing concept.
Inspecting a Used Hydromat: Simply Turning It On Is Not Enough
With a standard lathe, the spindle run and axis movements already reveal a great deal.
With a rotary transfer machine, that’s not enough.
Here, what matters is the interaction of the entire system: the rotary indexing table, indexing mechanism, clamping system, machining units, hydraulics, control system, feed mechanism, coolant supply, and part removal must all function in unison.
If a machine is still in production, an on-site inspection while it is running is therefore particularly valuable.
You can not only see whether individual units are running, but also whether the cycle runs smoothly, how stable the handoffs are, and what non-productive times actually occur.
If the machine is already out of service or has been dismantled, the evaluation must rely more heavily on documentation, history, and visible condition.
Retrofitting Instead of Replacing Can Be Cost-Effective
Pfiffner developed the Hydromat as early as the 1970s. According to the manufacturer, more than 2,700 machines have been put into service since then; numerous systems were—or still are—in production even after more than 30 years.
This is remarkable for the used machinery market.
A robust basic system can serve as an attractive foundation for overhaul and retrofitting, provided that the machine’s condition aligns with the planned production task.
With ReVest, Pfiffner itself offers a comprehensive factory overhaul of older rotary transfer machines. This process allows for the extensive renewal of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and control systems.
This does not mean that every older Hydromat is automatically a good investment.
Rather, it means that with this type of machine, the year of manufacture and the actual technical condition can be two different things.
Logistics Are Part of the Project
A rotary transfer machine is rarely transported as a single compact unit.
The system may include a bar feeder or parts feeder, a coolant system, a chip conveyor, hydraulic power units, control cabinets, and other peripherals.
Before purchasing, you should therefore clarify exactly what is included in the scope of delivery and how the system is currently installed at its current location.
When it comes to later reinstallation, it is also important to know which components must be clearly marked and documented during disassembly.
Upon request, VIB can assist with organizing the disassembly, loading, and transport. Especially with a complex transfer machine, a structured process is more important than loading as quickly as possible.
Buy a used Pfiffner Hydromat from VIB
VIB specializes in
used machines for machining and industrial series production.
When evaluating a Hydromat, we therefore look beyond just the manufacturer, model, and year of manufacture. What matters most is how the machine is constructed and which components can be usefully applied to the next manufacturing task.
Are you looking for a used Pfiffner Hydromat or a specific rotary transfer machine that isn’t currently listed?
Let us know the specific parts and machine specifications you’re looking for. Thanks to our many years of experience in the international used machinery trade, we can search specifically for suitable equipment.
Upon request, we can also assist with technical evaluations, on-site inspections, and the organization of disassembly, loading, and transport.
FAQ – Pfiffner Hydromat and Used Rotary Transfer Machines
What is a Pfiffner Hydromat?
A Pfiffner Hydromat is a rotary transfer machine in which workpieces pass through various processing stations one after another. Multiple stations operate simultaneously, enabling short cycle times—particularly in series production.
For what production volumes is a Hydromat suitable?
The concept is particularly well-suited for recurring series and high-volume production. However, the decisive factors are not only the production volume but also the number of machining steps, the desired cycle time, and the effort required for workpiece-specific setup.
What is particularly important when considering a used Pfiffner Hydromat?
In addition to the general condition, the existing machining units, clamping technology, rotary indexing table, feed system, hydraulics, control system, and peripherals are crucial. It is particularly important to determine which components can be reused for the new workpiece.
Can a Hydromat mill and drill?
Yes. Depending on the model, various machining units can be used for turning, drilling, milling, threading, and other machining operations.
What does a 16-station Hydromat mean?
The machine has 16 clamping or machining positions in the rotary indexing process. However, the key factors are which operations take place at the individual stations and how this affects the total cycle time.
Can older Hydromat machines be modernized?
Yes. Pfiffner offers ReVest, its own program for factory overhauls and technical modernization of older Hydromat rotary indexing machines.
How much does a used Pfiffner Hydromat cost?
The price depends heavily on the model, age, technical condition, number of stations, machining units, peripherals, and the scope of any necessary retrofitting. Especially with rotary transfer machines, therefore, one should not compare only the base price of the machine.
Can VIB source a specific Hydromat?
Yes. If there is currently no suitable machine available, VIB can conduct a targeted search for a Pfiffner Hydromat or another used rotary transfer machine.
Feel free to contact us at any time.Does VIB purchase used Pfiffner Hydromat machines?