Custom Machines vs. Off-the-Shelf Equipment: How to Choose
When manufacturers invest in new production automation, one of the first decisions is whether to purchase an off-the-shelf machine or work with a custom machine builder.
The right choice depends on a variety of criteria. In general, off-the-shelf equipment can work well for common applications, but a custom machine can provide greater long-term value when it is designed around your specific process and goals.
When Standard Equipment Meets the Need
Off-the-shelf equipment can be a good starting point for a common process used across many companies or industries. The notable benefit is that these options generally offer a lower purchase price and shorter lead time than a custom-built system. It’s best to begin the process by surveying the landscape of available equipment.
However, not every available option will be a good fit. Before purchasing a standard machine, you should consider how well it will fit into your production line and workflow. Some machines might require significant changes to your line to integrate properly, or even restrict your throughput. If that’s the case, they might not deliver the value you need, even at a low price.
When a Custom Machine Is Worth the Investment
Custom equipment is a great option when the process or performance target falls outside standard capabilities. A few common signs a custom machine may be the right choice include:
The process is unusual or very specific to your product.
Standard equipment can’t meet throughput or speed targets.
The machine must integrate with a complex existing line or fit within a restricted space.
The manufacturer wants to significantly improve efficiency or quality beyond what standard machines can do.
Aging equipment creates maintenance problems or relies on replacement parts that are difficult to obtain.
A custom machine can be designed around the manufacturer’s actual operation instead of requiring the operation to adapt to the machine, and can be adapted to include a wide variety of features a standard machine will not offer. In most cases, that will create greater benefits in terms of reducing bottlenecks or improving safety.
In some cases, there is a hybrid option, too. Gemini Industrial may be able to begin with an off-the-shelf machine and add features or modify it for your needs. But this is not always a realistic possibility; the requirements are sometimes different enough that designing a complete system from the ground up is the best way.
Planning for Future Production Requirements
When making this decision, consider both your current production needs and your goals for the future. If you expect volumes to double or may eventually need to introduce new process steps, we can account for that in our design.
Custom machines can incorporate higher-speed capacity from the start, for instance, or use a modular design that makes changes possible at a later date. For example, the system might be designed to accommodate a future taping or bagging machine. Building these possibilities into the initial plan may be simpler than starting with an off-the-shelf machine and needing to adopt a completely new option later.
How a Custom Conveyor Improved Line Integration
One recent Gemini Industrial customer needed a conveyor to transfer parts between two existing processes. Standard, off-the-shelf options were available for this purpose, but incorporating one would have required significant changes to the rest of the line.
Gemini instead built a custom conveyor that fit the available space. The machine was able to operate at the exact speeds the customer needed. That allowed the customer to improve the process without forcing standard equipment into an awkward fit.
Discuss Your Equipment Needs With Gemini Industrial
Manufacturers often evaluate off-the-shelf equipment before approaching a custom builder. When available equipment doesn’t meet your needs, we’re happy to discuss the best path forward.
Contact Gemini Industrial to discuss your process and request a quote.