In uncertain times, it is particularly important for companies to check their supply chains for risks. In 2023, Dunkermotoren, an AMETEK brand, invested heavily in measures to reduce geographical dependencies in motor production.

In doing so, the company is making a significant contribution to the secure supply of its customers.

Back to local - Adapted supply chain for rare earth magnets
Rare earths such as neodymium and dysprosium are generally used in the production of particularly powerful magnets today. The extraction of these raw materials, as well as the production of the magnets themselves, takes place almost exclusively in the Far East. As a result, most motor manufacturers are dependent on individual, distant suppliers for their material supply. At Dunkermotoren, the rare magnet materials are used in particular in synchronous motors of the BG series and the linear motors of the SL family. To avoid serious supply disruptions, the drive technology manufacturer launched a program to reduce this dependency back in 2020. For example, it was able to switch the first series to rare earth magnets, which have a recycled content of over 75% in the production process, as early as 2023. And best of all, the performance and other key motor properties are not affected by this switch.

Is it possible to do without?
In addition to securing a supply of critical materials, Dunkermotoren is currently developing brushless DC motors that do not require any rare earths at all. These motors do not yet achieve the same power density as comparable motors with rare earth magnets and will therefore not be included in the standard portfolio for the time being. In the event of supply bottlenecks, this alternative would be available quickly and in large quantities. The Dunkermotoren portfolio of brushed DC motors with ferrite magnets from Europe and the completely magnet-free universal motors are also an alternative for a wide range of applications. And to be able to offer you even more, even more sustainable options in the future, Dunkermotoren is working closely with partners who are dedicated to developing alternative motor concepts and magnetic materials.

Flexible thanks to modularity
An essential component of the smart servo motors from Dunkermotoren are the integrated controllers based on the company's own "Motor Control Platform" (MCP). The MCP is a modular concept that is used in all smart BG motors and some external electronics from Dunkermotoren and enables the programming of various parameters and safety functions.

Many of the electronic components used can be replaced relatively easily in the event of availability bottlenecks. Microcontrollers, driver ICs and switching controllers, on the other hand, are difficult to replace. For 2023, Dunkermotoren has set itself the goal of reducing the availability risk of microcontrollers in particular.

They are at the heart of the control electronics. To achieve this, Dunkermotoren is relying on a multi-chip strategy, which enables greater independence from individual manufacturers. The modular structures of the MCP enable the manufacturer to use alternative microcontrollers across all series with a manageable amount of effort.

Back to the roots - shopping on the doorstep
Magnets and electronics are certainly the most critical components in terms of global dependencies. But a close relationship with European suppliers is also important to Dunkermotoren for other components. The German manufacturer continues this regional focus in the production of its motors - and produces where the product is needed. Since 2023, for example, all motors sold in Europe have also been produced exclusively in the European plants. Engines from the Chinese site are sold exclusively in Asia. The materials used there are also increasingly sourced locally. In this way, Dunkermotoren reduces global dependencies on individual suppliers and minimizes transport routes and times in order to offer its customers the best possible security of supply while reducing its ecological footprint.