Electrification has piqued your interest. That’s great! But where to start?
The most important thing to remember is this: Electrification does NOT have to slow down your process.
When deciding to make the move into electric power, you have two choices: Retrofitting or reinvestment.
So which way to go?
Retrofitting Your Current Equipment
Introducing electrification into your product line doesn’t mean you have to go through a full product redesign. When cost and speed to market are key, updating your hydraulic platform to an electric system can reduce the demands on engineering teams and budgets.
Using your existing hydraulic system helps define your systems' needs for electrification. By mimicking your existing hydraulic system, we gather data to design the electrification requirements around it. This can serve as the baseline for electrification.
Electric power is becoming a trend in many industries, but that doesn't mean everyone is jumping on the bandwagon or that it’s right for every customer or all equipment. Retrofitting allows your customers to test the product with electric power to gauge whether a full transition will be beneficial and/or possible.
Reinvesting in new machinery
When time and resources are available, then choose to replace your current equipment. Although electrification has a reputation for a larger initial investment compared to hydraulic equipment, you can reap many long-term benefits from making the switch:
• Electric-powered equipment typically has fewer moving parts than traditional machinery, making them more reliable and reducing the frequency of their maintenance needs. On top of that, you’ll be able to significantly lower your fuel consumption.
• Since regulations against CO2 emissions have become more stringent – and more expansive, you may qualify for tax incentives by switching to electric power.
• Electric power is also sought out for its quieter operating levels, particularly as restrictions around noise generated by business continue to grow, thus making electric powered equipment more desirable for businesses who wish to operate in noise regulation zones.
Which Version of Electrification is Right for Your Business?
Investing in new equipment design and making the complete transition lets you maximize the benefits and optimize the design to best fit industry needs and take advantage of the rewards that electric power has to offer.
However, if time is a consideration and you’re looking for a cost-effective way to electrify your equipment, or you’re unsure how your customer will receive the switch, then retrofitting can be the better option for your business.
