FTIR Price Guide for Buying a New, Used or Refurbished FT IR
The first decision you will need to make is the type of FTIR system you need and what configuration best suits your testing requirements. Assuming you already have a good idea of what you need, or at least know one FTIR model and configuration that will serve your needs, it is time to decide between buying your FTIR system new, used, or refurbished.
Researching FTIR Systems Prices, Models & Configurations
If the price of a new FTIR system is cost-prohibitive, or you're open to evaluating more affordable solutions like a used or refurbished FTIR system, you'll need to do some research to have the best buying experience.
Start by determining what FTIR models and configurations will work for your specific needs. Generally, you will find that most older models from leading brands will work just as well as their current FTIR units for your needs. For example, a Bruker Tensor II or a PerkinElmer Spectrum Two might serve your needs just as effectively as the latest models.
Researching FTIR Prices for Different Brands
As mentioned above, it is quite common for older models to be able to serve your needs. Beyond researching models from one brand, you'll also want to research other brands and which of their models fit your needs. For instance, in many cases, a Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS50 might compare well to a Bruker Alpha II, and a Shimadzu IRTracer-100 could do most of what the iS50 system does.
New FTIR Systems Price Vs Used or Refurbished Pricing
When buying a new system, you're definitely getting all the latest bells and whistles, guaranteed availability of a maintenance agreement with the manufacturer, and may have an easier time financing your purchase. (Although financing for refurbished systems is also available.) However, you will pay a considerable premium for the luxury of a new FTIR system; the price difference from a new system to a refurbished system (both with some warranty) can range from $30,000 to $100,000. Buying a used FTIR system is a risk; however, the price difference in some instances could exceed $70,000, but you do run the risk of purchasing an expensive paperweight.
Refurbished FTIR Pricing vs Used FTIR Price
The pricing between used and refurbished FTIR systems is generally around 30%, depending on a number of factors. As you may expect, purchasing a used unit from a lab that's closing down, being able to see the unit in working order, and having access to the maintenance history is very different from buying an "as is" or "for parts" FTIR system.
Refurbished units, especially ones that have been refurbished by a reputable entity with a stellar reputation such as AMP Tech Instruments, will generally offer a great balance between affordability and peace of mind. An FTIR system with warranty, OEM replacement parts, and OP/OQ testing with documentation certified to perform at or above industry standards will still net you a 50% to 70% savings on the pricing of a new unit. Refurbished unit purchases from reputable laboratory instrument suppliers are also easier to finance than purchasing a used system. Refurbished systems with no warranty, no guarantee that OEM parts were used, and little to no testing performed on the units may be a little cheaper (not always), but they provide less peace of mind.
AMP Tech Refurbished & Certified with Warranty FTIR
Our team conducts extensive testing using industry-standard test methods as well as tests that simulate real-life lab conditions. Post-testing, the equipment is calibrated to meet or exceed industry-standard specifications. Operational & Performance Qualification (OQ & PQ) verifications are conducted to ensure the FTIR equipment operates correctly in the specified working range and according to its intended use. All equipment is thoroughly inspected upon receipt, disassembled, cleaned, and examined for signs of wear or damage. Any worn or damaged items are repaired to like-new condition or replaced with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts to ensure that this AMP Tech certified refurbished laboratory equipment performs at or above industry standards.
FTIR Spectroscopy Machine Prices Vary Widely
Choosing between new, used, and refurbished FTIR systems depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and specific needs. New systems offer the most assurance and latest technology, used systems provide the greatest savings but with higher risks, and refurbished systems offer a balance of affordability and reliability.