Posted to News on 15th Sep 2011, 12:28
How to get better service and support for servo systems
Andrew Fallows, the managing director of Motor Technology, argues that independent suppliers of automation equipment can offer better service, provide more cost-effective systems, cut costs and even supply components that are better suited to customers' applications.
Independents, like Motor Technology, are not tied to any one manufacturer, and so if we are designing a drive or automation system we can source components from different suppliers, if doing so enables us to specify a more effective overall system or reduce costs. We can design systems based on our knowledge of a wide range of products and technologies, and can provide systems that not all manufacturers will have available.
Take motors as an example. Large manufacturers will often attempt to lock out motors from other suppliers, forcing customers on to their preferred product line. This is unsatisfactory when some applications might benefit from a motor with higher inertia, a simpler feedback device or a different winding than what is being offered. Motor Technology sources products from a number of suppliers and can provide the customer with the motor that is most beneficial to the application.
Direct drive
Another example is direct drives. Direct drives are suitable for applications requiring a high degree of accuracy, smooth running, backlash-free operation and high acceleration. Best of all, direct drives allow the system designer to dispense with many power transmission components such as gearboxes, couplings, toothed belts, sprockets and chains. This can reduce the cost of ownership of the system, increase efficiency and cut energy consumption.
Not all companies manufacture direct drives and so it is likely that less suitable systems might be offered so that the manufacturer can supply its own technology. This might not only be less efficient than a direct drive, but also more expensive.
The drive electronics also play a big part in providing the right overall system. A highly dynamic application might require the ultimate in drive performance, or it may be that engineers are less interested in high performance and want to cut costs by integrating the PLC or motion control within the drive.
Some customers might be servo novices, getting to grips with the technology, and looking for a drive that is simply 'plug and play', whereas others might want to delve into the control loops and change parameters 'on the fly'. Being independent, Motor Technology can benefit all these customers, regardless of their requirements, by offering the full range of products and systems.
Replacement parts
A further benefit of independent suppliers comes when old servo drive technology needs to be replaced. A manufacturer would want to replace old components with their modern equivalent, which will involve the additional cost of new cabling and engineering so that the new part will fit the old assembly. A better solution for the customer might be to replace the old unit with a compatible product, manufactured under license, as this would be easier and quicker to install and less costly.
There are plenty of reasons for championing the smaller independent. At Motor Technology, for instance, we have got over 25 years of experience in servo and automation technology with a wide range of suppliers of components and equipment. We can mix-and-match products from different suppliers to make sure customers get the very best in terms of cost, reliability, ease-of-use and efficiency.
Contact Motor Technology for more information about servo and automation equipment and systems.
