Drive Module for a Remote Camera Motion System

A Leading manufacturer of Automation technology for the home and workplace had been building a drive module for a remote camera motion system. Managing the manufacture of this module required sourcing multiple components including the tooling of 3 unique pieces, two of aluminum die-casting and one injection molded plastic, from several factories. A kit of 14 unique parts had to be ordered, received, inspected, inventoried and scheduled for production, processed in multiple steps on an assembly line, inspected, tested and inventoried once again for future integration into a master product.

ISL Products International was, at the time, the supplier of the DC gear motor for this drive module. When we found that the customer was adding these additional components and production steps to complete the module, we recommended that ISL Products International take over the management and production of the entire drive module. This included sourcing, tooling, assembly, testing, inspection, packaging and warehousing the completed module so that the customer could receive a complete installable module on their assembly line when their master product was scheduled for production. The realized cost efficiencies, both in time and overhead, were substantial.

ISL Products International LTD, specializing in Cost Reduction Programs, offers a unique palette of services for manufacturers. Ready-for-the-production-line, pre-manufactured and tested subassemblies save time, money and the overhead of secondary pre-production ‘feeder’ lines. Examples of services we offer include: Electret microphone elements with added elastomeric mounting boot, lead wires and connectors; Micro loudspeakers with dual adhesive mounting gasket and rear bump-on, lead wires and connectors; Miniature DC motors with a cam or spindle, press-fit to the output shaft, return torsion spring added in-line and lead wires and connectors. More complex assemblies could include gearhead reduction assemblies, mounting flanges and drive arms. See the photos below and envision having completed, in-stock, tested, ready-to-assemble sub-systems without having to make them in house.

An example of 14 individual components assembled to make a complete installable drive system. ISL Products International LTD manufactures or sources the complete Bill of Materials per the customer’s drawings and specifications. In the case of this installable drive system, ISL Products International LTD manufactured the motor bracket and cam by aluminum die-casting that included machining and surface treatment. The black ABS plastic arm is injection molded and the brass bushing is installed into the plastic arm by sonic welding. The entire kit of 14 parts seen here was then sent over to our production facility to assemble and test the installable drive system. These processes and services contributed great cost and time savings for our customer. Our engineers worked directly with their design engineers to offer cost-effective options during product development. In the above example the original drawing called out a custom brass bushing insert with a cost in the 50 cent range. We suggested a commercial version available for pennies.

With more than 35 years of experience working in Asia, ISL Products International LTD team of engineers routinely conducts on-site factory inspection and support visits. We have been working in Mainland China since 1984. We have offices, engineering staff, manufacturing and warehousing facilities in strategic locations throughout the U.S., China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Let us show you how we can add value to your business.