| Application and material fit | Cutting results depend on the belt material, thickness, hardness, reinforcement, and die design. | Confirm the factory can assess the actual belt samples, cutting dies, required shapes, and production conditions. | Send representative samples and request a trial cut using the proposed setup. Inspect edge quality, dimensions, and material deformation. | 15% |
| Working area and machine capacity | The cutting area, available pressure, and machine configuration must suit the largest die and the materials being processed. | Check the usable cutting area, maximum cutting force, stroke, daylight, feed arrangement, and any stated material-thickness limits against your requirements. | Compare the technical specification with your largest die and thickest intended material. Ask the factory to explain any operating limits in writing. | 12% |
| Conveyor and feeding system | Consistent material positioning and smooth feeding affect cutting accuracy, handling effort, and production flow. | Review belt width, feed direction, speed control, indexing method, positioning accuracy, and compatibility with the planned line layout. | Observe a feed-and-cut cycle with your material. Check whether the belt tracks consistently and whether operators can make adjustments safely. | 12% |
| Cutting quality and repeatability | Repeatable cuts help control scrap and reduce downstream fitting or assembly problems. | Request stated tolerances and the conditions under which they apply, including material, die, setup, and measurement method. | Run multiple consecutive cuts and measure key dimensions with suitable calibrated instruments. Record variation and inspect cut edges. | 12% |
| Safety and regulatory compliance | Beam presses and conveyors have moving and high-force components that require suitable risk controls. | Review guarding, emergency stops, two-hand controls or other applicable safeguards, electrical documentation, and compliance requirements for the installation location. | Request a risk-assessment summary and safety documentation. Verify the delivered configuration against applicable local regulations before operation. | 12% |
| Build quality and maintainability | Accessible components and clear maintenance procedures can reduce downtime over the machine’s service life. | Inspect the frame, beam guidance, hydraulic or mechanical components, electrical enclosure, lubrication points, and access to wear parts. | Review the machine in operation and request maintenance schedules, parts lists, and recommended inspection intervals. | 10% |
| Factory engineering and quality control | A capable manufacturer should be able to document design choices, inspection steps, and machine-specific testing. | Ask how design changes are controlled, which components are inspected, and how assembly and final testing are recorded. | Review sample inspection records, drawings, test procedures, and factory acceptance criteria for the proposed machine. | 8% |
| Installation, training, and technical support | Correct installation and operator training support safe startup and reliable use. | Confirm installation scope, training format, manuals, language availability, response process, and remote or on-site service options. | Request a written service plan identifying responsibilities, expected response arrangements, and the information needed for troubleshooting. | 8% |
| Delivery, warranty, and total cost | Purchase price alone does not show the full cost of installation, tooling, operation, maintenance, and downtime. | Compare scope of supply, delivery terms, warranty coverage and exclusions, spare-parts costs, utilities, and any commissioning charges. | Use a like-for-like quotation checklist and request written confirmation of delivery milestones, warranty terms, and included accessories. | 6% |
| Suggested selection approach: Score each factory against the same requirements, validate performance with your own material where possible, and treat safety, application fit, and documented specifications as essential checks rather than price-only comparisons. | 100% |