Engineering cutbacks a boon for direct-drive systems

Sept. 28, 2006
Engineering cutbacks have forced companies to buy complete systems rather than assemble components themselves.

The trend has affected the direct-drive market, says U.K. research firm IMS Research. It is one reason the global market for linear-motor (LM) systems was almost double that of LM components, says IMS. The firm predicts a continued shift to preassembled systems with linear-motor systems growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0% compared with 8.5% for linearmotor components.

EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) is the dominant region for LM components, accounting for half of global sales. But it comprises less than a fifth of the total systems market. Asia Pacific, the largest region by far for systems, is expected to show the most growth.

One reason the two areas will grow at different rates is the make-up of their industries. EMEA is the largest market for machine tools, while the flatpanel display and semiconductor-machinery markets dominate the Asia-Pacific region.

IMS also found different industries preferred different architectures for linear motors. In machine tools, for example, engineers prefer to develop their own systems and just purchase components. Linear motors are considered key components in these systems. The flip side is seen within flatpanel displays or semiconductor machinery where the linearmotion component is only ancillary. These industries typically prefer preassembled systems and don't think inhouse assembly of subsystems worth the effort.

Sponsored Recommendations

April 16, 2025
Clean. Compact. Less heat.
April 16, 2025
SEW-EURODRIVE Introduces DR2C motor, IE5 Ultra-Premium Efficiency Motor
March 31, 2025
Unlike passive products - made of simple carbon springs - the bionic prostheses developed by Revival Bionics are propulsive, equipped with a motor and an artificial Achilles tendon...
March 31, 2025
Electric drives are a key technology for the performance of machines, robots, and power tools. Download this guide for an introduction to high-quality mechatronic drive systems...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!