Previously, we discussed working with outsourced engineering to solve systemic power quality problems. Another type of "engineering needed" problem occurs when you must repair equipment for which there aren't spare parts. Maybe the manufacturer stopped making the parts. Or maybe it's custom equipment. Or maybe your application is outside of what that equipment was designed for and that's why you must keep repairing it.
In many cases, it suffices to have an in-house machinist or outsourced machine shop make the part. When equipment is down, that’s usually your best option because it’s the fastest one. But how often do you want to repeat this drill?
Consider redesigning the equipment to eliminate the need for that particular part. For example, let’s say you’re having troubles with a mechanical linkage assembly. What if you replaced that with a servo-based system that uses off the shelf parts? An engineering firm can bring related experience to bear on this issue, often producing an elegant solution.
