Many Indian machine makers can send an engineer to install a machine abroad and run its commissioning, especially for CNC machines, presses and complete lines. Whether they will, and how quickly, depends on the size of the order, their staff, the visa process for your country and the cost split you agree.
Smaller workshops may have only one or two engineers who can travel. Ask early, and get the commitment in writing.
Visas and permissions
The engineer needs the right permission to enter your country and do the work. In some countries a business visa covers installation and commissioning of imported equipment. In others, hands-on installation counts as work and needs a work permit or a specific visa category.
The rules change and differ by country, so check them with your embassy or immigration authority before you set dates. The invitation letter usually comes from you, the buyer, and states the purpose, dates and who covers costs. Allow time for appointments and processing, which can take weeks.
How costs are usually shared
There is no fixed rule, but the principle is simple. The maker's price usually covers the machine at its factory. Travel abroad is an extra cost, and someone must pay for it. Common arrangements include these:
- The buyer pays flights, accommodation, local transport and a daily allowance, and the maker charges nothing for the engineer's time.
- The buyer pays travel and living costs, and the maker charges a daily rate for the engineer's time.
- The maker includes installation in the machine price, often on larger orders, with travel built into the quote.
- The visit is free during the warranty only if the fault is the maker's, and charged otherwise.
Put the cost split in writing
Whatever you choose, write it into the contract with the number of days included and the rate for extra days. A real quote for the visit comes from the maker once the scope is clear.
Reduce how much you need the visit
- Prepare the site before the engineer travels, with foundation, power, air and lifting ready.
- Send your own technicians to train at the factory during the trial, as covered in training and installation support.
- Ask for installation videos and step-by-step guides recorded on your machine.
- Consider a local service partner who can install routine machines and call the maker for help.
Who takes the risk on site
Agree who is responsible if something is damaged during installation, and who insures the engineer while travelling and working. Your site safety rules apply to the visitor, so brief them before work starts.
Also agree what happens if the visit fails because the site was not ready. A second trip at your cost is a common outcome, so a readiness check with photos is worth the effort. For later visits during the warranty, see machine tool warranty.
Next step
We confirm the maker's installation commitment before you order, agree the scope in writing and help plan the visit. To start, book a free sourcing review.