The days of waiting weeks or even months for delivery of a custom motor prototype are history. Hurst Manufacturing has developed revolutionary technology that allows customers to configure custom brushless DC motors online and receive a prototype in just 48 hours.

Targeted for both motor experts and novices, Hurst's recently launched website, www.hurstmfg.com, makes it easy to configure over 6,000 different NT Dynamo® models, with prototypes delivered in 48 business hours or less. The NT Dynamo motors are powerful brushless DC motors well suited for any application that demands integrated variable speed control, precision performance with lower torque ripple, or higher power in a smaller package. The high performance DC motors also have flexible integrated control and feedback options.

"These tools change everything," said Ed Wagner, Hurst sales manager. "Once a prototype is designed and ordered on the website, the order is immediately sent to the factory floor to be assembled. This process is really unique in the motor industry."

The online brushless DC motor configurator walks a customer through an easy 6-step selection process that includes "yes" or "no" answers and pulldown menus of answer options to create a customer-specific motor and control. Once a motor is configured, the customer instantly has access to a part number, dimensional diagrams, and technical specifications. In order to request a quote or order the prototype online, customers must first register for a free MyHurst.com account. MyHurst.com enables the customer to not only get a price quote and place an order, but also to track orders, all without searching through catalogs and making repeat calls to engineers.

Once an order has been placed online using the configurator, the specifications are sent immediately to the factory floor where the prototypes are assembled on the spot. The prototypes are then shipped with software, cables, and a connection kit that enables engineers to fine-tune motor performance to the application right on their laptop computers.

"We attribute the fast turnaround time to the use of modularized design and lean manufacturing," said Wagner. "This combination allows Hurst to offer industry-leading performance at very affordable prices and very competitive lead times. No other motor manufacturer has a faster prototype turnaround time."

The cost of the prototypes start at about $200, while a servomotor for the same function might cost close to $2,000 and require hours of application work on the part of the engineer. The prototypes are production-ready so Hurst can respond quickly to large orders.

Joe Pesik, principal engineer, Sensor Systems, Goodrich Corp, recently used Hurst's online configurator to design and purchase two NT Dynamo motors.

"I thought the system was pretty slick. It took me step by step through the design process and it was quite straightforward," Pesik said. "I was immediately given two part numbers that could be easily traced back to the characteristics of the motors that I designed online, I placed the orders using a credit card, and I received the prototypes two days later. It was very efficient. I hadn't seen that type of online configurator before with any other motor suppliers. If Hurst has the motors available to meet future project specifications, I would definitely use the online tool again."

Established in 1950, Hurst Manufacturing is a part of Emerson Motor Company, St. Louis, MO.