Can't find a discontinued automation part?
Send us the part number. We check what can be sourced and tell you the source, condition and lead time before you buy.
Request a hard-to-find part
Send the part number. An engineer replies with what can be sourced, the condition and the lead time.
1/2
Five routes when a part is discontinued
The right route depends on the machine, the part and how long you can wait. Read the full guide.
- Route 1
Same part, new old stock
Unused stock from original production. Best when nothing on the machine should change.
- Route 2
Same part, surplus
Unused excess from another site or distributor. Ask for the origin in writing.
- Route 3
Same part, refurbished or tested used
An exact match when no unused stock exists. Needs clear test and warranty terms.
- Route 4
Successor or compatible replacement
A newer model that does the same job. May need wiring, program or parameter changes.
- Route 5
Migrate the section
When several parts are ageing, a staged upgrade can cost less than repeated emergency buys.
What every quote should tell you
With hard-to-find parts, the details decide the risk. See what the condition terms mean.
Source
Where the part comes from, in plain words.
Condition
New, new old stock, surplus, refurbished or used.
Version
Hardware and firmware version where it can be read.
Terms
Warranty, returns and lead time.
Find parts by platform
Is it really obsolete? Check before you panic
A part may be phased out while a close variant is still sold, or a successor exists. Start with the exact order number.
Questions about hard-to-find parts
How do I know if a part is really discontinued?
Status belongs to an exact order number, so start with the full number on the label. Manufacturers publish lifecycle information for their products. Send us the number and we will tell you what we can find.
What do I need to send?
The full order number from the nameplate, or a clear photo of it. Tell us the machine it came from, the quantity, and whether it is down now.
Will you tell me if a part is used or refurbished?
Yes. Every quote should state the condition, the source, the version where it can be read, and the warranty and lead time, so you can compare like with like.
What if the exact part cannot be found?
We can look at a successor or compatible replacement and tell you what would need to change, such as wiring, program or parameters. Test any replacement before it goes into production.
Can I plan ahead instead of waiting for a failure?
Yes. Our obsolescence risk check gives a rough guide, and the critical spares guide helps decide what to hold on the shelf.
Can't find it anywhere? Tell us anyway.
Send the number or a photo of the nameplate. We will tell you what we can find.