Designers of motion control systems are faced with the pressure of differentiating products in various applications in an increasingly commercialized market, such as desktop laboratory automation, material handling in factory workshops and heavy construction vehicles.

Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) seek help from motion control component suppliers to achieve more functions in a smaller space, deliver prototypes and products faster, and achieve higher price control and flexibility through seamless integration and operation. The innovation of motion control technology enables machine design to achieve value improvement in the following five aspects.

Engineers collect information about motion control components. Some online tools can help you design motion control systems, thus reducing the best product selection from hours to minutes.

Smaller products

Small system designers want smaller products and more compact, portable and easy to store. Many customers want to install analytical or monitoring instruments closer to the point of use to increase convenience. This machine is an example of innovative manufacturing technology that enables the production of micro linear moving parts to meet these needs.

Factory system designers want to help customers make better use of workshops or workspaces. Manufacturers of large equipment, such as agricultural combine harvesters, also want to use space more effectively to improve operational efficiency or safety of technology, or to provide other related benefits of market differentiation.

Improvements in manufacturing technology make it possible to produce smaller products more efficiently, enabling design engineers to integrate more functions in smaller spaces. For example, micro ball screw, electric linear actuator, electric guide screw and linear bearing can be used in small-scale applications. Mechanical and electrical actuators can also replace pumps, compressors, delivery systems and other components used for hydraulic and pneumatic drive.

By supporting network communication, location monitoring and other functions that previously required external devices, less space was needed to embed electronic devices into motion control products. Internal electronic devices eliminate complex wiring, and the actuator can be connected to the power supply and communication network through several wires.


Faster prototyping

As competition pressure increases, the demand for faster delivery of more personalized devices increases. Effective prototyping is very important when designers try various types of components before applying them. Metal-based 3D printers and simulation software provide greater flexibility and speed, as well as enhanced modeling capabilities for motion control components.

In the past, designers might have to wait six to eight weeks. Now, they may be able to get the parts in a few days. Some manufacturers have redesigned processes to provide the ability to ship the next day on certain projects, and parts inventory is increasing for often needed projects. Distribution channels also help to increase inventory of common commodities.

Optimal integration strategy

A key factor in accelerating the time to market of products is to select the right components and integrate them optimally to obtain the maximum accuracy, accuracy, straightness, noise level and other performance characteristics. Although many system designers have the expertise needed to choose motion control products, many are closer to retirement than just graduating from college. The handover of new and old employees is not easy. New members usually come from electrical or mechanical engineering disciplines. It is usually necessary to develop professional knowledge of motion control in work.

Unexperienced design engineers may know what speed or straightness they need, but they may not be familiar with the functions of motion control components. Overdesign will increase time to market and production costs.

The increasing importance of overall system design, coupled with the lack of motion control experts, is a good reason for motion control suppliers to participate in the process as soon as possible. They have a lot of experience in engineering applications and know which aspects have a greater impact on integration. If they are consulted beforehand, they can save time and cost. Online configuration tools can shorten the optimal product selection for motion control applications from hours to minutes.


Considering Total Cost of Ownership

Although machine designers want to have the highest quality system components, they don't necessarily need components that have a longer life than machines. It is meaningless to integrate motion control components with a design life of 20 years into systems that may be outdated within five years.

With the maturity of component market, designers can find products suitable for application and budgetary needs as long as they are willing to spend time. In this case, to make appropriate judgments, they need to better understand the motion control system.

Economically driven designers are more likely to be underdesigned than over-designed. Although tests can verify that the design meets the required specifications in the short term, they usually fail to test the entire life of all components and will shorten the testing procedures. This does not always provide sufficient data to differentiate high-quality motion control components from low-cost/poor design products, and may cause problems.

For many applications, the total cost of ownership may be the decisive factor. If the purchase price is the only factor, designers may choose pneumatic or hydraulic actuators rather than smart electromechanical components. However, when other factors such as reliability, normal operation time, floor area and maintenance are taken into account, electromechanical options may have greater advantages.


Increase product value

The biggest business challenge for OEM manufacturers may be to work with component manufacturers to understand what the market needs to buy and how to differentiate when delivering. Interconnected products that share data in the cloud are potential opportunities for strategic differentiation.

For example, a large medical equipment manufacturer has placed the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) at the centre of its business strategy. The system records data about machine performance, component status and detected system errors. In traditional systems, using this data requires trained technicians to connect machines, read log files, order components as needed, and arrange maintenance and repair manually. Now, through interconnected computers, enterprises can safely upload these log files, and can analyze and plan from almost any location.

Motion control industry experts can help manufacturers integrate motion technology. Motion control vendors continue to add on-board smart components to the computing power and communications required for interconnection strategies. Whether in interconnected systems or other systems, motion con