Revolutionizing Prototyping: New Modular Motors Solve Global Supply Chain Conundrum

Engineers facing supply chain issues and growing product demands are struggling to source essential parts for prototyping. The pandemic’s impact on global supply chains has exacerbated this problem.

To address these challenges, Parvalux by maxon has introduced a modular range of motors, gearboxes, and motion system accessories that simplify product development. “Our modular series was born out of necessity,” explains Jake Gelinas, Inside Sales Engineer at Parvalux. During the pandemic, supply chain issues plagued manufacturers worldwide. We saw an opportunity to create a rapid prototyping system with a large selection of pre-configured motor-gearbox combinations that could be quickly assembled."

Engineers can now access an online configuration tool to select, modify, and customize a motion system tailored to their specific needs. With five permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motors and four brushless direct current (BLDC) motors available at two slack lengths, users can choose based on required voltage, speed, and torque. Motor options range from 12 V to 48 V, 2,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm, and 0.063 Nm to 80 Nm of torque.

What sets these motion systems apart is the compatibility between every motor, gearbox, and accessory part. Each component features common mechanical/electrical interfaces and a system of flanges, allowing for easy swapping in or out. Parvalux keeps these parts in stock with a one-to-two-week lead time, ensuring they’re always available.

The benefits of these modular motion systems extend beyond physical prototyping. With so many valid combinations, engineers can find solutions for industrial automation, materials handling, logistics, mobility, and transportation applications. Moreover, if any part breaks down, it can be quickly replaced, reducing or eliminating downtime – a significant incentive to update or replace current industrial motion systems.

Parvalux’s experts are available to help customers select the optimal combination for their application. According to Gelinas, “When evaluating between PMDC and BLDC motors, consider the specific duty cycle of your system.” For example, if a system is only used for a few hours over a 10-year period, a brushless motor might not be necessary. The Parvalux team can help engineers make informed decisions and save time.

By leveraging these modular motion systems, engineers can streamline product development, reduce downtime, and get products to market faster – giving them a competitive edge in an increasingly complex landscape.