Miniature drive solves vending problem

The problem related to the electrically driven belt system which is an integral part of the vending machine. In order to give customers greater choice, Autonumis had to miniaturise the drive assembly so that more units could be fitted in a given space. Rather than design, procure parts and manufacture this, the company turned to Crailcrest for support. Design engineers at Crailcrest took a similar existing concept and produced a much smaller version of the drive within a few weeks. This involved the manufacture of tooling to produce the moulded plastic enclosure, gears, circuit board, specific drive belt and the motor and switches. According to Crailcrest, the project was brought in on time and within budget. Crailcrest has more than 30 years’ experience in design and sourcing, predominantly in the small DC gearmotors market and the company now has its own joint Far Eastern facility, Crailcrest Asia. DP Pointers * By outsourcing design, procurement and manufacturing, Autonumis cut costs and reduced time to market for its new small pack vending machines * In a matter of weeks, Crailcrest designed and sourced tooling for gears, moulded plastic enclosures, PCBs, drive belts, motors and switches * Crailcrest completed the project on time and within budget