The OEM’s Guide to Advancing Life Science & Biomedical Equipment with Linear Motion — Pt 2: Consider Customization

This series of articles highlights how next-generation linear motion systems can be specified, designed, installed, and maintained to advance life science and biomedical capital equipment manufacturing.

Consider Customization

Off-the-shelf parts are critical in many assemblies that capital equipment manufacturers build for life science and biomedical applications. One concern, for example, is that a stock linear motion stage element may not have been designed and constructed to work with the precise combination of other components and structures the supplier is assembling. Unexpected incompatibilities may arise.

The question is: Will issues be caught in a good manufacturer's routine design, quality control, and inspection protocols? Probably. But not certainly.

Often, only customized offerings can meet the objectives of specific performance requirements. They allow the capital equipment manufacturer to focus on the design aspects of the stage that the application requires — specifically tailoring factors from speed to acceleration to stability. They can even reduce costs by eliminating unneeded features that come standard with an off-the-shelf stage. And they ensure an integrated solution without hidden incompatibilities.

Life science and biomedical capital equipment suppliers should look for true "specsheet-to-prototype-build" control of their order from the linear motion manufacturer. Such intelligent Customization is vital to anticipating and eliminating product shortcomings, avoiding roadblocks in integration — and preventing failures throughout.

Specify products with the precise size, shape, coating, or material the job demands. And insist on solutions that meet the unique targets for accuracy, speed, flatness, preloading (to increase stiffness by eliminating internal clearances), service life, maintenance levels, and price.

Sometimes, more innovative materials may help reduce risks in specific custom designs. For example, carbon fiber construction can optimize structural strength, stiffness, and stability (despite its reduced weight and thickness). At the same time, ceramic bearings may be a viable solution for specific lubrication issues.

Next: Handle with Care

Discover how next-generation linear motion systems can advance life science and biomedical capital equipment manufacturing capabilities and ensure against failures. Get the complete exclusive guide for OEMs now.