Common motion control challenges faced by machine builders

What difference does VARIODRIVE make as a Motion Control supplier? A total solution means something different for every machine builder. One may need assistance with assembling a component, while another is seeking the optimal motion control solution. That’s why we discuss three questions we often hear in practice and explain how we approach these challenges. Finally, we discuss our guarantee: that our solution simply works.

VARIODRIVE supplies components from reputable brands and combines them into Motion Control total solutions for machine builders. We are able to strike the right balance between technical performance and price because we can fully understand your problem. This means that what exactly we deliver cannot be summarized in a single sentence; it depends on the issue at hand. Therefore, we would like to discuss some common questions that can give you an idea.

1. Motion Control Challenge (Application Design)

The customers we have been serving for years – some even for decades – ask us to join the table during the design phase. VARIODRIVE Sales Manager Edgar Hogervorst explains why:

“Over the past 25 years, we have worked on so many solutions that we can easily apply that knowledge and experience to the specific application. Additionally, we know the Motion Control market, what possible (new) solutions are available, better than anyone else. For instance, if the machine builder is leaning towards a high-precision system that could pose a challenge commercially, we can introduce alternative options. Together, we ensure that we choose the optimal solution.”

In the initial exploratory conversation, the engineer discusses the main desires and considerations for the application with a VARIODRIVE expert. We then share our expertise, outline the choices the engineer is facing, and highlight the broader implications of these choices. This could include considerations for software integration. By involving us early in the development process, a machine builder ensures an optimal motion control solution for their application.

2. Limited Installation Space or Room for Motion Control

A concrete challenge frequently encountered by VARIODRIVE’s Sales and Application Engineers is limited installation space. A machine or application has already been designed (or is being revised), and there’s only limited room for the Motion Control solution. An engineer often explores available smaller motors, but they don’t meet the specifications. How can an engineer find the right solution?

In addition to offering a wide range of reputable brand products, VARIODRIVE provides the option of working with so-called kit motors. With these, the engineer can customize the solution according to their preferences, but it also means that we need to collaborate on designing the casing or housing. This often proves to be an excellent solution when existing components don’t suffice, and a lightweight compact solution is sought.

A less common solution involves modifying existing components. As a long-standing partner of our reputable brands, VARIODRIVE also has unique access to their technical specialists. It’s common for us to provide non-standard solutions by delivering modified products in close collaboration with the manufacturer. In the factory, a customized product is produced that meets the specific requirements our customer has set.

[fl_builder_insert_layout id=11234]

3. What is the optimal integrated product for my application?

Many new clients get in touch with VARIODRIVE because we not only provide components of the highest quality but also the desired technical support. Ultimately, the Motion Control solution should seamlessly integrate – both technically and in terms of software – with the rest of the application. How do you take this into account during the component selection process?”

“During the initial conversation, a very concrete question is often asked, such as: ‘I need an actuator that delivers x force and y stroke, which one do you recommend?’ But before I can provide a real answer, I need to know more about the application. I might ask about the machine’s cycle and other considerations the engineer has. Anyone can find the specifications of a particular actuator, but how do you determine which one is optimal for this specific application?

Figuring that out takes a lot of time for an engineer and doesn’t provide guarantees. Guarantees that you do get when you work with VARIODRIVE. We assist such a machine builder in selecting the right actuator or alternative solution, provide all the drawings, offer insights into lead times, assemble the component, and ensure the system’s functionality.

System Guarantee

Working with VARIODRIVE means you get the guarantee that our solution works. We call it a system guarantee, and it means you can rely on the application functioning with our motion control and traction solution in place. The starting point is always your specification, but in our collaboration, we often expand this with additional data relevant to the Motion Control system. Only when we agree on these details together can we finalize the selection and issue the system guarantee.

If you want to learn more about VARIODRIVE’s approach or even present a Motion Control question to us, feel free to contact us at 0186-636280. In our initial conversation, we will ask you the questions that help you get to the core of your Motion Control challenge, and after that, you’ll know exactly how to proceed.”