In this guide
A discontinued part is not the end of the machine. It changes the question from where to buy the part to which route carries the least risk for this machine. Five routes cover almost every case.
First, confirm the status
Manufacturers publish lifecycle notices for their products, and the status belongs to an exact order number. Look up the full order number, not the product family. A part can be phased out while a close variant is still sold.
The five routes
| Route | Good when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Same part, new old stock | You need an exact match and nothing on the machine should change | Age. Old stock can have shelf-life problems such as dried-out capacitors or flat backup batteries. Check the date code and version |
| 2. Same part, surplus | An unused part is available as excess from another site or a distributor | Provenance. Ask where it came from and whether it is unused, in writing |
| 3. Same part, refurbished or tested used | An exact match matters and no unused stock can be found | What was tested, what was replaced, what warranty applies, and whether the firmware version is right |
| 4. Successor or compatible replacement | The manufacturer offers a replacement, or an equivalent exists | Wiring, program, parameters and mounting may need changes. Test before it goes into production |
| 5. Migrate the section | Several parts are ageing, or sources are drying up | Cost and downtime. A staged upgrade can keep the field wiring and cut risk |
How to choose
- One part, exact match needed: routes 1 to 3, in that order of preference
- Safety-related part: buy only from sources you can trust fully, with paperwork, or consider a successor that is certified for the function
- Many ageing parts on one machine: look hard at route 5 instead of paying for repeated emergency purchases
- A spare is cheap compared with an hour of downtime: buy it now, while one can be found
Whichever route you choose
- Record the full order number and the hardware and firmware version
- Back up the program or parameters and test that the backup restores
- Ask for the source, condition and warranty terms in writing
- Keep the packaging and paperwork
What to send us
- The full order number from the label, or a clear photo of it
- The machine it came from, and whether it is down now
- The quantity you need
Send the order number and we will check what can be sourced and tell you the source, condition and lead time before you buy.