Company L develops and manufactures various solutions in the medical equipment field. The company has recently been working on developing a new model of its main product, a multi-analyzer, that can handle a greater number of reagents than previous models. Manager N of the company's development department design division says the following.
"For the next model, we needed to reduce vibration to improve reliability and also cut costs. Currently, we purchase motors at list price from a company that mainly sells online. However, because it is an online company, we had to take the time to respond to inquiries, so we were thinking of reconsidering where we purchase motors."
At the same time, Mr. N was instructed to standardize some components, such as motors, within the department.
"As we wanted to mass-produce for both domestic and overseas markets, standardizing parts was essential as a cost-cutting initiative across the entire department. When moving forward with motor replacement and standardization, it was necessary to check detailed specifications such as torque characteristics. With online suppliers, we were unable to receive prompt responses to inquiries or satisfactory technical support," said Mr. N.
With the development schedule running tight, anxiety was spreading among Mr. N and the rest of the development team.
Mr. N consulted with SANYO DENKI CO., LTD., a company with which he had dealings in other departments. Later, a SANYO DENKI CO., LTD. representative visited L in person, listened to the issues that Mr. N and his development team were facing in detail, and proposed SANMOTION F2 ( 2-phase ) two-phase stepping motor.
"We consulted with them about things including standardizing parts. Currently, we use three types of motors for the five axes, but they proposed consolidating them into one type of motor that would produce the most torque. They also said they would change the winding specifications so that the current motors could be easily replaced. This proposal took into account our company's lack of motor knowledge and short development schedule." (Mr. N)
The SANYO DENKI CO., LTD. representative provided Mr. N with a sample for evaluation. The internal evaluation went smoothly, and Company L soon decided to adopt the SANMOTION F2 ( 2-phase ) two-phase stepping motor. Work continued smoothly thereafter, and the development of the new model was completed on schedule.
"They also customized the system to fit our specified connectors, which helped reduce assembly time. Standardizing parts also reduced stock and maintenance costs, which helped us reduce total costs. We're grateful to SANYO DENKI CO., LTD. for their speedy response, from proposals, provision of samples, in-house evaluation, and subsequent support." (Mr. N)
For more information about stepping motors, please see "What is a stepping motor? An explanation of its structure, types, usage (drive system and control method), advantages and features."
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