I have heard talk about some CNC tool mfg's putting such devices on their newer models, again with rumors it started with mits. There was some talk hear about Haas having the ability to d
ecommission it's machines if payments weren't up to date (damn I wish I could do that to some of my customers
) and the mori thing about moving theirs.
I have an older mit's CMM that I know doesn't have any such tracking device. but mit does try to keep track of it. Every so often (the last time was a few months ago) mit sends me a letter asking if the CMM is still located at the same location as previously reported. I have had their service department ask me the location of the machine before proceeding with the conversation. I wonder about these newer shop floor machines that are intended to be moved from one location in a plant to the other. How are they tracking them and what criteria are they using? Heck I get more attention for whatever department is in charge of that than I get from their sales people.
Here is another question. If you move your machine and it alarms the mfg of it, who pays to have someone come out and verify it's new location? I am adding on to one of my buildings and some machines will be moved. If they do or were to have such devices, I am damn sure not going to pay for some company man to come out and verify it's location. They are bought, paid for and are now my property, not anyone else's. I don't give a shit about software licenses, if it comes with software which it won't function without or renders it useless, I believe I am within my rights to seek restitution from any mfg that devalues it, after all these arent $500 computers used by hackers.
This is a good subject and would welcome any mfg that employs these techniques so we can get past the rumors or guessing game. What get's my goat is when during the normal coarse of doing business an event occurs that shuts down your machine and the length of time it takes to get it going again. Is this aimed at the small guys? I would think a large company and their legal departments wouldn't put up with loss of income due to such practices. Oh and don't use the
"It's because of National Sercurity" excuse as a blanket BS answer!