Motors and inverters for training.

SirKit Breaker · Jan 7, 2012

Evening all,

This year i am going to bring my inherited workshop into the modern times. I am looking for any information about Motor Suppliers who may be able to supply me with some sort of Motor, and Inverter drive which i can use for training purposes. Does anyone know of any companies that do this, or any contacts that i may get in touch with to discuss requirement and costs. The only motor supplier i can find locally is SEW at Normanton, so i will be getting in touch with them, but any other leads in the UK would be appreciated.

Cheers...........Howard

Knobhead · Jan 7, 2012

I found Eurotherm (not SEW Eurodrive) helpful when I was having problems with one of their drives. What they’ll be like for a collage I don’t know. You have to bear in mind if they help one out then there’ll be a stampede.

As an idea have a look around for industrial scrap salvage companies. One near Derby found S/H bits to get our plant going, it was fun haggling over the price. For your cause they may be generous.

If you can, wangle yourself a trip to SEW Eurodrive, I had a great day there.

topquark · Jan 7, 2012

I'd be tempted to try ringing a few of these Howard, I'm sure they'd like their gear to be used in college for training purposes. You may be able to get them to donate something.
ABB Motors and Generators
Elecric Motors Sales
http://www.lafert.com
Lemac | Manufacturer of AC, DC & Gear motors | Ready made & bespoke

Marvo · Jan 7, 2012

I agree, put a proposal together for them stating obviously that you're a college and also indicate the number of students per annum that would be exposed to this equipment and what line of work the students are likely to be doing after qualifying. Use a little artistic license and if one or two students are likely to go on to be specifiers, system designers or similar jobs don't be afraid to highlight this.

Pad it out and sell it them as a great opportunity to increase sales of their products through students becoming familiar with them. Maybe if your college will allow ask them for a complete test bench and allow them some subtle but effective branding on said bench. Always ask for three times what you want or need as this will be the beginning point of negotiations, what they'll actually supply will probably be somewhat short of your initial request. Finally I would mention that you're not getting into a bidding war between them and their three closest competitors and suggest they just make you a sensible offer off-the-bat because they're equipment is your personal preference due to it's quality, support and proven industry track record......blah blah.

Oh and I would approach any companies like this at a national level rather than at a local agency level where they probably don't have the ability to make serious marketing decisions.

Good Luck.