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KEY TO PROJECTS
reviewing production methods and the materials used to ensure the highest levels of sustainability. Efficient designs can be achieved through using the right components, and exploring downsizing, to ensure designs and machines are as compact and lightweight as possible, reducing the quantity of material used and saving energy whilst in operation and during transit and delivery. 3. Increasing speed of time-to-market – Machine builders are under pressure to meet tighter deadlines, whilst maintaining quality. For this, the support of the supplier is crucial. A supplier who can be trusted to competently specify and supply the best solutions will be key to delivering projects in the shortest possible lead times. 4. The increasing complexity of system
integration - Modern machines must seamlessly integrate with existing control systems. Bundled sub-systems designed to work as a package, or that have open communication protocols to easily integrate, are key requirements. 5. Navigating the talent shortage – Engineers
need to be highly skilled in your business area, and a lot of cost goes into their development to ensure and maintain a high level of expertise. Suppliers with expert knowledge can support them with ancillary systems and components, allowing them to focus on the core business requirements and giving you a greater return on your investment.
SHORTCUTS WHEN CREATING THE MACHINE BUILDING FRAMEWORK Using external suppliers can help smooth the development of the machine building framework. For example, identifying and specifying plug-and- play hardware such as linear actuators, with drives, sensors or control panels, or other pre-engineered modules and components. Suppliers can also help ensure you have the
correct documentation such as CE certifications, wiring diagrams and safety data, saving the design and build teams valuable time, whilst ensuring regulatory compliance. Certified suppliers have the full back up and technical resource of the manufacturers and can be a vital source of information and support for problem solving during the design, build and commissioning phases. Other time savings come in the form of choosing pre-configured software blocks, optimised for the application or, if it suits, entire machine frameworks. This helps reduce custom coding and promotes consistency. Some manufacturers also offer virtual models or digital twins of their products to test within the machine design framework, helping ease the commissioning process. As well as using pre-engineered parts,
ready-made documentation, pre-built software blocks and virtual models, a key asset for the design engineer and machine builder has to
be the expertise of the supplier. Many have deep knowledge in their area, be it automation, bearings, drives or motion control, and using this knowledge leaves designers free to work on the more complex application specific areas of the job.
WORKING CLEVER – USING CO-DESIGN An experienced supplier can help in the co-design element of creating the machine building framework by: Saving money without impacting
performance, whilst promoting sustainability– We often find that designers opt for a product that is oversized for the job it needs to do. Specifying a bigger part than is required costs more and has sustainability and energy efficiency implications: from a bigger footprint and heavier machinery to higher running costs. Working closely with the manufacturers, suppliers have in depth knowledge of the latest product developments and technical data to ensure that the best component is used, giving the optimal required performance. For example, a premium product may have
features and benefits over those of a standard product, with a performance level offering the advantage of downsizing. The increased cost of the part is negated by using a smaller size, plus the associated advantages of weight and energy savings. Using comprehensive sizing tools, we can also carry out lifetime calculations to match the component life to the required machine life. Increasing speed of time-to-market– A lot of time is spent designing sections of the machine that can be supported and specified by external suppliers. For example, we have the latest manufacturer data and tools for optimal specification. This means that, in many cases, we can supply CAD files to designers for standard and configured parts, to the desired specification, for use directly in the designs. Simplifying system integration– Using sub
systems comprising the mechanical, electrical and connection elements, takes away a lot of time and effort for designers. For multi-access cartesian systems it is possible to size and specify
JUNE 2025 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 19
suitable actuators with motors, drives, brackets and cable management systems in a single part number. These are delivered fully assembled, pre-parameterised for the installation of open communication protocols, ensuring smooth network integration and whilst reducing commissioning times. Navigating the talent shortage– External suppliers boost the talent pool on a machine build project. We are brought in regularly on big and small jobs alike, as we have a wealth of expertise from many areas of industry, as well as specific product knowledge. This enables the designer to concentrate on other business specific areas of the machine that require more of their attention. A key point for success for designers is
early engagement with knowledgeable, certified suppliers, who have access to the latest product innovations, a wide range of components from many manufacturers, and can support with design, specification and optimisation for the best solutions. Whether it is a recommendation for which
component will give the best performance over a given lifetime, or a replacement for a part that sees regular failures, why not use the experience and support that a reputable supplier can add. We all need a good team behind us to get the job done!
Acorn Industrial Services T: 01907 789949
www.acorn-ind.co.uk
Garry Haines
Feature
MACHINE BUILDING, FRAMEWORKS & SAFETY FEATURE
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