Excerpt

“How Field Retrofits Can Point the Way to Drive Designs That Better Satisfy Customers

Introduction
Electromechanical engineers who design power transmission or motion control systems for industrial equipment face an ongoing challenge. For their equipment designs to remain competitive in the marketplace, they must adopt new technologies. But while there are many options for transforming one form of mechanical power into another, why change a drive design that’s working?

Standard engineering practice for the equipment you design may call for a roller chain or gearhead. Replicating these solutions feels safe. On the other hand, design changes pose risk and expense. So where do you find solutions that minimize risk and cost while offering a marketable advantage? The answer lies in drive conversions already made by industrial customers who are using your equipment or machinery. Field redesigns can point the way to next-generation machines.

This paper will examine two field retrofits that led to better performing, more competitive drive designs. But first we’ll review some basics.”