FABTECH 2026 Las Vegas: a machinery buyer’s guide

Start with the job your shop needs to do

A busy show floor makes it easy to compare machines by appearance, size or a quick demonstration. Start with the work waiting back home: the part you struggle to make, the operation holding up production, or the work you keep sending out.

Bring drawings or sample-part photos, material types and thicknesses, typical batch sizes and your delivery goals. Note your available floor space, electrical supply and operator experience. A short list of real requirements helps us narrow the conversation before you spend a day walking.

Tell us what you want to see when you request a Sterling VIP machinery tour. We can help plan your priorities and discuss the manufacturers that fit your application. Specific machines, demonstrations and meeting times need to be confirmed as we plan your visit.

What we’re looking for at FABTECH

Our focus is on equipment and ideas that solve practical shop problems. These are the conversations we want to have with buyers, whether the purchase is coming this month or belongs in next year’s budget.

Press brakes: look beyond the headline capacity

For press brakes, bring a representative bend and ask how the proposed setup would produce it. Discuss tooling, part handling, programming, setup changes and operator training. Ask what comes with the quoted machine and what must be added for your work.

Ask: “Can we walk through my part from the drawing to a finished bend, including the setup?”

Fiber lasers and waterjets: compare the complete process

When considering a fiber laser or waterjet, discuss your material mix, finished-part requirements and work volume. Ask about consumables, utilities, maintenance access, software and support. Include loading, unloading and any later operations in your comparison; a cutting demonstration is only part of the job.

Saws, ironworkers and plate rolls: follow the daily work

For saws, discuss the stock you cut, handling arrangements, repeat jobs and changeovers. With ironworkers, list the operations you need and identify the required tooling. For plate rolls, bring the material and finished-shape requirements so the manufacturer can review the application.

Across every category, ask who handles installation, training, parts and service after the sale. See our manufacturer links to start building your shortlist.

Machinery Genius: bring your machinery questions

We’re also bringing MachineryGenius.com to the conversation about AI and machinery help. Bring a model number or a clear nameplate photo. Join our press conference on Friday, October 23 at 1:36 PM PDT, booth C2322, to see what we’re introducing and ask questions.

Buying new—or finding the right used machine?

Compare the equipment against the work, budget and timing you have. A new machine may be worth exploring when you need a particular configuration or a planned installation. A used option may deserve a closer look when an available machine meets the application and your purchasing priorities.

Ask for the same information on both: included equipment, condition, inspection arrangements, support, warranty terms if offered, and the expected delivery schedule. For used machinery, ask what can be demonstrated under power and which records or accessories are available. For new machinery, clarify the exact configuration and current lead time.

Start with Sterling’s new machinery and used machinery listings, then bring us the links or stock numbers you want to discuss.

Have a machine to trade in? Start before the show.

The equipment you already own belongs in the upgrade conversation. Sterling can review a potential trade-in or discuss selling, consignment and other options. A review starts with useful information; acceptance and value depend on the machine and the proposed transaction.

Send Adam a compact machine file:

• Brand, model, serial number and year, if known.
• Overall photos, nameplate, controls, tooling and any visible issues.
• Current condition, known problems and whether it is available to inspect under power.
• Voltage, city and state, loading access and included accessories.
• Your replacement plans, removal deadline and whether production must continue until the next machine arrives.

Use our sell or trade machinery page, or email the details to Adam. Starting early gives us time to discuss the old machine and your next purchase together.

Talk financing while you’re comparing equipment

Sterling can connect buyers with independent machinery financing partners for new and used equipment. Approval, rates, terms and documentation are determined by the financing company. Some arrangements may include related costs, subject to lender review.

Ask for the cash price and a written financing proposal so you can compare the amount financed, upfront payment, payment schedule, fees, total payments and any purchase or early-payoff provisions. Confirm which equipment and services the proposal includes. Discuss your budget before the show so your machinery shortlist and financing conversation stay connected.

Get the complete cost of putting it to work

A machine quote is the start of the purchase plan. Before committing, ask for a written breakdown that addresses:

• Equipment: the exact model, configuration, tooling, accessories and software.
• Delivery: freight, packing, insurance, unloading and rigging responsibilities.
• Site preparation: space, access, power, utilities and any installation requirements.
• Startup: commissioning, training, support arrangements and expected timing.

Sterling can help coordinate machinery shipping. Bring your delivery address, access information and proposed schedule. When discussing FABTECH discounts, ask what the offer covers, when it expires and whether freight, tooling or other options are included. Confirm the final package in writing.

Make a plan to meet us in Las Vegas

FABTECH 2026 runs October 21–23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Expo hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 9 AM–5 PM, and Friday, 9 AM–4 PM, Las Vegas time. Use the official show website for registration and current visitor information.

Meet Sterling at booth C2322. Send your machine interests, preferred day and time, and any trade-in details ahead of your visit. We’ll work with you on a useful meeting plan and confirm arrangements directly.