Single sourcing motion control

Following a few rules when selecting a single-source supplier makes putting together a motion-control system a snap. Coreless dc motors are used in a prosthetic hand. Gold-alloy brushes ensure fluidity of motion and low noise actuation. The rubber skin coating provides feedback to the motor preventing crushed parts in sensitive applications. The M-850 Hexapod from Physik Instrumente, Germany, is a precision micro-positioning system with six degrees of freedom. Each piston arm contains a motor/encoder combination using a coreless, brushed-dc motor from Micro Mo. Submicron precision allows mircomanipulation and fiber alignment in precise surgical applications. A modified, brushed-dc motor from Micro Mo is used in this high-speed PCB wiring automation machine from Siemens. Each partfeeding device contains three motors. Designing a motion-control system can be a trying affair. Time and budget constraints often lead to only a quick review of several manufacturers. Because there are literally hundreds of suppliers, choosing the right one can be confusing and potentially jeopardize critical time to market. Start by discussing the application with technical buyers. They can offer a wealth of knowledge about the complexity of sourcing components for large systems. It is not uncommon to buy as many as 1,500 components for one application. Few, other than the technical buyer, can realize the benefits of bundling components into one supplier with one check, making one supplier responsible. Buyers generally negotiate with dozens of suppliers for hundreds of components and receive billing from dozens of manufacturers, a time-consuming and difficult chore prone to mistakes. An alternative is to select one supplier who will outsource to all the necessary component manufacturers. A reputable single source deals with them on a daily basis, knowing which ones can deliver quality parts quickly and at a fair price. Having one company generate one invoice saves reviewing, processing, and negotiating time.