北米におけるリニアモーター市場

Research Overview

Advanced Technology Fuels Demand for Linear Motors

Increasing automation, growth in high-technology industries, and a reviving economy all serve to spur demand in the North American linear motors market. End users, keen to improve efficiency and productivity, favor an early replacement of drives, thereby creating a demand for next-generation products that are introduced into the market approximately every four years. These clean, efficient devices, capable of high speeds and forces, are fast replacing belt drives, ball screws and rack and pinion systems. Linear motor manufacturers are, however, faced with the challenge of producing less expensive, more efficient drives that increase product value. They need to offer quality service ? particularly delivery ? to meet the long-term needs of their customers. Designing motors with smaller physical dimensions is also expected to increase the demand for new applications.

This Frost & Sullivan research studies the North American linear motors market. Dynamics affecting the market such as major drivers, restraints, trends as well as challenges faced by the industry are discussed in detail in order to provide a greater understanding of the future market situation. This will help participants devise strategies and understand market conditions. The geographic coverage of this research is North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

User Ignorance Inhibits Adoption of Linear Motors

The majority of the users are not aware that the latest linear motors provide higher efficiency, precision, and speed than rotary motors. More often than not, users limit themselves to the motors that they have been using for several years and tend to replace them with the similar models, and at times, even purchase less efficient, lower-cost types. Manufacturers should educate their distribution representatives as well as end users of the advantages of linear motors. "Several leading manufacturers are organizing seminars and training for end users as well as providing descriptive product catalogs with a listing of possible applications and ratings," states the analyst. "This has resulted in greater customer satisfaction and has increased the likelihood of subsequent business."

Expenses associated with linear motors and the design changes that may be necessary for installation also discourage potential users. Further, considering only short-term benefits, customers are reluctant to invest in higher priced equipment. Overcoming these barriers requires intelligent marketing tactics to raise customers’ awareness of the technology and its cost-saving benefits in the long run.

Increased Manufacturing Expenses and Low Volumes Lead to Price Pressures

The linear motors market is characterized by a strong degree of price pressures and intense competition. Consolidation in some of the main user industries has given greater bargaining power to the customer base that demands a reduction in price levels. Faced with increasing R&D expenditure to meet end-user demands and high raw material costs, manufacturers are compelled to absorb production costs to keep prices competitive.

The high price of motors is partially due to the low volumes that are sold when compared to many industrial products, such as conventional rotary motors. "Since shipments of linear motors remain relatively low, every single sale is important and manufacturers focus on competing fiercely to build demand and win the order," says the analyst. Until linear motors have demonstrated their advantages in a wider variety of applications, the high cost is expected to remain a key restraint. Domestic and foreign competitors flooding the market are expected to find ways to decrease prices, diversify, and provide integrated solutions.

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Market Overview
  • Introduction
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Technologies
• Major Research Findings
  • Opportunities and Forecasts
  • Conclusions

2 TOTAL NORTH AMERICAN LINEAR MOTORS MARKETS

• Market Overview
  • Introduction
  • Challenges
  • Market Drivers
  • Market Restraints
  • Market Analysis
• Forecasts and Trends
  • Revenue Forecasts
  • End-User Analysis
  • Market and Technology Trends
  • Pricing Trends
  • Market Share Analysis
  • Competitive Analysis
• Frost & Sullivan Awards
  • Market Leadership
  • Customer Value Leadership
  • Marketing Strategy Leadership
  • Market Penetration Leadership

3 APPENDIX

• Decision Support Database
  • Machine-Tool Production
  • Manufacturing Output
  • Semiconductor Production
  • Manufacturing Enterprises
  • Industrial GDP