Finding a Serial Number on a CNC Machine

When you call DiPaolo often the first question you will be asked is “what is the model and serial number of your machine?” It is the starting point for everything we do.

On the outside, a common model number of a machine may look all the same, but the unique serial
number tells us what is on the inside. The only way we can ensure to quote you the correct parts is to
have an accurate serial number. We go deeper in to where to find your serial number here (insert
hyperlink).

At DiPaolo, our service and parts department track all our customers machines by the serial number.
We can tell you our service history with a particular machine, which technician worked on it, pictures
and videos, and even what parts have been supplied. We keep vital backups of the control system and
parameters based on the serial number.

Machine Tool Model Numbers

Model numbers carry quite a bit of importance and can considerably narrow a parts search.
Manufacturers rely on them to identify the parts that were used to build a particular line of product. A
model number can also tell the support person more information than you might imagine, including a
range of dates when the unit may have been manufactured and any problems that occurred with that
specific model.

Machine Tool Serial Numbers

Serial numbers are unique to each unit sold. And they may contain other information besides the units
number when it came off the assembly line. By identifying the unit’s number, the computer can often
identify the specific parts that were used to build the unit.
Machine tools may contain assemblies from other manufacturers, which carry their own model and
serial numbers. They can be accessories like chip conveyors, high pressure coolant systems, mist
collectors, just to name few.

Parts Search for Machine Tools

The days when dealers had to search through microfilm or huge catalogs filled with fine print are gone
(although we often must dust off the trusty micro-fiche for some of the legacy equipment we still
support). Part searches are done through the manufacturers parts database, which is often linked
directly to the manufacturing database, which was assembled from the manufacturers inventory while
they were building the models.

Although much faster than searching through thick catalogs or microfilm, searching becomes more
specific. Computers are good at looking up a specific model and serial number, but not always perfect
when it comes to matching a number that is only close. Having the exact model and serial number
eliminates errors and prevents the dreaded search message, “Item Not Found”.

Manufacturers may also change the parts used on the assembly line for various reasons. They might
replace a troublesome part with a better one, improve the model’s functionality, or even substitute a
part because a supplier went out of business. Two lathes manufactured several years apart may use a
very different parts lists. A complete model number and serial number will define which parts list was
used to assemble a particular machine.

Organizing Information

Using computers to keep track of everything helps manufacturing companies build better, more
complex machines while keeping the units final cost to the buyer as low and as competitive as possible.
The same systems that make these things possible also require accurate information when asked to
supply a specific part for a piece of equipment.

Pro Tip: Keep your documentation in a place you will remember and write down the serial and model
numbers before you put the documentation away. It is also a good idea to write the purchase date,
serial and model numbers, in the notes section of the contact card on your Outlook or Gmail contact
database.

Appraisals and Financing

Serial numbers should be listed on any appraisal document.
Lenders register the serial number when taking security in certain goods with serial numbers in
Canada. Accuracy in recording a serial number is important. It has been generally accepted that the
serial number needed to be inserted into the field specified for serial numbered goods, and that
including a serial number only in the general collateral description would leave the registrant at serious
risk of an invalid registration or loss of priority.

Where to find serial numbers?

There is no standard on where a machine tool builder locates their unique serial number. Today, most
modern CNC machines will have a nameplate on the electrical cabinet with the model and serial
number engraved on it.

Hwacheon Serial Number

A traditional engine lathe commonly has a number stamped at the end of the bed, between the guideways.

South Bend Lathes Serial Number

Graphic courtesy of South Bend Lathes

The famous Webster & Bennett VTL and VBM’s chose a different location.

Webster and Bennett serial number

Graphic courtesy of TR Wigglesworth Machinery Company

TOS W100 boring mills have the serial number plate on the headstock.

Tons Varnsdorf nameplate

Many boring mills you will find a nameplate on the back of the column.

Other References

The Serial Number Reference Book has proven to be an invaluable tool to bankers, appraisers, attorneys, and all others involved in the metalworking machinery business.

MDNA Serial Number Reference Book